Panasonic 744T User Manual
744T User Guide and Technical Information
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firmware v. 1.04
Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Jam Value
Press enter (tone key) or the controller button to jam the user-entered time code start value into the
internal generator.
internal generator.
Edit Value
This menu allows the user to set any valid time code value (00:00:00:00–23:59:59:29) for entry
with the jam value selection above. The initial screen of this menu shows the currently set value as
well as the current time code setting of the 744T. Press the controller or the enter key (tone key) to
enter into edit mode. The user can set the time code numbers in pairs (hours, minutes, seconds and
frames). Once (DONE) is selected the value is available to jam into the internal generator with the
jam value selection.
with the jam value selection above. The initial screen of this menu shows the currently set value as
well as the current time code setting of the 744T. Press the controller or the enter key (tone key) to
enter into edit mode. The user can set the time code numbers in pairs (hours, minutes, seconds and
frames). Once (DONE) is selected the value is available to jam into the internal generator with the
jam value selection.
The value is not jammed into the 744T time code generator until jam value is selected.
User Bits
The 744T has six user selectable user bit modes. Time code user bits are a portion of the time code
data which can be allocated however the user chooses. Commonly, user bits carry information such
as the date, take, sound roll, or camera roll number.
data which can be allocated however the user chooses. Commonly, user bits carry information such
as the date, take, sound roll, or camera roll number.
User bits are edited from the Edit U-Bit selection in the jam menu. Press enter (tone key) or the
controller to enter user bit edit mode. The screen will show the format and setting of the user bits.
Using the controller or the soft-button up and down arrows, user bit digits can be edited (in pairs).
Once DONE is selected, the user bits are set. If editing is not available in the selected user bit mode
“No User Edits“ will appear in the screen.
controller to enter user bit edit mode. The screen will show the format and setting of the user bits.
Using the controller or the soft-button up and down arrows, user bit digits can be edited (in pairs).
Once DONE is selected, the user bits are set. If editing is not available in the selected user bit mode
“No User Edits“ will appear in the screen.
NTSC Standard Def Video Production
NTSC video uses a frame rate of 29.97 frames per second. Unfortunately, that leaves 108 frames per
hour unaccounted. To keep 29.97 time code in sync with “clock” time, the concept of “drop frame”
was devised. Two frames are dropped at the top of each minute not divisible by 10. 54 drops per
hour x 2 frames = 108 frames per hour.
hour unaccounted. To keep 29.97 time code in sync with “clock” time, the concept of “drop frame”
was devised. Two frames are dropped at the top of each minute not divisible by 10. 54 drops per
hour x 2 frames = 108 frames per hour.
To sync the 744T to a video camera, fi rst determine if the camera is in drop frame or non-drop frame
mode. If you, the DP or the producer are unsure about what setting to use, check with post-produc-
tion, if possible.
mode. If you, the DP or the producer are unsure about what setting to use, check with post-produc-
tion, if possible.
As a rough guideline, video for NTSC broadcast is drop-frame, you can use non-drop frame for anything
else, as long as all recorders are recording in the same mode.
else, as long as all recorders are recording in the same mode.
1.
Set the 744T to either 29.97DF or 29.97 respectively.
2.
Jam the camera using a LEMO-5 to BNC adapter cable connected to the time code input on the video
camera.
3.
Switch the camera to free run time code. The 744T time code should appear in the time code display on
the camera.
4.
Disconnect the time code cable.
The camera and recorder time code should now be running in sync. Check it after roughly 5 minutes
to be certain synchronization is maintained.
to be certain synchronization is maintained.
Video cameras are notorious for time code instability when switched off. If the video camera must be shut
down, re-jam it when it is powered back up.
down, re-jam it when it is powered back up.