Sony F3 and F65 (using camera's video output for sync)

Many cameras, notably the Sony cameras, output a video signal which is intended for synchronization with camera acquisition.  On the F3 and F65 (and others) the output is labelled HD-Y, which is the luminance channel of a component video signal.  This contains the trilevel synchronization signal. 

In order for the video output to be used for synchronization, the output frame rate must match the acquisition frame rate without any telecine conversion.  The F3 and F65 output a 23.976PsF signal.  PsF stands for "progressive segmented frame," and from a signaling standpoint appears to the Time Filter as a 47.952 field-per-second signal.  To use this signal, set the Time Filter's synchronization mode to VIDEO, and set the video sync mode to SYNC FRAME.  This will cause the Time Filter Controller to synchronize on each full frame rather on each field, so the output rate will display as 23.98 Hz, matching the acquisition rate.

On the F3, the output must be set to HD-Y in the camera's menu. 

Power is typically provided by using a standard P-tap cable.  On the F65, if the camera is supplied with 24V power, the 3-pin Fischer power output on the camera can be used with Tessive cable part # TCAB-RS.  

On the F65, the phase delay at full resolution for calibration to center of frame is typically -14.2 ms.  The rolling shutter readout of the F65 takes 13.9 ms from top to bottom of the frame.  As always, the phase delay should be measured with the Calibration Wand to ensure proper operation.

Canon C300 (Timecode sync)

The Canon C300 can be synchronized to the Time Filter in two ways:  an external genlock signal can be used (similar to the RED ONE), or it can be synchronized through timecode sync shown here.  Timecode sync eliminates the need for an external genlock generator, so is the preferred method of synchronization for 23.98, 24, and 29.97 frame-per-second operation.  

Not all cameras guarantee phase synchronization between the timecode output and the actual sensor clock.  For instance, timecode synchronization will NOT work with the RED ONE.  

Timecode synchronization requires Time Filter firmware version 1.1.0 or greater and the Tessive timecode power and sync cable (part# TCAB-TC).  The Timecode adapter has a BNC cable which connects to the camera’s Timecode output.  The larger four-pin connector connects to the Time Filter Controller’s Power input connector.  Power for the Time Filter controller is then connected to the Timecode adapter using one of the available Tessive power adapters (P-Tap, AC power supply, or flying lead).

To configure the Time Filter Controller for use with Timecode sync, change the SYNC MODE in the SETTINGS submenu to TIMECODE. 

When using the Time Filter with the C300 and Timecode sync, the phase delay number at 24 fps is usually 8.25 ms to center of frame.  The C300's sensor takes 16ms to read, and there's a 0.2 ms initial delay between the Timecode sync and top of frame.

NOTE:  The C300 must be set to output timecode in a free-running mode.  Check that the Time Filter is receiving a correct signal by noting the light on the side of the Time Filter controller, next to the power connector.  This light should be green when receiving a correct signal, and the frequencies shown on the display should match the camera’s frame rate.  

RED EPIC

The Time Filter supports the RED EPIC natively using the RED EPIC Synchronization Cable, available from Tessive.  The RED EPIC firmware must be 2.05 or later.  This allows synchronization without trilevel genlock, and at any frame rate between 1 and 96 frames per second.

First, connect the Time Filter Controller to the EPIC using the RED EPIC Synchronization cable (Tessive part # TCAB-EPIC).  The small 00 LEMO connector connects to the EPIC’s CTRL connector for synchronization, and the larger four-pin connector connects to the Time Filter Controller’s Power input connector.  Power for the Time Filter controller is then connected to the RED EPIC Synchronization cable using one of the available Tessive power adapters (P-Tap, AC power supply, or flying lead).

The EPIC must be configured to output a sync signal in the SETTINGS/GPIO menu.  The Camera Input should be set to General Purpose In,  Camera Output should be set to Sync Out, and Sync Mode set to Off.

To configure the Time Filter Controller for use with the RED EPIC, change the SYNC MODE in the SETTINGS submenu to RED EPIC. Once configured, the Time Filter controller should display the frame rate, and the light on the side of the Time Filter Controller should turn green. 

ARRI ALEXA

The Time Filter has native support for the ALEXA by use of the ALEXA Sync and Power cable available from Tessive (part # TCAB-RS).  Through this single cable, the Time Filter receives both power and synchronization signals from any of the ALEXA's RS ports.  This method of synchronization supports any frame rate of the ALEXA from 1 fps to 60 fps.  

To configure the Time Filter Controller for use with the Arri Alexa, change the SYNC MODE in the SETTINGS submenu to ARRI ALEXA.

NOTE:  THE ALEXA ONLY PROVIDES SYNCHRONIZATION SIGNALS WHEN IT IS RECORDING, SO THE TIME FILTER IS ONLY ACTIVE DURING RECORDING.  When not recording, the Time Filter will switch to a static (not shuttering) neutral density value that is equivalent to the total light loss when shuttering is active to keep exposure the same.

The ALEXA is capable of a 358-degree shutter.  When the Time Filter Controller requests a 360-degree shutter, using the 358-degree shutter of the ALEXA is sufficiently close.

RED ONE (or any camera with genlock input only)

The Tessive Time Filter can be easily used with the RED ONE camera.  The interconnect method for the RED ONE is to use genlock synchronization provided by a third-party genlock generator.  Power for the Time Filter Controller can be obtained from the RED ONE's accessory power connections with a cable available from Tessive.  

The Time Filter's synchronization setting should be set to VIDEO.  

Genlock synchronization allows operation of the Time Filter only at project frame rates.  That is, the camera cannot be set to over- or under- crank when synchronizing with the Time Filter.  

The phase calibration for the RED ONE depends on the resolution at which it is running.  For example, in 4k mode, the readout time of the sensor is 16.6 ms, so the calibration time would be 8.3 ms to center of frame.  In 2k mode, the readout time is half that of the 4k mode, so the calibration time to the center of frame would be 4.15 ms.  As always, we recommend using the Time Filter's calibration wand to determine the exact phase delay in your setup.