Control/Dimming - Hog 1000 and SMPTE Timecode

[anotherlightingguy]

Hello,

I am hoping that someone out there has already done this sort of thing and can provide me with some help (as I have already been to many local sources with no luck).

I have use a Hog 1000 console to program shows, and I need some help with SMPTE Timecode.

I have programed a show that runs on the internal SMPTE timecode generator, but need the show to be cued from an audio track using SMPTE. I was wondering if anyone has done this and can fill me in on what type of media to play the audio track from (CD, Computer, etc...) and if I need additional hardware/software to generate the timecode. The SMPTE timecode must originate from the audio track some how and will be sent through a MIDI cable to the lighting console. I am looking for the simplest and most cost effective solution, but reliablity is key.

If you need any further information, just let me know.

Thanks in advance to all who reply!

[Chris15]

The most likely way to get time code out is likely to involve a PC. Most audio use of time code is as LTC not midi time code, so you might need to do more digging to make that work or use an intermediate converter - from memory the Motu Timepiece can perform such duty.

Sorry it's not all the answer you were after but hope it helps somewhat...

[derekleffew]

Chris15 is correct. SMPTE timecode is "striped" on one channel of the playback media, alongside audio on the other channel(s). Then a Mark of the Unicorn MIDI Timepiece AV, or JL Cooper PPS-2, or similar, is used to convert the LTC into MTC, so the Hog 1000 can follow.

If you haven't already, I suggest reading Control Systems for Live Entertainment by CB-member John Huntington; specifically, chapter 28.

See also Clock Sync, SMPTE, MTC and MMC.

[porkchop]

For our timecode shows we run the audio through Pro Tools and that outputs the time code to the board. Pro Tools as far as I know (not a sound expert at all) seems to be a pretty standard editor although it is likely a bit spendy because of this fact. The nice thing about the program is that you aren't really confined to certain types of media, it'll play most anything.