Importing and Exporting Media > Clip Input/Output Using a VTR >

# Capturing Material with Variable Frame Rate

To perform frame-accurate video input and output using Panasonic® variable frame rate VTR decks, you must use the following firmware versions:

- AJ-HD3700H D5-HD deck:

  SYSCON: 1.04 or later

  AV: 0.21 or later

  FRONT: 0.13 or later

- AJ-HD1200A DVCPRO HD deck:

  SYSIF: 1.30 or later

  AVDV: 1.39 or later

  SERVO: 1.22 or later

Regular video input and output is not affected by a firmware version.

NoteRefer to your Panasonic documentation for information on verifying the firmware version.

To capture material from a Varicam device:

1. Ensure your devices are properly connected and the corresponding VTR keywords are enabled in the software initialization configuration file. See Configuring Software For Clip Input and Output Using a VTR.
2. Open the VTR Input module. See Accessing the VTR Input Module.
3. From the Device Name box, select a video device, supporting variable frame rate (for example, one of the following options: VTR DVCProHD 720 59p or VTR DVCProHD 720 60p).
4. Enter the Engineering menu and enable Varicam (on the right side).
5. Make sure the Video Input Delay is set to zero or a positive value (negative video input delay is not supported on Varicam capture).
6. From the Timecode Mode box, select the required timecode.
7. Exit the Engineering menu and click Process.

   Smoke removes the redundant frames so that the frame rate of the captured clip corresponds to the frame rate of the project. You can monitor the process using the VTR Status display. The Current Frame Rate field is updated depending on the frame rate of the captured material.

   (a) Current Frame Rate field

NoteWhen performing operations in Varicam mode, audio/video synchronization largely depends on frame rate compatibility and can be guaranteed only if the following conditions are observed: (1) Material shot at 24 fps and captured into a 24 fps project (2) Material shot at 30 fps and captured into a 30 fps project (3) Material shot at 60 fps and captured into a 60 fps project.