SMPTE To Host Time Code Summits

SMPTE has announced that it is to host a series of Time Code Summits. These will gather user community feedback that will contribute to the creation of a new 'Time Label' standard.

As the next-generation standard to SMPTE Time Code, the new Time Label standard will address the continuing, new, and emerging requirements of handling media across the cinema, broadcast, theatrical, music recording, concert, live entertainment, and theme park markets.

Techniques such as higher-frame-rate video and media over IP are testing the limits of the original SMPTE Time Code standard, which was first introduced in 1974. The standard needs to be revised to keep pace with these new technologies and workflows.

"If your job depends on Time Code, then you have something to gain by attending one of our Time Code Summits," explained Howard Lukk, Director of Engineering and Standards, SMPTE. "These meetings mark a significant step toward building a new version of what is arguably one of the most widely used SMPTE standards. They will play an essential role in ensuring that we receive the feedback from a broad range of users to create an improved standard that will stand the test of time. We encourage the user community to take advantage of this unique opportunity to contribute to the standards-creation process."

The first Time Code Summit will be held on 10 October (6pm) at the Linwood Dunn Theatre in Hollywood. The second Summit will take place on 1 November (6pm) at BT Tower in London. A third Summit is planned for New York in November, with more locations being consideration. The Summits are hosted by Lukk, with support from the local SMPTE Sections.

At each event, SMPTE will provide an overview of what is possible today with current standards, conduct an electronic poll that will collect answers from users to a series of questions about their requirements, and then hold a free-form discussion about any further requirements or considerations. The results of each Summit will be assembled and integrated into a report delivered to the SMPTE Working Group on Time Labeling and Synchronization (WG 32NF80). An aggregate report is also planned for the industry at large.

Registration, as well as further information about the SMPTE Time Code Summits, are available here.

www.smpte.org

Image: Howard Lukk, SMPTE Director of Engineering and Standards.

(JP)