Synchronizing the Phase of the Video Signals (Genlock)
When shooting using multiple units, the units can be synchronized to a specific reference signal or timecode via the GENLOCK IN/REF OUT connector of the units.
Synchronizing to a reference signal
Set the REF/TC IN/OUT switch of the unit to the IN position, and supply a reference signal to the GENLOCK IN/REF OUT connector to enable genlock.
The reference signals that can be used vary depending on the system frequency of the selected recording format.
| System frequency of recording format | Supported input reference signals |
|---|---|
| 59.94P | 1920×1080 59.94i 720×486 59.94i 1280×720 59.94P |
| 29.97P | 1920×1080 59.94i 720×486 59.94i |
| 23.98P | 1920×1080 47.95i(23.98PsF) 1920×1080 23.98P |
| 59.94i | 1920×1080 59.94i 720×486 59.94i |
| 50P | 1920×1080 50i 720×576 50i 1280×720 50P |
| 25P | 1920×1080 50i 720×576 50i |
| 50i | 1920×1080 50i 720×576 50i |
Note
- If the reference signal is unstable, genlock cannot be achieved.
- The subcarrier is not synchronized.
Locking to the timecode of another device
Set the unit that will be the timecode source to a mode in which the timecode output is continuously updated ([Free Run] or [Clock]).
-
Set [TC/Media] – [Timecode] in the full menu as follows.
[Mode]: [Preset]
[Run]: [Free Run] - Press an assignable button assigned with [DURATION/TC/U-BIT] to display the timecode on the screen.
- Check that the REF/TC IN/OUT switch is set to the IN position, then supply an HD or SD reference video signal to the GENLOCK IN/REF OUT connector and the reference timecode to the TC IN/OUT connector.
The timecode generator of the unit acquires lock with the reference timecode, and “EXT-LK” appears on the screen.
Once about ten seconds have elapsed after the timecode locks, the external lock state is maintained even if the external reference timecode source is disconnected.
Note
- Check that the supplied reference timecode and the reference video signal are in a phase relationship that complies with the SMPTE timecode standard.
- When operating with external lock, the timecode instantly acquires lock with the external timecode and the external timecode value appears in the time data display area. However, do not start recording immediately. Wait for a few seconds until the timecode generator stabilizes before recording.
- If the frequency of the reference video signal and the frame frequency on the unit are not the same, lock cannot be acquired and the unit will not operate properly. If this occurs, the timecode will not acquire successful lock with the external timecode.
- If the external timecode source is disconnected, the timecode may shift by one frame per hour with respect to the reference timecode.
To release external lock
Change the [TC/Media] – [Timecode] setting in the full menu.
External synchronization is also released if the system frequency is changed and when you start recording in a special recording mode (Slow & Quick Motion or interval recording).
Synchronizing the timecode of another device with the timecode of the unit
Set the timecode setting of the unit to a mode in which the timecode output is continuously updated ([Free Run] or [Clock]).
- Set the timecode of the unit using [TC/Media] – [Timecode] in the full menu.
- Check that the REF/TC IN/OUT switch is set to the OUT position, and connect the TC IN/OUT connector and GENLOCK IN/REF OUT connector to the timecode input connector and reference signal input connector, respectively, of the device you want to synchronize.