The joint EBU SMPTE Task Force on Time Labelling and Synchronisation met at the EBU this week to define a new time labelling and network based synchronisation system for the media industry. The new system is to replace the most known SMPTE standard, S12M, better known as 'timecode'.
Replacement for current timecode
In use for about 30 years now, the S12M specification can no longer be modified to meet the challenges of networked and higher frame rate video systems.
That's why the Task Force is defining a completely new Time Related Labelling system. In addition, the group is working hard to define a replacement of the Black Burst based synchronisation systems of traditional TV studios.
| | In time for network based synchronisation?
The experts of the Task Force have evaluated different technical proposals and are close to deciding on the concepts and roadmap for further standardisation in SMPTE. Next step will be to conduct tests to validate the thinking work.
The meeting's agreement on the approach is a very good result, and a timely one, as the Group reached this point after only seven meetings. | |
To learn more
If you are curious about the technical details of this work and would like to join the Group actively, please contact:
Dr Hans Hoffmann.