ACL204
Rev. 4.10
©2016, Ambient Recording GmbH
24
ARRI Alexa:
being the one and only camera on the market that can actually sync its internal clock to TC,
it doesn’t have or require options for external sync. To
sync
it, set TC to “external regenerate”, attach TC
with project frame rate and leave it permanently attached.
ARRI Amira:
use project video format.
Canon:
the manuals for EOS cinematic cameras are unfortunately quite sparse about external sync, but
“When a reference sync signal (analog blackburst or tri-level signal) is input through the GENLOCK terminal,
the phases of the camera’s V and H sync will automatically be synchronized to it.“
hint that using the exact
project settings should work. Also, it seems 1080p sync is accepted for shooting in 720p. XF legacy
cameras or mode will require 59.97i/60i when shooting at 23.98/24.
Panasonic:
1080i @ double or single project (system) frame base for 1080P & PsF, follow project
(system) format for 720P or SD.
RED One:
set the sync format according to the project frame rate
RED DSMC:
always 1080P @ project frame base (23.976/24 on HFR rates), set HDSDI out to auto except
when shooting 47.5/48 HFR select 23.976/24.
Sony:
1080i or PsF @ project frame base, as 1080i double completely corresponds to 1080PsF single
rates you may stick with either (e.g. 1080i 50 for 25 or 50fps, 1080i 29.97 for 29.97 and 59.94 fps).
Note: Sony won’t operate at 24 but 23.98, so always use 1080i 47.95 on cinematic productions.
Panasonic:
1080i or PsF @ project (system) frame base for 1080P & PsF, follow video format for 720P
or SD.
ACN
ACN is a proprietary wireless protocol, specifically engineered for highest reliability, data integrity, and
range. It operates on 2.4GHz using channels 11-26 of the IEEE 802.15.4 LR-WPAN standard.
Aside time code and sync, ACN is the key feature of the current Ambient Lockit range. Building up on
the unrivalled tunable oscillator it can be used to enhance the accuracy from better than frame
accurate down to video line level grade.
All that is needed is an arbitrary number of Lockit devices set to C-Jam mode and one of them
configured to be the C-Jam master. The C-Jam master will then send out broadcast pulses which the
slaves will respond to and in case they detect a discrepancy automatically correct their pace. This will,
however, in no way sacrifice the unparalleled, self-contained accuracy. In case the radio cuts out, all
units will continue to operate as used to.
Note:
O
nly ONE C-Jam master is allowed! Make sure no other unit is set to send sync broadcasts.
Also the ACN can be used to set up a metadata network on the set to collect, con- and distribute
metadata between different units and departments. At the core will be one Master Lockit which is
acting as server and can be used to monitor and control all other ACN enabled devices remotely via a
web interface that is accessible from any modern unit with internet browser.
A second mode, TRX, will allow the units to operate as an enhanced TC radio link. Again, this is not your
ordinary timecode over wireless but instead the transmitter will jam a free running generator in the
receiver(s) to incoming TC with auto frame setting and then send information whether the source is
running, stopping with standing TC or has stopped altogether. The receiving unit will then duplicate the
TC source’s status as it would directly be connected without danger of drop outs compromising the
desired functionality.
On top, this not only works with “classic” SMPTE TC but also MIDI timecode (MTC) with the Lockit device
connected to MAC or PC via USB acting as a USB MIDI interface.
