HoursMinutesSecondsFrames

Hoursminutessecondsframes refers to a timecode concept used in film and video to identify moments by four components: hours, minutes, seconds, and frames. It is most commonly expressed as HH:MM:SS:FF, where FF represents the frame number within the current second. The exact meaning of a frame depends on the project’s frame rate, so the same timecode value corresponds to different real times at different fps settings.

In professional production, SMPTE timecode is the standard. It provides a continuous, frame-accurate timestamp that can be embedded in video media or used as a separate metadata track. Timecode supports reel or shot numbering, user bits, and frame-rate information, aiding synchronization across cameras, audio recorders, and edit systems. Drop-frame variants exist to keep time-of-day alignment accurate for certain NTSC workflows; drop-frame timecodes often use a semicolon before the FF portion to indicate that frames are being skipped to compensate for the slight speed difference.

Frame rate is central to this notation. Common rates include 24 fps (film), 25 fps (PAL/SECAM), 29.97 fps (NTSC non-drop), and 30 fps (NTSC). Higher frame rates like 50 or 60 fps are used for modern workflows. The choice of rate determines how many frames occupy one second and thus influences timing calculations, editing decisions, and audio synchronization.

Usage spans logging, editing, transcoding, and broadcast, providing a precise reference for trimming, effects, and compliance. Converting between total frames and HH:MM:SS:FF requires knowledge of the chosen frame rate, and sometimes handling of drop-frame rules for NTSC projects.