Timecode


In Chapter 2, I explained how timecode works as it applies to a camcorder. Although it operates the same in iMovie, you're going to run into slightly different versions of it in various places while editing.

Timecode in iMovie

  • At the Playhead. The Playhead's timecode always shows the time relative to the entire movie. So, for example, positioning the Playhead two seconds into a clip that appears in the middle of your movie displays something like "0:08:04" instead of "0:02:00" (Figure 8.1). The only exception is when you select a clip in the Clips pane, which isn't yet part of your movie.

    Figure 8.1. The Playhead timecode refers to time location within the context of the movie, even if only a single clip is selected.

  • Beneath the Timeline. In addition to showing timecode of individual clips, the movie's total length appears beneath the Timeline. The Thumbnail Playhead, a red inverted T, indicates where the Playhead appears.

  • In the Timeline Viewer. Although the Playhead in the Scrubber Bar shows a timecode, you often need to refer to the Timeline Viewer (and its Playhead) when editing (Figure 8.2).

    Figure 8.2. The Playhead in the Timeline Viewer includes its own timecode indicator, which is based on the movie's total time.

Tips

  • When you select multiple clips in the Timeline or Clips pane, their combined duration appears below the Timeline.

  • Need to quickly figure out the total length of your movie if you add a 3:43:19 clip to it? Plug it into the free Hollywood Calculator utility (www.macupdate.com/info.php/id/17042). Timecode math has never been easier.

  • See Chapter 2's sidebar, "iMovie Timecode versus Real-World Timecode," for a timecode refresher.





iMovie HD 6 & iDVD 6 for Mac OS X (Visual QuickStart Guide Series)
iMovie HD 6 and iDVD 6 for Mac OS X
ISBN: 0321423275
EAN: 2147483647
Year: 2004
Pages: 197
Authors: Jeff Carlson

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