Final Cut Pro 5.1: About timecode accuracy with Analog-to-DV converters

Summary This document discusses an issue that can occur in Final Cut Pro when using an analog-to-DV converter device along with a third-party adapter for serial device control. This is a common configuration for using Final Cut Pro to capture media that has timecode from older analog tape formats like Beta SP, VHS, or Hi8. Symptom Some analog-to-DV converter devices send FireWire timecode to Final Cut Pro during capture, even when no timecode is being sent to the analog-to-DV converter. Because timecode may also be received via the serial connection, a timing mismatch can occur, potentially causing the media in and out points to be off slightly if you use the Capture Clip or Batch Capture functions. Products affected • Final Cut Pro 5.1 • Final Cut Pro 5.1.1 Workaround You can work around this problem by setting or adjusting media handles when logging clips. (For details on Logging and Capturing media, please refer to the Final Cut Pro User's Manual, available under the Help menu in Final Cut Pro). In most cases, setting or adjusting the handle value to include an additional 15 frames should provide enough extra media to include the desired in and out points, even when conflicting timecode is received by the analog-to-DV converter during capture.