Default Timecode Format

Default format sets the frame-rate used by media player controls when nothing else is setting the frame-rate.

The default format sets timecode controls to the desired frame-rate. As the default setting is overridden by the media or timecode frame-rate, it’s primary purpose is to assist programming before media is played.

The default format is indicated in timecode controls:

Default format disagreeing with timecode

If the default format is set to a different frame-rate to timecode being received by the media player then it will appear red in the interface.

In cases where the default format is a different frame-rate to the media player (if it is receiving different frame-rate timecode) the media player will take priority.

Default format and timelines

One important use for default format is when programming with timelines. Without a default, setting the media player’s in or outpoint before loading media or assigning timecode can yield unpredictable results as it does not know what frame-rate to use.

To avoid this, it is best to always set the default format to the show’s timecode format.