Timecode Overview
Frame Accurate Timecode
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.
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
You build a timeline using the MVP's built-in Timeline Editor -- placing video and lighting clips at specific timecode positions.
A timecode source sends SMPTE timecode to the MVP (via audio or MIDI).
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
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).
Setup details: MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup
Supported Frame Rates
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. 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).
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)
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
Verify signal -- Check the Dashboard's Input Monitor for incoming timecode frames
Build your timeline -- Open the Timeline Editor and place clips
Convert videos to All-Intra -- Required for the timeline. See All-Intra Video & Timecode Sync or export directly from your editing software
Test -- Play your timecode source and watch the MVP follow along
Related Pages
The Timeline Editor -- Build and edit your show timeline
LTC (Audio Timecode) Setup -- Hardware connection and signal verification
MTC (MIDI Timecode) Setup -- MIDI timecode and MMC transport control
All-Intra & Frame-Accurate Sync -- Why All-Intra is required and how conversion works
Exporting All-Intra from Editing Software -- Premiere, FCP, Resolve, Handbrake guides
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