Video reference generator - suggestions?

[jkurtz11]

So I’m pretty unfamiliar with video production and I’m just starting to dip my toes in to it. I got myself a camera and want to start offering basic video with my recordings. I am somewhat familiar with the concept of using a video ref signal to derive the word clock for audio recorders. I picked up the breakout cable for my Hapi and Horus to give me LTC in/out and the video ref bnc input.
I have experienced problems with drift between audio and video before when the video and audio recorders are running on entirely separate clock references.

So here’s my audio-centric question - is there a big difference in quality between the basic blackmagic video sync generator that is like $200, and the more expensive ones? My video recorder will take video ref in (tri-level sync), and so will my Horus/Hapi. I need to buy an external video sync generator with multiple outputs to feed both devices. Is it similar to word clock generators for audio? Will the choice have a big input on the quality of the audio performance? Just wondering if anyone had recommendations for a high quality video sync generator with multiple outputs.

Thanks,

Justin

[DJS]

Hi Justin,

In the same boat here. I use Tentacle Syncs for timecode generation. I have successfully input one of these to HAPI via breakout (breakin?) cable and another sits on the camera. I have three of these and a Track E now. They have proved to be excellent devices.

Regards
David

[Perfect Record]

If I'm not mistaken, the Tentacle systems distribute timecode, not sync. If there is a clock rate difference between camera and audio system, you will get drift on long takes.

[DJS]

If I'm not mistaken, the Tentacle systems distribute timecode, not sync. If there is a clock rate difference between camera and audio system, you will get drift on long takes.

Yes, sorry for the misunderstanding.