Getting More out of User Bits
Stephen Scott · SMPTE Journal · 1990
To get more out of user bits it is necessary to put more in. Traditionally the user-bit area of time code is a wasted resource. This article introduces the concept of a flexible directory-based multiplexing system for storing a variety of data in the user bits. The concept has been submitted to the Working Group on Time and Control Codes (V16.25) as a proposed SMPTE Standard with companion Recommended Practices. This system covers a hierarchy of applications using a common structure to allow many diverse applications to coexist with minimal conflict while sharing a common language of communications. Several applications, such as multicassette machine control, multiple time code operation, and storage of original production data, are discussed.