POLL: interest in a SMPTE Time Code Generator plug

CDM wrote on 12/6/2010, 8:23 PM

The subject says it all - curious how many of you would be interested in a VST plugin that generates SMPTE time code based on the project settings and timeline position. Chases playback, stop/start, supports all frame rates, etc. and spits out audio time code through a track, or Bus.

For me, this would be a huge improvement over, well, having pre-striped audio files that I use to lock up another studio over ISDN during ADR sessions. Obviously with pre-striped files I can't change the time-base. I can't believe a plugin like this doesn't even exist.

Curious to see who would be interested if one DID exist.

Comments

ChristoC wrote on 12/6/2010, 9:13 PM

SMPTE/EBU style timecode is becoming redundant in DAWs these days, and has been largely replaced by other methods such as APP (Asio Positioning Protocol - embedded in the ASIO audio stream), Rewire and MTC, which are far simpler to implement in software environment. There are also a number of relatively cheap MTC<>SMPTE converters available.

The difficulty with a VST plugin to generate/read timecode would be latency within the VST environment, and the different ways various DAWs compensate for that (if indeed they do have any compensation at all).

Another difficulty would be convincing anyone to program such a plugin because of limited sales opportunities.

Now I can see that a generator may be relatively simple to program, but a receiver/synchronizer would be far more complex to program, as generally synchronizers have machine control over the DAW and/or control over the audio samplerate (which is how most DAWs slave sync). Most DAWS have MTC synchronizer built-in already, but I doubt a VST can 'take control' like that.

rraud wrote on 12/7/2010, 7:57 AM

Can I assume you are talking about a longitudinal time code track? (LTC) I can see use for that especially doing transcriptions. Many transcription services cannot use just the 'time stamp' on a BWF and must have a LTC track. For transcriptions, precise genlocked frame accuracy is not a issue.
I think some of my colleagues use the 'BWF Widget' for that purpose..
So sure I would be interested in a plug that did that, providing the price was right of course.

JMacSTL wrote on 12/7/2010, 9:35 AM

I would be interested. For the rame reasons as CDM ADR sessions via ISDN. Most LA studios require ProTools sessions to be delivered, and for this reason I do all ADR for external clients on ProTools LE, having had the ability to generate SMPTE (using a MOTU MIDI intereface with SMTPE ports as audio). I tried for years to get Vegas to do the same, but finally gave up when it was demanded that I deliver ProTools sessions.

Hrmph.

Marillion wrote on 12/7/2010, 11:15 AM

We use Nuendo for some of the same reasons. The SMPTE generator in it is flawless and we need it to lock up with the Hollywood studios for ADR via ISDN. Plus the new ADR tools in Nuendo are very nice. So, yes, true time code generation in Vegas would be very nice. It's been requested for years. Also Sony 9pin control would be nice in the Sony software but that's not really much of an issue anymore. We only have one Beta machine left anyway and I can't remember when it was last turned on. Otherwise we get along with Vegas very nicely for day to day sessions.

JMacSTL wrote on 12/7/2010, 1:18 PM

We have more Beta SP machines if you need some. I"ll sell you some lovely D3 machines too if you're interested.

For the record I'll have to say this: I've been avoiding ProTools and having much success with Vegas for almost 9 years now. Few clients are aware, and most are saavy enough to know the difference, if they WERE aware. I still like Vegas better for most audio editing, mixing, rendering.