Timecode Systems’ UltraSync BLUE

Professional multi-camera and audio synchronization using an iPhone.

To reduce necessary wired connections, cabling and mounting issues, the UltraSync BLUE from Timecode Systems will generate professional timecode for sound and video on standard platform, 360VR and also motion capture when captured with the iPhone platform. Offering synchronization at sub-frame accuracy, the company points out that smaller and affordable consumer solutions like the iPhone are being routinely used to capture additional content. The UltraSync BLUE will also link compact cams from top shelf professional filmmaking solutions all the way down to more affordable GoPros, DSLRs and mirrorless cameras.

Timecode gives automatic sync of up to four iPhone cameras when using close-range Bluetooth, including other connected Timecode Systems products, like the SyncBac Pro for GoPro Hero6 Black, released late last year. The MAVIS camera app and Apogee’s MetaRecorder app have both been adopted to the UltraSync BLUE units.

Through wireless Bluetooth, timcode is transmitted to an iPhone and embedded directly into media files generated from video in the MAVIS app or sound captured through the Apogee MetaRecorder.

“Imagine you're out on a reality shoot — there's a pro camera filming the main content, a sound recordist capturing audio, a DSLR roaming, and GoPros rigged around the set,” explains Paul Scurrell, CEO of Timecode Systems Limited, in the press release. “You have a pulse providing the master timecode from the sound mixer bag, an UltraSync ONE on the big camera, a Ninja V with an AtomX SYNC extension on the DSLR, and SyncBac PROs on the GoPros. Then the director asks for some last-minute additional angles using iPhones. What's syncing the iPhone?”

“Sync is under control with Timecode Systems units running on each device… We're really excited to announce UltraSync BLUE with full compatibility with both the MAVIS professional camera app and Apogee's MetaRecorder app. It fills a huge gap in the market by allowing us to provide a very accurate, neat, professional solution for crews who find themselves filming with iPhones in this situation.”

For sound professionals, Timecode also dropped another interesting tidbit in that they are currently working with audio solutions stalwart Zoom Corporation on the imminent H3-VR Handy Recorder and F8n MultiTrack Field Recorder. Planned for release later this year, both will allow timecode when using Bluetooth and UltraSync BLUE.

The MAVIS Camera application gives filmmakers tools like focus peaking, waveform, vectorscope, false color, and zebras as well as heightened audio controls, level metering, custom resolutions and HD to 4K recordings at up to 100Mbit/s and frame rates of between 3-240fps.

Follow Timecode Systems on Facebook and Twitter.

Stay up to date with American Cinematographer on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.