Questions about DV Toolkit 2

[ngn]

I have a few questions for those using DV Toolkit 2

1. Can you send Timecode out to an external device using the new timecode features?

2. Can you send timecode in from an external device and chase using the new timecode features?

3. On the digi site they say that 48 track counts are only supported using multiple drives and digi-qualified machines. What the hell does that mean? Do I need to buy anything to get 48 tracks?

[Phil Jeffers]

Hi, obviously with any native system (including PTLE) you're best to get the fastest possible computer you can afford and a fair chunk of RAM also. You should be able to playback 48 tracks fine with a slower dual processor, or a reasonably fast single processor, but you may have to off-load things, play around with buffer settings etc. You can only send & receive MIDI Time Code (MTC) via Pro Tools LE, not LTC, or VITC like with TDM versions of software/hardware. So, you'll need a MTC to SMPTE converter such as MOTU Digital Timepiece or similar. You can use SPDIF for speed & MTC for position for PT's then to lock it up with other players or apps.

I highly recommend the DV Toolkit 2 option. It makes LE very, very professional in my mind for film & TV applications.

[fader8]

1. Can you send Timecode out to an external device using the new timecode features?

If you have a device that can generate timecode, you can simply record it to a track. Then send it out one of your analog outputs during playback. You don't need DV Toolkit just to do that.

BTW, DV Toolkit 2 is on eBay for $850 US. A few copies left.

[Phil Jeffers]

A Digital Timepiece generates TC also. You can download a free application (Clock Works) from MOTU to operate the DTP also.