Sound Devices, Timecode Systems and PureBlend have released firmware and software upgrades to streamline the sharing of time code and metadata between Sound Devices’ 6-Series mixer/recorders, Timecode Systems :wave time code and genlock generator and PureBlend’s MovieSlate 8.5 iOS app.
The upgrades integrate the capabilities of the three companies to more efficiently manage metadata and transport controls within the production workflow: ‘Higher expectations, greater competition and tighter budgets mean production teams today are under pressure to save as much time and effort as possible,’ says Timecode Systems CEO, Paul Scurrell. ‘A well thought through, integrated workflow can reduce timescales and costs by making information easier to access and giving production teams more power over the process. This is exactly what our collaboration delivers – more accurate data, enhanced efficiency and greater control.’
To set up this integrated workflow, a Timecode Systems :wave unit operates as the master time-code clock, transmitting wireless time code and sync data to all connected devices. The receiving units then output linear time code (LTC) and genlock to their connected cameras.
With the upgrade, users can also sync and share metadata and time code via a bespoke Timecode Systems Sync lead from the :wave’s data port to the USB port on a Sound Devices 6-Series mixer/recorder. This not only ensures all recorded sound files contain the same accurate time code as the cameras, but also allows full exchange of metadata and the capability to wirelessly monitor status and enable the device using Timecode Systems’ free multi-platform B:Link Hub production dashboard app.
‘A lack of commonly agreed ways of working has, in the past, been one of the barriers slowing down the pace of change when it comes to optimising digital workflows,’ says Sound Devices Director of Project Management & Design, Paul Isaacs,. ‘Our users want technology that works better together. This is exactly what this integration delivers, by not only providing the data they require with absolute accuracy, but also allowing production team members to share it with minimal effort.’
The MovieSlate 8.5 application (iOS 8, 9 or 10) connects to the :wave’s integrated WiFi interface, allowing remote control of Sound Devices’ 6-Series mixers/recorders. All of this is possible with a MovieSlate 8.5 Pro Features purchase.
‘Customers told us what they wanted: a mobile app for remotely controlling their Sound Devices 6-Series mixers/recorders, arming/naming recorder tracks, syncing timecode/metadata and quickly generating daily sound reports,’ says PureBlend Software CEO, Cliff Joyce, the company behind MovieSlate 8.5.
The firmware upgrades to the Timecode Systems :wave and Sound Devices 6-Series mixers/recorders are free to existing users. The latest update of the MovieSlate 8.5 app can be downloaded from the Apple App Store.
