Syncheck NYC

[stangroom]

Hey Scott - we used to use them, but then have had weird problems where I get it to where it says it's perfect, and then the box just flips out and says it's like 2 frames out of sync. WTF?!?! So now, I use a video clip that I know is in sync and play it back in each room through the computer monitor, as well as the Canopuses we're using (man, I can't wait for our Blackmagic cards!).

That's just what I've been doing recently since we made the switch to PT10 and things that were in sync in 8 and 9, were now just barely out of sync. Hope it helps.

[brandoncross]

No way to be sure about sync eyeballing it. The reason syncheck flips out is because it's low on batteries. I use bran new 9v every time I check sync. I just reuse the battery for something else after.

[JSt0rm]

Black magic cards are out of sync too. 14 to 21 qf. Honestly I'm better off with 2 videocards. I dont have to worry about changing the video formats and workprints hardly ever look good anyhow.

[echomagic]

Yes, but I have found video cards to be out of sync too, depending on the monitor.. Are yours? If not, what kind of monitors are you using?

[philper]

All flatscreen monis have some latency, the ones I've used have been between 1 and 2 frames just for the monitor, not including any system delay.

My Syncheck has never exhibited the behaviour mentioned above (v2). It's always worked very well and I have always agreed with its estimation of what sync was on a given system.

phil p

[JSt0rm]

I'm using a 37" LCD monitor. I don't really detect a latency on it but it has a dvi input. I wonder if hdmi has a latency regardless. When I switch to the blackmagic card I get 21 quarter fames or there abuts of latency.

[stangroom]

Originally Posted by JSt0rm

Black magic cards are out of sync too

I wasn't suggesting they don't have any delay, just was mentioning that someday I'll have the BlackMagic's to replace my old Canopus boxes, cause they BLOW! Wow, I wish there was a blowing emoticon - would have been perfect!

For my Synchecks in the past, I've always changed out the 9V batteries as well. I always get a very close estimation, but I would then watch something afterwards, and it definitely felt about a frame out of sync. That's why I now start with the Syncheck, and then use a project that I know is 100% in sync (typically using hard hits from SFX as my guide) to finalize my sync check (not Syncheck, haha). It's been great every since.

Whatever you do, possibly do an export of video and audio together and watch it on something like a laptop that won't carry any delay. Basically, eliminate any possible sync "troublemakers" along your chain, and check the vid that way.

One quick note though, I believe that in PT10 (if you're using it), it's been mentioned that if you Bounce to QT with a Video Sync Offset, it will apply that offset to the video as well…so make sure to change that to 0 before you bounce.

[rfnoise]

Hello stangroom,

but I would then watch something afterwards, and it definitely felt about a frame out of sync.

What are you comparing to? What you say does not really make sense unless you have a "standard" you are comparing against. Earlier you said that Syncheck would suddenly show you readings that are "like 2 frames out of sync", and the implication is that Syncheck is showing erroneous readings. Since this observation is at odds with what so many others have said, please tell us what method you use to determine your opinions.

How about this. My office is only blocks away from you. Bring your unit by and we'll compare your Syncheck to a known-accurate flash-pip standard, which will tell right away whether Syncheck is faulty. No charge of course. I think if you are going to disparage the product you should have a solid foundation upon which to do so.

Richard Fairbanks

[rfnoise]

echomagic,

I don't normally rent units because gear rental is not really a good fit with my business. People ask me to rent out and ship to other cities and countries. That requires more time and energy than I expect a rental fee would reimburse. But, I would like to see local rental companies buy a unit and rent it out as they see fit! You could do that, too.