What to Set Starting Timecode?
 

I'm using Avid Xpress Pro 5.8.3, and the starting timecode for new projects defaults to 00;00;30;00.

Is there any reason I should I keep this or change it to something else? I'm kind of curious why start the timecode at thirty seconds in instead of 0. I guess it just gives some sort of cushion upfront?

Is starting at 00;00;30;00 standard across formats? I'm mostly doing SD and HDV.

Thanks much!

Standard starting timecode for a show is 10:00:00:00 but this may vary depending on the production you work on. Certain networks/channels have very particular starting TC's For example bbc has lineup and tone form 09:57:00:00 until 09:59:30:00 then clocks with prog info until 09:59:57:00 then black for the last 3 seconds, prog starts dead on 10 hours. These standards probably wont effect you until/if you work professionally. I generally stick to the standard above but then it's my job and why learn multiple systems.

Hope this helps
Matt

That is funny Matt because here in the states and at the post house I work at we set up our timecode so the show starts at 01 instead of 10. In my mind right now I am thinking if I have ever seen a time code go past 10 in the hour counter.

Yeah I agree it is odd but those are the bbc standards and also the standards we deliver to in many territories. Your 01 start makes just as much sense as our 10 hrs I will endeavour to find out the reasoning behind it.