Sync Issues

Solutions for synchronization issues when using recordings in NLEs.

Understanding Sync in PixelRecorder

PixelRecorder embeds SMPTE timecode in all recordings:

• MOV files contain timecode track
• BWF audio files contain BEXT metadata
• All streams recorded simultaneously share the same timecode

Common Sync Problems

Clips Don’t Align in NLE

1. Verify timecode is enabled

   • Settings > Timecode > Embed Timecode: ON
   • All streams should have this enabled

2. Use matching frame rates

   • All streams must use same frame rate
   • NLE project must match recording frame rate

3. Import correctly

   • Use “Read embedded timecode” option
   • Don’t let NLE assign timecode on import

Timecode Not Recognized by NLE

Different NLEs handle timecode differently:

DaVinci Resolve

1. In Media Pool, right-click clip
2. Select “Clip Attributes”
3. Verify timecode shows correctly
4. If wrong, manually set “Starting Timecode”

Adobe Premiere Pro

1. Right-click clip in Project panel
2. Select “Modify” > “Timecode”
3. Ensure “Use Media Source” is selected

Final Cut Pro X

1. Select clip in browser
2. Open Inspector (Cmd + 4)
3. Check “Info” > “Timecode”
4. Use “Modify” > “Adjust Content Timing” if needed

Audio Drift

Audio gradually goes out of sync:

1. Match sample rates

   • Use 48kHz for all audio
   • Avoid 44.1kHz for video production

2. Avoid Bluetooth

   • Bluetooth introduces variable latency
   • Use wired audio devices

3. Check for dropped frames

   • Dropped frames cause sync drift
   • See Performance Issues guide

Offset Between Streams

If streams have consistent offset:

1. Check stream start times

   • All streams should start simultaneously
   • Verify no delays in stream configuration

2. Verify timecode settings match

   • Same frame rate
   • Same drop-frame setting
   • Same start timecode (Time of Day)

3. Manual correction in NLE

   • If consistent offset exists
   • Apply timecode offset to affected clips

Sync Workflow Best Practices

Before Recording

1. Use Time of Day timecode

   • Settings > Timecode > Start: Time of Day
   • All streams get same reference

2. Match all settings

   • Same frame rate on all streams
   • Same drop-frame setting
   • Same sample rate for audio

3. Start all streams together

   • Use global Record button
   • Don’t start streams individually

During Recording

1. Don’t pause streams separately

   • Pause/resume affects all streams together
   • Individual pause breaks sync

2. Monitor for issues

   • Watch for dropped frame warnings
   • Check audio levels

In Post-Production

1. Import with timecode

   • Enable timecode reading in NLE
   • Don’t transcode before import

2. Verify before editing

   • Check one clip from each stream
   • Confirm sync before deep editing

3. Use multicam features

   • Create multicam clip
   • NLE syncs by timecode automatically

Drop Frame Timecode

When to use Drop Frame

• 29.97 fps (NTSC 30)
• 59.94 fps (NTSC 60)
• When accurate real-world time needed

When to use Non-Drop

• 24, 25, 30, 50, 60 fps
• Frame counting accuracy more important
• Post-production workflows

Setting in PixelRecorder

Settings > Timecode > Drop Frame:

• Auto: Drop frame for 29.97/59.94
• Force Non-Drop: Always use non-drop

Troubleshooting Checklist

1. Timecode embedding enabled
2. All streams same frame rate
3. All streams same drop-frame setting
4. All audio at 48kHz
5. No Bluetooth audio devices
6. No dropped frames during recording
7. NLE set to read embedded timecode
8. NLE project matches recording frame rate

Still Having Sync Issues?

If sync problems persist:

1. Export a short test recording
2. Check timecode in MediaInfo or similar tool
3. Verify timecode matches across all files
4. Contact support with:
   • Recording settings used
   • NLE and version
   • Sample files if possible