DENECKE SB-T TC & Video Sync Generator
DENECKE SB-T TC & Video Sync Generator
In a nutshell

Denecke SB-T is a universal SMPTE Timecode generator with video reference PAL, NTSC and HD Tri-Level, providing all common TC frame rates (23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 and 30 DF and NDF fps). It is used to feed, with an extremly stable TC, any multitrack recorder, or DAT recorder, whatever are their internal generator, or an electronic slate... and, in conjonction with a video genlock reference, all video cameras, High Definition 1920 X 1080 (Sony) and 1280 X 720 (Panasonic), or Simple Definition NTSC (29.970 fps Non Drop & Drop Frame) and PAL (25 fps).
It is jammed from any external TC source, whether a master clock (Denecke GR-1 or Aaton Origin C+), whether any device with a TC output compatible with SB-T (Cantar, Deva, DAT TC...). When the SB-T is turned on, without time code present at its input, it can also act as a reference TC starting at 00h 58m 30s 00f.

Setting of the TC frame rate and the video reference are done thanks to a rotary switch and two miniature switches:

Rotary Switch Settings
0) 30 fr TC with HD Progressive or Segmented Scan
1) 29.970 fr TC with HD Progressive or Segmented Scan
2) 25 fr TC with HD Progressive or Segmented Scan
3) 24 fr TC with HD Progressive or Segmented Scan
4) 23.976 fr TC with HD Progressive or Segmented Scan
5) 25 fr TC with Black Burst or Color Bars in PAL
6) 29.970 fr TC with Black Burst or Color Bars in NTSC
7) 29.970 Drop fr TC with Black Burst or Color Bars in NTSC
8) 30 Drop fr TC with no video reference
9) 29.970 Drop fr TC with HD Progressive or Segmented Scan (Version 1.5)

Mode Switch Settings (0 down, 1 up toward the rotary switch)
00 = 1080 Progressive Scan Trilevel Sync
01 = 1080 Segmented Scan Trilevel Sync
10 = 1080 Progressive Scan At Twice The Video Rate
11 = 720 Progressive Scan Trilevel Sync
11 = Color Bars In PAL or NTSC modes instead of default black burst

There is no sync relation to Timecode in Color Bar mode.

The SB-T is powered whether with 3 internal AA batteries providing a 48 hours autonomy, whether with an external 5.7 to 16 V DC source on a 4 points Hirose connector.

Our recommendations

It is advised to connect one SB-T on each genlocked camera, jammed on a master clock (Denecke GR-1). That master clock connected to the audio recorder (Cantar on Ext. TC for instance) can also work as a time code comparator along the shooting day.

On most (if not any) video cameras, it is necessary to connect again the sync boxes, every time the camera battery is changed or the camera is turned on.

Timecode managment on the set is a strict matter, and needs absolutly the camera assistants concern and responsability. This is particularily true with Panasonic Varicam.

Even if Timecode sync could help in post-production, that method must be controled with the old fashion slate method, because "AutoSync" is normally only one frame ahead or late precise.

This product is commonly named:

Denecke SB-T, Denecke SB T, Denecke SBT, SB-T, SB T, SBT

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