These are two techniques for recording Time Code on tapes. Both begin by converting Time Code information into a bit-stream. LTC stands for Longitudinal Time Code, whereas VITC for Vertical Interval Time Code.
LTC
LTC, the simpler system, converts the bit-stream into a series of high and low-pitched tones that is recorded on a special address track (like for example on Beta SPs) or to an audio track of the tape.
One of the advantages of LTC is that it can be recorded at the time of film shooting as well as recorded onto an original tape for editing purposes. Two of the disadvantages of LTC:
- You lose one audio track.
- Time Code is not available in stop mode or when jogged slowly.
VITC
VITC is recorded on the horizontal position bar between the video frames. The advantages of VITC:
- You do not lose an audio track
- VITC can also be read in pause mode or when jogged slowly
The only disadvantage is that VITC has to be recorded directly onto the original tape and cannot be recorded later like LTC.
Please note that our applications cannot read these timecodes directly! They have to be translated into MIDI Time Code (MTC) first using one of the following devices or similar units: Steinberg SyncStation, Steinberg Timelock Pro (discontinued), Rosendahl WIF (identical in construction), and Steinberg Time Base (for Nuendo).