Video
Timecode (LTC / VITC / MTC)
01 — Definition
The time reference that puts video, audio and lighting on the same clock. LTC is an audio-frequency signal, on an XLR or an audio track; VITC is embedded in the video's vertical blanking interval; MTC travels over MIDI, for DAWs and show control. Frame rates: 24, 25, 29.97 DF, 30 fps.
02 — In the field
Drop frame timecode (29.97 DF) makes up the 0.1% difference between true 30 fps and NTSC 29.97 fps. Use it for broadcast, and 25 fps non-drop for European production. Mix timecode frame rates between systems and you are installing drift.