Last month, we recently shared an article about a piece of hardware called Dish Timecode that was in development by Ari Krupnik which used satellites to embed timestamps into files. The project has now been launched on Kickstarter.
Key features
- Receives time signals from satellites, anywhere in the World
- Standard LTC timecode format
- Compatible with any camera/recorder with an external mic input
- Powered by two AA batteries for an estimated 40-hour run time
- Built-in scratch microphone
- Free open-source LTCsync application if NLE doesn’t support LTC
How does it work?
The Dish Timecode units receive time signals from satellites and embeds timestamps into files, which allows the files to easily sync on an editing timeline.
Dish has been designed to be plug and play. By using satellite time signals the Dish devices always use UTC so they will never drift. This also allows every single Dish device to provide the same timecode to any camera or device regardless of where it is located. As there is no need to use one device as a master time code source it certainly simplifies the whole process.
The unit itself is quite simple, it simply needs to be turned on and it will sync up to the satellite, identified by a green light. A 1/4-20″ thread can be used to attach it to a cold shoe mount if using on a camera.
Why not just use jam sync?
Jam-sync gets most of the way there. It requires higher-end cameras and a responsible adult to jam them to a master clock, several times per day. In contrast, Dish works with any camera, requires no manual intervention and never drifts.
LTCsync
The Dish records timecode in the LTC format onto an audio track. It was developed by SMPTE and a number of NLEs support it natively, including DaVinci Resolve & AVID Media Composer.
For those using NLEs that don’t support LTC, Ari and the team have developed a free, open-source application called LTCsync which can run on Windows, Mac & Linux to read the LTC format and generate a synced timeline.
Pricing & Availability
The Dish.TC units are expected to start shipping in September 2019. The prices are as follows:
Single Dish Timecode unit with Y-splitter cable
Early Bird – $169 USD
Kickstarter Price: $199 USD
RRP – $260 USD
Two Disch Timecode units
Early Bird – $329 USD
Kickstarter Price: $389 USD
RRP – $260 USD
Five Dish Timecode units
Early Bird – $719 USD
Kickstarter Price: $849 USD
RRP – $1,100 USD
Ten Dish Timecode units
RRP – $1,299 USD
You can learn more about the Dish.TC on the Kickstarter page.
