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Each frame of video is identified using a number called a timecode. When you edit video on your computer, the timecode identifies the exact places where you make edits. On your camcorder, a timecode indicator tells you how much video has been recorded on the tape. This indicator usually shows up in the camcorder's viewfinder or the LCD panel. A typical timecode looks something like this:
00:07:18:07
This number stands for 0 hours, 7 minutes, 18 seconds, and 8 frames (since the timecode began at 00). If you have a 60-minute tape, the timecode on that tape probably starts at 00:00:00:00 and ends at 00:59:59:29. In some cases, however, the timecode on a tape can become inconsistent. For example, suppose you record 1 minute of video, rewind the tape 20 seconds, and then start recording again. Depending on your camcorder, the timecode may count up to 00:00:40:00 and then start over at 00 again. An inconsistency like this is called a timecode break. A timecode break is more likely to occur if you fast-forward a tape past a blank, unrecorded section and then start recording again.
When you capture video from a digital camcorder into your computer, the capture software reads the timecode from the tape in your camcorder. If the software encounters a timecode break, it will probably stop the capture and be unable to capture any video past the break.
 | The best way to avoid timecode breaks is to make sure that you don't shuttle the tape (fast-forward or rewind it) between recording segments. An alternative approach is to pre-timecode your tapes before shooting (as described in the next section). If you have to rewind the tape (when, for example, someone wants to see a playback of what you just recorded), make sure that you cue the tape back to the end of the recorded video before you start recording again. Many camcorders have an end-search feature that automatically shuttles the tape to the end of the current timecode. Check your camcorder's documentation to see whether it has such a feature. |
Blacking and coding your tapes
Video pros also have a formatting process for new videotapes called blacking and coding. As the name suggests, blacking and coding is the process of recording black video and timecode onto new tapes. This helps ensure consistent timecode throughout the entire tape, thus avoiding potential timecode breaks. You don't need special equipment to black and code new camcorder tapes. All you need is a lens cap. Place the lens cap on the camcorder and start recording from the start of the tape all the way to the end. You should do this in a quiet, darkened room in case the lens cap leaks a little light. As the black video is recorded onto the tape, consistent timecode is also recorded on the entire tape from start to finish. If consistent timecode is recorded on the entire tape, timecode breaks are not likely to occur when you use the tape later to record real video.
Blacking and coding tapes is not mandatory with modern mini-DV camcorders: As long as you follow basic recording guidelines, you should be able to avoid timecode breaks. But if you find that timecode breaks are a problem with your camera, you should black and code all new tapes before you use them. It's especially recommended to black and code your tapes if you have a Sony Digital8 camcorder. Because Digital8 camcorders use Hi8 tapes, the camcorder may switch to analog Hi8 mode during playback or capture if you accidentally play or fast-forward past the end of recorded digital timecode.
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