# Timecode Overview

The MVP supports **timeline-based show playback**, where incoming SMPTE timecode drives video and lighting clips in perfect sync with your audio source. This is designed for live performances where a DAW, ShowKontrol or a dedicated timecode generator provides the master clock.

<figure><img src="/files/ognckCo7aWumu3ej8ZER" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

***

## Frame-Accurate Playback

The MVP delivers frame-accurate playback of both Video and Lighting at any point on your timeline. The MVP automatically handles synchronization and speed matching.  You just build your timeline and let the MVP do the rest.

## How It Works

1. **You build a timeline** using the MVP's built-in [Timeline Editor](/4.-timecode-setup/the-timeline-editor.md) -- placing video and lighting clips at specific timecode positions.
2. **A timecode source** sends SMPTE timecode to the MVP (via audio or MIDI).
3. **The MVP follows along** -- loading the correct files, seeking to the right position, and keeping perfect sync.

When the incoming timecode falls outside any clip on the timeline, video goes to blackout and lighting holds its last state.

***

## Timecode Input Methods

The MVP accepts timecode from two formats. Both can be connected simultaneously -- whichever signal arrives drives playback. There is no priority or arbitration between them.

### LTC (Linear Timecode) - Audio

|                    |                                                                 |
| ------------------ | --------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Connection**     | 3.5mm (1/8") audio input on the rear of the MVP                 |
| **Signal**         | SMPTE LTC encoded as an audio waveform                          |
| **Common Sources** | DAW audio output, click track with LTC, dedicated LTC generator |

> *Setup details:* [*LTC (Audio Timecode) Setup*](/4.-timecode-setup/ltc-audio-timecode-setup.md)

### MTC (MIDI Timecode)

|                    |                                                              |
| ------------------ | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| **Connection**     | Any MIDI input: USB-C, 5-pin DIN, or Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI) |
| **Signal**         | MIDI Timecode                                                |
| **Common Sources** | DAW MIDI output, timecode converters, show controllers       |

MTC provides additional capabilities beyond LTC:

* **MMC (MIDI Machine Control)**: Your DAW can send Stop, Play, and Locate commands to pause, resume, and scrub the MVP's playback position. (Pause is treated identically to Stop.)
* **Network delivery**: MTC can be sent via Ethernet or Wi-Fi [Network MIDI (RTP-MIDI)](/5.-triggering/network-midi-rtp-midi-setup.md).

> *Setup details:* [*MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup*](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md)

***

## Supported Frame Rates

| Frame Rate     | Standard   |
| -------------- | ---------- |
| 24 fps         | Film       |
| 25 fps         | PAL / EBU  |
| 29.97 fps (DF) | Drop Frame |
| 30 fps         | Default    |

The frame rate is configured per timecode slot in the [Timeline Editor](/4.-timecode-setup/the-timeline-editor.md). If the detected incoming frame rate doesn't match your configured rate, an amber warning chip appears in the timecode status bar.

***

## Sync Capabilities

The MVP doesn't just trigger clips at timecode points -- it **continuously synchronizes** playback:

* **Frame-accurate seeking**: Jump to any point on the timeline and playback starts at the correct frame *(requires* [*All-Intra encoded video*](/4.-timecode-setup/all-intra-videos.md)*)*.
* **Variable-speed following**: The MVP can follow timecode sources playing at anywhere from **50% to 200% of normal speed** (e.g., CDJ pitch fader, DAW rate change).
* **Transport control (MTC)**: Stop, Play, and Locate commands from your DAW control the MVP's playback -- freeze on a frame, resume, or jump to a specific position.
* **Signal loss protection**: If the timecode signal drops momentarily, playback continues smoothly. If the signal is lost for longer then one second, playback pauses gracefully (video goes to black, lighting holds last state). When signal returns, the MVP re-acquires and resumes sync.

***

## Timecode Slots (A-E)

Like Video and Lighting, the Timecode system supports **5 independent configuration slots (A-E)**. Each slot contains a complete timeline arrangement with its own video and lighting clip placements and frame rate setting.

* Switch slots from the Timecode page header
* Timecode slot switches take effect **immediately** (save auto-syncs to playback -- no separate "Sync" step)
* Timecode does **not** support MIDI CC slot switching (unlike Video and Lighting)

> *For more on the slot system:* [*Configuration Slots (A-E)*](/6.-configuration/configuration-slots.md)

***

## Timecode vs. MIDI Note Triggers

When timecode is actively driving playback, **manual MIDI note triggers are suppressed** on both the video and lighting channels. This prevents accidental clip changes during a synced show. The suppression is active whenever the MVP is receiving a timecode signal.

When the timecode signal stops (for more than 1 second), manual MIDI triggers resume automatically.

***

## Getting Started with Timecode

1. **Connect your timecode source** -- See [LTC Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/ltc-audio-timecode-setup.md) or [MTC Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md)
2. **Verify signal** -- Check the Dashboard's Input Monitor for incoming timecode frames
3. **Build your timeline** -- Open the [Timeline Editor](/4.-timecode-setup/the-timeline-editor.md) and place clips
4. **Convert videos to All-Intra** -- Required for the timeline. See [All-Intra Video & Timecode Sync](/4.-timecode-setup/all-intra-videos.md) or [export directly from your editing software](/4.-timecode-setup/exporting-all-intra-from-editing-software.md)
5. **Test** -- Play your timecode source and watch the MVP follow along

***

## Related Pages

* [The Timeline Editor](/4.-timecode-setup/the-timeline-editor.md) -- Build and edit your show timeline
* [LTC (Audio Timecode) Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/ltc-audio-timecode-setup.md) -- Hardware connection and signal verification
* [MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup](/4.-timecode-setup/mtc-midi-timecode-setup.md) -- MIDI timecode and MMC transport control
* [All-Intra & Frame-Accurate Sync](/4.-timecode-setup/all-intra-videos.md) -- Why All-Intra is required and how conversion works
* [Exporting All-Intra from Editing Software](/4.-timecode-setup/exporting-all-intra-from-editing-software.md) -- Premiere, FCP, Resolve, Handbrake guides


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