In Virtual Production environments the cameras film a huge LED screen. To ensure a flicker-free image it is crucial that the camera and the screen are in perfect sync.
However, the LED backdrops in Virtual Production studios are always some frames behind the “Master Clock” due to processing delay of the virtual production server. This leads to ghosting or tearing. Using our Lockit Family you can handle that problem.
Best Practice Setup 1: Lockit+ as TX Master behind a Studio Master Clock
In this setup our Lockit+ has been started up as TX Master (learn more about the TX Mode here), accepting the external TC signal from the Studio Master Clock.
The Lockit+ broadcasts Timecode and Sync through ACN (Ambient Communication Network) to all other Lockits.
Best Practice Setup 2: Lockit+ as Master Clock
In this setup the Lockit+ acts as Master Clock. Start it as C-Jam Master and it constantly provides hardwired sync to the Virtual Production Server and wireless TC & Sync to the Lockits on the cameras via ACN
How to get rid of the Offset:
Step 1: Place a Lockit on each camera on set. To feed the sync signal into the camera, connect the Sync Output on the Lockit to the Genlock Input on the camera. For multi-camera setups, you should also feed timecode from the Lockit into the camera. You can find the appropriate cables for your camera in our Timecode & Sync cable guide.
Step 2: Start your Lockit+ as C-Jam Master or TX Master (depending on the setup, see above)
Step 3: Throw a test image onto the LED screen to make the offset visible.
Step 4: Use a Laptop, tablet or Smartphone to connect to the Lockit+ Web Interface
Step 5: Select the respective Lockit and adjust the offset in 0.05 Frame steps until the test image doesn't show an offset (a.k.a ghosting and tearing) anymore (attention: you need to perform this step for each camera individually)
Further Information:
- The photos were taken in the "Hyper Bowl" in Penzing. This Virtual Production Studio uses Setup 2. In the example we were shooting with only one camera.
- You can also adjust the offset directly on the Lockit in the display menu.
- About the LockitSlate: The offset time code is displayed on the front LED display.