NCI Work Tape Specifications

NTSC Format:

Betacam SP (BetaSP)

• First generation time code must match time code on master tape. Dubbed time code must be regenerated or reshaped.
• Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) or Longitudinal Time Code (LTC) is accepted. LTC can be either Channel 2 or Address Track.
• Time code, if on Channel 2, must be at OVU level of 0.
• Visible time code in addition to VITC or LTC is optional but preferred. Use upper third of screen if program contains on-screen graphics.
• Time code should begin uninterrupted at least 10 seconds before start of title slate and continue at least 10 seconds after program end.
• Stereo audio is accepted when using VITC or LTC Address Track time code.

DigiBeta

• Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) must match time code on master tape.
• Visible time code in addition to VITC is preferred. Use upper third of screen if program contains on-screen graphics.
• Time code should begin uninterrupted at least 10 seconds before start of title slate and continue at least 10 seconds after program end.
• Audio must be recorded on Channels 1 and 2 only.
• Stereo audio is accepted.

SVHS or VHS

• SVHS or VHS format (Extended Play recordings cannot be accepted.)
• Time code must be first generation and match time code on master tape. Dubbed time code must be regenerated or reshaped.
• Visible time code in addition to VITC or Channel 2 LTC is preferred. Use upper third of screen if program contains on-screen graphics.
• Time code should begin uninterrupted at least 10 seconds before start of title slate and continue at least 10 seconds after program end.
• We accept Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) or Longitudinal Time Code (LTC). If LTC, SMPTE time code must be first-generation recorded on Channel 2 or Hi-Fi Channel 2 at negative 7 db. (That - 7 number is very important so that there is no time code bleedover onto the audio channel.)
• Composite program audio must be on Channel 1.

3/4" Umatic

• Time code must be first generation and match time code on master tape. Dubbed time code must be regenerated or reshaped.
• We accept Vertical Interval Time Code (VITC) or Longitudinal Time Code (LTC). LTC can be either Channel 2 or address track.
• First-generation SMPTE time code must be on Channel 2 and match time code on master tape.
• Time code, if on Channel 2, must be at OVU level of 0.
• Visible time code in addition to VITC or LTC time code is optional but preferred. Use upper third of screen if program has on-screen graphics.
• Time code should begin uninterrupted at least 10 seconds before start of title slate and continue uninterrupted at least 10 seconds after program end.
• Stereo audio is accepted when using VITC or LTC Address Track time code.