Apple Final Cut Express HD - Manual (Page 196)

196 Part IV Capturing and Importing
Logging Tapes with Duplicate Timecode Numbers
If you have to log tapes that have duplicate timecode numbers, make sure that you
account for any timecode breaks by assigning separate reel numbers for each section
of tape where the timecode reset to 00:00:00:00.
For example, suppose you have a DV tape with footage from 00:00:00:00 to 00:30:00:00,
followed by a timecode break. You could name the first half of the tape reel 4-A, and
the second half of the tape (which goes from 00:30:00:00 through the end of the tape
reel), 4-B. Clips from both reel 4-A and 4-B actually come from one physical tape
labeled reel 4, but for ease of media management and clip recapturing, it helps to have
a unique reel number for each section of continuous timecode, so you are never
confused about where on the tape a particular timecode number is located.
Avoiding Multiple Occurrences of the Same Timecode
Number on a Single Tape
Duplicate timecode numbers on a single tape can be one of the most frustrating
experiences during logging and capturing. Make sure the camera operator is aware of
these pitfalls before shooting, especially when using a consumer camcorder.
Note: A camcorder may automatically shut off after sitting idle for several minutes to
conserve battery power. One solution is to use AC power with the camcorder, though
this isn’t always practical.
Here are some techniques for avoiding reset timecode counters when shooting with
consumer DV camcorders:
 Prerecord a video signal (preferably black) on each tape before production to create a
continuous timecode signal on the entire tape.
This is called blacking a tape. You can do this in any camcorder by pressing Record
with the lens cap on and the microphone disconnected (to avoid recording any
audio signals). The more professional solution is to use a DV deck and its internal
black generator. Some DV decks also allow you to choose what timecode number
your tape starts with.
 Dub your tapes so that you copy the video and audio information, but not the timecode.
The dubbed tapes become your new source tapes, and you can capture from these.