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Integrate using SMPTE LTC

Configure your SMPTE LTC integration in the Console and Desktop App

Gabrielle Fanning avatar
Written by Gabrielle Fanning
Updated over 2 weeks ago

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.
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  5. When the app detects a timecode that matches a preconfigured input, it triggers the corresponding audio playback.
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Integrate with the Desktop App

  1. Connect the audio interface

    1. Use an XLR cable to connect the SMPTE LTC output from your timecode generator to the audio interface.
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    2. Connect the audio interface 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 and log in using the credentials provided by Pladia.

    2. Verify the following details in the app to ensure the configuration is correct:

      1. The event name is displayed correctly.

      2. The connection type is set to “SMPTE LTC”.
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    3. If any of these details do not match your expectations, verify your configuration settings in the Event Sync Console. If necessary, re-login to the Desktop App to reset the configuration.
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    4. In the Audio interface dropdown menu, select the name of the audio interface connected to your computer which matches the device that is connected to the SMPTE LTC signal.
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  3. Configure your timecode generator

    1. 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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    2. Ensure that the timecode generator is outputting the SMPTE LTC signal through the XLR connection.
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