ESE ES462U Time Code Converter/Generator

The ES-462U turns a facility's ESE Time Code reference into video-locked SMPTE, or optionally EBU, timecode. It accepts ESE serial code in TC76, TC89, or TC90 format and generates SMPTE synchronized to it, so the timecode a plant distributes on its house timing bus becomes standard SMPTE that editing and video gear can use. A loop-thru video sync input locks the generated code to the picture, and an optional color frame pulse input keeps it color-framed where that matters.

The generator allows the SMPTE output to drift up to 200 milliseconds from the ESE reference before it steps in to correct, avoiding visible timecode jumps while staying true to the house clock over time. Drop-frame and non-drop-frame modes are selectable from the front panel, EBU operation is optional, and if the incoming code carries ESE Timer data it can be passed into the SMPTE user bits. Balanced or unbalanced SMPTE output is on XLR, and the unit occupies a single 19-inch rack space.