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Integrate using SMPTE LTC

Configure your SMPTE LTC integration in the Console and Desktop App

Written by Gabrielle Fanning

SMPTE LTC requires an audio interface to convert the analog signal from the timecode generator into a digital format that the Event Sync Desktop App can process. To begin:

Configure SMPTE LTC sync trigger messages in the Console

SMPTE LTC messages are structured as hour:minute:second:frame (e.g., 01:15:30:00, which represents 1 hour, 15 minutes, 30 seconds, and 0 frames). The number of frames per second (fps) should match the frame rate of the visual media for precise synchronization. Event Sync recommends 30 fps for the greatest compatibility unless a different frame rate is required by the production.

See an example format below:

  • 00:00:00:00 # Start at 0 hours, 0 minutes, 0 seconds, 0 frames

  • 01:15:30:00 # Start at 1 hour, 15 minutes, 30 seconds, 0 frames

To configure SMPTE LTC messages:

  1. Select SMPTE LTC as your sync method.
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  2. Upload your audio files to the Event Sync Console.
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  3. Input SMPTE LTC timecodes configured in the Show Control System alongside the corresponding audio tracks.
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  4. The Desktop App, once integrated with the Show Control System, continuously receives and reads timecode streams.
    ​When the app detects a timecode that matches a preconfigured input, it triggers the corresponding audio playback.

To accommodate timecode marker detection, we recommend setting the first trigger a minimum 10 frames in. Avoid triggering your synced audio off 00:00:00:00.


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Integrate with the Desktop App

  1. Connect the audio input

    1. Use an XLR cable to connect the SMPTE LTC output from your timecode generator to the audio input.
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    2. Connect the audio input to the computer running the Event Sync Desktop App via USB.
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  2. Configure the Desktop App

    1. Start the Desktop App
      Log in using the credentials provided by Pladia.
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    2. Check the connection status indicators
      The Connection status indicators on the Desktop App display the health of the three components required for Event Sync to operate correctly: all need to show green ticks for your event to work. Click here for troubleshooting guidelines.
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    3. Select your Preview or Live environment
      Click here to read more about testing your event in Preview mode.
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    4. Select the relevant playlist from the dropdown
      The Desktop App will show the sync method configured and number of tracks in this playlist.
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      Verify these details details in the app to ensure the configuration is correct. To make any changes, return to your Event Sync Console and re-publish. If necessary, re-login to the Desktop App to reset the configuration.
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    5. Select your Audio input
      Use the dropdown menu to select the audio input that matches the device that is connected to the SMPTE LTC signal.
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  3. Configure your timecode generator

    Configure the timecode generator to use the same frame rate as the visual media (e.g., 30 fps). This ensures that the frame rate of the timecode matches the production requirements.
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    Ensure that the timecode generator is outputting the SMPTE LTC signal through the XLR connection.
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  4. Activate your event
    Once you're ready to activate your event, use the Desktop App to manage your sync status.
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  5. Triggered and playing audio will be listed on the right-hand side of the Desktop App, creating an event log for visibility.
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  6. Complete the show
    Once your show is complete, return the status to Inactive. This directs users back to the Landing screen and prevents further audio triggers.

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