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PixelRecorder

SMPTE Timecode

PixelRecorder embeds SMPTE timecode in all recordings, enabling frame-accurate sync in professional video editors.

What is Timecode?

SMPTE timecode is a standardized time reference format used in video and audio production. It identifies each frame with a unique address in the format:

HH:MM:SS:FF
Hours:Minutes:Seconds:Frames

Example: 01:23:45:12 = 1 hour, 23 minutes, 45 seconds, frame 12

Why Timecode Matters

Frame-Accurate Sync

When recording multiple sources (screen, camera, audio), each file can be perfectly aligned in post-production using timecode.

Professional Workflows

Timecode is the standard in broadcast and film production. PixelRecorder’s embedded timecode works with:

  • DaVinci Resolve
  • Premiere Pro
  • Final Cut Pro
  • Avid Media Composer

Time-Saving

Without timecode, you must manually sync by matching audio waveforms or visual cues. With timecode, sync is automatic and perfect.

Timecode in PixelRecorder

Automatic Embedding

Timecode is automatically embedded in:

  • MOV video files
  • BWF audio files

No additional setup required.

Synchronized Start

All streams start recording with the same timecode, ensuring perfect sync regardless of source.

Start Timecode

You can set a custom start timecode:

  • Default: Current time of day
  • Custom: Any valid timecode value
  • Useful for multi-session projects

Frame Rate and Timecode

Timecode is linked to frame rate:

Frame RateTimecode TypeUse Case
24 fpsNon-dropFilm
25 fpsNon-dropPAL video
30 fpsNon-dropNTSC progressive
29.97 fpsDrop-frameNTSC broadcast
60 fpsNon-dropHigh frame rate
59.94 fpsDrop-frameNTSC HFR

Drop-Frame vs Non-Drop

Drop-frame timecode skips frame numbers (not actual frames) to maintain sync with real-world time at 29.97/59.94 fps.

Non-drop timecode counts continuously, drifting slightly from real-world time at fractional frame rates.

PixelRecorder handles this automatically based on your frame rate selection.

Using Timecode in NLEs

DaVinci Resolve

  1. Import all clips
  2. Select clips to sync
  3. Right-click > Create Multicam Clip Using Selected Clips
  4. Choose “Timecode” as sync method

Premiere Pro

  1. Import clips
  2. Select clips in bin
  3. Create Multi-Camera Source Sequence
  4. Choose Timecode for sync

Final Cut Pro

  1. Import clips
  2. Select clips
  3. Create Multicam Clip
  4. Use Timecode sync option

Troubleshooting

If timecode sync fails:

  1. Verify all clips have same frame rate
  2. Check that timecode is embedded (use MediaInfo)
  3. Ensure NLE is reading timecode correctly