System Synchronizes Recordings From Separated Video Cameras

A large, immobile timing infrastructure is not needed.

A system of electronic hardware and software for synchronizing recordings from multiple, physically separated video cameras is being developed, primarily for use in multiple-look- angle video production. The system, the time code used in the system, and the underlying method of synchronization upon which the design of the system is based are denoted generally by the term “GeoTimeCode™.” The system is embodied mostly in compact, lightweight, portable units (see figure) denoted video timecode units (VTUs) — one VTU for each video camera. The system is scalable in that any number of camera recordings can be synchronized. The estimated retail price per unit would be about $350 (in 2006 dollars).

The need for this or another synchronization system external to video cameras arises because most video cameras do not include internal means for maintaining synchronization with other video cameras. Unlike prior video-camera-synchronization systems, this system does not depend on continuous cable or radio links between cameras (however, it does depend on occasional cable links lasting a few seconds). Also, whereas the time codes used in prior video-camera-synchronization systems typically repeat after 24 hours, the time code used in this system does not repeat for slightly more than 136 years; hence, this system is much better suited for long-term deployment of multiple cameras.

Each VTU contains a free-running, extremely stable clock, based on a 32,768-Hz (2¹⁵-Hz) quartz-crystal oscillator. The clock begins a binary count up from zero when reset and continues counting up until reset again (or until it automatically restarts from zero when the time code repeats after more than 136 years). Each VTU also contains digital and analog audio circuitry required for synchronization of video recording.

The GeoTimeCode is a variant of the Inter Range Instrumentation Group B (IRIG-B) time code, which is widely used in the aerospace industry. The GeoTimeCode can easily be converted to other standard time codes, including the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) time code. The GeoTimeCode is similar enough to the IRIG-B time code that software can easily be adapted to read either code.