FCE Timecode Alternative?
 

One of our clients is asking for a timecode to be burned into the rough footage we send them so they can specify edits and transitions. I know it's not possible to have Final Cut Express display timecode -- but is there is there a way to display ANYTHING that can used for this purpose?

maybe this will help:

1.try to import any tape with timecode bar visible.

2. crop image to size which is ok for you, and superimpose this to that material you need. i.e. your material is on video layer 1, tc material is on layer 2. when you crop layer 2 just to have tc bar visible - you are done.

alternate way is to copy your material to another cassette 1:1. use i.e. TWO cameras. one with source material, another one with destination EMPTY tape. (be sure to switch recorded tape to safe mode)

use s-video or video (chinch/rca) connector. on first - source camera - switch ON character/display/counter/timecode - or whatever it's called. connect the second camera with s-video or chinch connector. press rec on second camera , press play on first. if everything is connected properly - yuo will see TC on second camera all the time, doesn't matter in which mode you prewiev the footage.

hope this helps.

filip