Slave mode with SMPTE timecode synchronization

This function requires the Pro License or higher (not available for additional licenses). See also Licenses and functions.

Note: Syncing with MTC works better and more reliably than other variants. It is to be preferred over the SMPTE synchronization described below. See Slave Mode with MIDI timecode.

For synchronization with SMPTE timecode you can use SC Master 2M, 4M or Lite with firmware 3.62 or up. Timecode is always supplied via the CUE-IN or the OPTICAL-IN connector. Timecode transfer, however, can vary depending on the application:

RS 232 ...timecode signal is applied to the computer via a normal serial connection. The advantage is that DMX can continued to be output at the REMOTE connector.
MIDI ...this converts incoming SMPTE timecode from the SC Master to MTC and makes it available at the REMOTE connector via a special cable. MTC is then applied to a MIDI port at the computer, which means that a MIDI port needs to be configured in Wings Vioso RX. This solution offers high stability and is the optimal solution for critical applications, such as video playback. In this mode, however, DMX (... or DALI light control systems, open collector switches, etc.) cannot be output at the REMOTE socket and may require additional SC Net modules.

As timecode slave, Wings Vioso RX will synchronize with the supplied timecode. If you want to sync up a multidisplay presentation to a number of networked computers, the master presentation computer simultaneously acts as timecode slave computer.

Creating an SC Net port for timecode

Unless you have already done so, configure an SC Net port. When an SC Net port is already available open the SC Net port properties and continue at item 3.

Click one the Media Pool category Devices.
Right-click some free space and select Add port Stumpfl SC Net.
Under Serial Port select the port to which an SC Master 2M, 4M or Lite is connected.
For SMPTE timecode input, select the corresponding port and mode:
RS 232 ...transfers timecode from the SC Master to the computer via a normal serial connection. The advantage is that DMX can continued to be output at the REMOTE connector.
MIDI ...activates conversion of the incoming SMPTE timecode into MIDI timecode by the SC Master. MTC will then be available at the REMOTE connector via a special cable and is then supplied to a MIDI port at the computer. For this purpose, a MIDI port must be configured in Wings Vioso RX. This solution offers high stability and is the optimal solution for critical applications, such as video playback. In this case, however, output at the REMOTE socket is not possible and DMX, for instance, may have to be supplied via SC Net modules.
RS232 + MIDI ...is a combination of the two above. It allows you, for example, to supply Wings Vioso RX with timecode via RS 232 and use MTC at the REMOTE connector for a sequencer or similar. Of course, DMX output at the REMOTE connector is not possible either.

If necessary, you can specify period of time next to SMPTE Offset which is to be added to the incoming timecode. It is also possible to specify negative times as offset. The resulting timecode value, however, must never fall below zero, as Wings Vioso RX automatically sets negative values to zero.
For SMPTE timeout enter a period of time for Wings Vioso RX to continue playback after timecode is no longer available. It does not make sense to enter values below 100 ms. The default setting is 1,000 ms.
At After SMPTE timeout you can define the activity to be performed after timeout:
Reset timecode ...causes the system to be without valid time; playback stops and the Locator jumps to the last starting position.
Keep last timecode value ...the system retains the timecode value received last plus timeout and stops likewise.
Continue timecode ...if timecode is no longer available playback is continued via the PC clock.

Finally, click on OK. If you transfer timecode to the computer via MIDI port, you need to configure a MIDI port. In this case, proceed here.
To check incoming timecode, you should now create a control panel field. Click tab Control Panel. It is located at the same place as the Audio Level.
Now drag the SD Net port from the Media Pool to the Control Panel to create a control panel field for incoming timecode.
Connect your SMPTE timecode source. Use connectors CUE-IN or OPTICAL-IN (...the latter only for digital audio signals with timecode in bit 16) of the SC Master and apply the timecode signal. Activate the device control system by clicking on or pressing F8. When the time display on the control panel field is running, timecode is being read.

Bear in mind that setting "TC-In" must be chosen in the SC Master menu "Signal – Cue-In" for it to be able to read timecode. For MTC output to the REMOTE port additionally select MIDIOut in menu "Options - RMT-Out". More information can be found in the SC Master manual.

Playback with timecode synchronization

As mentioned before, Wings Vioso RX reads timecode and works in synchrony in slave mode. However, it does not make sense to remote-control and locate Wings Vioso RX to certain positions during playback of a presentation video by applying changing timecode values.

First of all, you need to select the type of synchronization for the timeline that accommodates the show to be played. In the Media Pool click on category Timelines.
Right-click the corresponding timeline and select Properties.
For Synchronization select Device port and for Sync port select the device port timecode is supplied to. Finally, click on OK.
Enable the device control system by clicking on or pressing F8. When you start playback in Wings Vioso RX, it will start as soon as timecode is read.

For playback of presentation videos you should consider the following:

If you want to start a presentation from the very beginning, the Locator should be placed to a location before the presentation video.
When you press the F5 key, Wings Vioso RX will change to fullscreen presentation and Pause mode. I.e. you need to press the space bar again to start playing back. However, playback will not start yet, as no timecode is applied.
Start timecode and the Locator jumps 5 seconds forward, the presentation data are loaded and the Locator syncs up with timecode. This Preroll time can be preset in the Project Options - Timecode. It also allows entry of a time deviation for the type of syncing (jump or pitch), i.e. which difference in time between timecode and Locator position needs to be exceeded for syncing to be carried out by jumping.
Reading of external timecode can be enabled and disabled during playback with trigger actions. See Trigger actions.
When Wings Vioso RX works as timecode slave, the audio tracks are disabled and audio playback will not be possible.
Please bear in mind that syncing by pitch shifting takes longer for presentations that include HD videos with a longer keyframe interval, e.g. WMV, H264. For synced playback the computer must never be close to its performance limit.