Syncing BRC To Video Deck

Synchronization issues still prevail as the most common questions that come to inSync. Here’s a typical one from inSync reader Dan W: “I’m trying to sync my BRC/ADATs to a Sony DSR-80 digital video cassette recorder (DVCAM). The DSR-80 has a SMPTE reader/generator; plus, on top of that I had to buy a DSBK-130 Time Code Input/Output Board. I’ve hooked the “Timecode Out” of the DSR-80 to the “Video Sync In” of the BRC via BNC connectors, set all the menus up correctly (Ed – details omitted for space) and the BRC does not respond to the time code.” The video sync input of the BRC is only looking for black burst, or house sync (timebase data). The actual time code (address data) is expected at the 1/4″ SMPTE input. I am not familiar with your video deck specifically, but some video decks supply time code and black burst on one BNC type connector. You may be able to get away with a simple “Y” cord and adapter that connects that signal to both the 1/4″ jack and the video in jack of the BRC. Another tactic is to supply black burst to the BRC directly from your house sync generator if you have one and then just use the BNC from the VTR to go directly to the 1/4″ SMPTE input on the BRC. Everything else you did is correct and once you have the right signal going to the right places you should be up and running.

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