timecoded

Timecoded is an adjective used to describe media, devices, or workflows that incorporate a timecode, a digital label that marks the precise time position of a frame or sample within a recording. Timecode is typically expressed as hours:minutes:seconds:frames and is used to synchronize equipment and locate material quickly. In professional video and film, SMPTE timecode is the standard, with variants such as drop-frame for NTSC 29.97 fps and non-drop-frame formats. European broadcasting often uses EBU timecode, while MIDI Time Code (MTC) provides timing compatibility across music devices.

Timecode can be embedded or associated with media in several ways. It may be stored as metadata inside digital video or audio files, or it can be carried on a dedicated timecode track in analog formats. In practice, timecoded media is described as timecoded because it carries a resolvable time reference that editors and operators can rely on during production and post-production.

Applications include synchronization across multiple cameras and audio recorders, precise editing and logging, and efficient conforming during post-production. Timecode enables quick search for specific moments, accurate reel and take identification, and consistent reassembly of material from different sources. In archival workflows, timecodes help track revisions, versions, and provenance.

Limitations can arise from frame rate differences and frame-accurate counting rules, such as drop-frame adjustments in certain NTSC environments, which require careful management to maintain alignment across devices and edits.