Synchronization Device

(Avid HDX, Pro Tools|HD, and HD Native Systems Only)

The Synchronization Device settings let you configure a synchronization peripheral, such as the SYNC HD or SYNC I/O.

When this option is selected, any connected synchronization peripheral is enabled for use with Pro Tools.

This displays the firmware version for the connected synchronization peripheral, such as a SYNC HD.

When this option is selected, VITC is inserted into the outgoing video signal—assuming that a video signal is present at a synchronization peripheral video input, and that the synchronization peripheral is in a valid mode for inserting VITC.

Pitch Memory Enabled

When this option is selected, the synchronization peripheral will remain at a pitch (sample rate) that corresponds to the last known incoming timecode speed. When deselected, the Synchronization peripheral reverts to the selected sample rate. If Pitch Memory is disabled and the selected external clock reference is not available, then the synchronization peripheral reverts to the nominal, selected internal sample rate setting.

Idle MTC Enabled

When this option is selected, MTC is continuously output. When not enabled, MTC output is muted when playback is idle.

LTC Output Level

This setting adjusts the analog audio level of the LTC output, from –24 dBu to +9 dBu.

VITC Read Lines

This setting determines which line pair of incoming video signal is used for the VITC source. When set to Auto, the synchronization peripheral searches for the first valid line pair automatically. Alternatively, this value can be set to specific VITC line pairs.

VITC Generate Lines

This setting determines the line pair of the outgoing video signal onto which the synchronization peripheral inserts VITC. Normally, this should be left at the default (and preferred) setting of 14/16.

Bi-Phase/Tach Wiring

This setting lets you select from the following options for Bi-Phase or Tach wiring:

Bi-Phase: FWD = A leads B

Bi-Phase: FWD = B leads A

Tach:FWD = B is Low

Tach: FWD = B is High

Bi-Phase/Tach Pulses/Frame (2–254)

There are several different standards for the number of pulses-per-frame output by Bi-Phase or Tach devices. You can set the synchronization peripheral to operate from 2 to 254 pulses per frame from Pro Tools. The setting should match the PPF rate of the Bi-Phase/Tach encoder on the external device.

Reset Bi-Phase

This button lets you set the Bi-Phase/Tach start frame from Pro Tools. Click the button to update the Timecode Display on the synchronization peripheral to match the session timecode value.

Enable Dub Window

When this option is selected, you can insert a timecode window into a video signal with the following Window dub appearance settings:

Vertical Position

Sets the vertical position of the window dub, relative to the bottom of the video picture. The choices range from 10% From Bottom to 50% From Bottom, in 10% increments.

“10% from Bottom” vertical position is outside the standard “safe title” area, which means it may not be visible on some video monitors.

Horizontal Position

Sets the relative horizontal position of the window dub within the video picture. The choices include Extreme Left, Left, Center, Right and Extreme Right.

The “Extreme” horizontal positions are outside the standard “safe title” area, which means they may not be visible on some video monitors.

Size

Sets the relative size of the window dub (Small or Large).

Color

Sets the color of the timecode numbers and background of the window dub. The choices include White on Black Bkgnd, Black on White Bkgnd, White on Video Bkgnd, or Black on Video Bkgnd. (Video Bkgnd means that the background of the window dub is transparent, so that the timecode numbers are displayed directly on top of the video signal, without a contrasting background box.) The default setting is White on Black Bkgnd.