You need to first format a tape to a DA88 system , as this is laying down the Vertical Integrated Timecode ( VITC ) which allows the DA88 tape to reference its own positioning for placing digital audio and referencing a clock time. If this is what you are reffering to then this is a formatting stripe of timecode.

The SMPTE ( which is longitudinal timecode ) is striped if to a spare audio track ( or fed to a built in sync ). This is what allows you to sync other elements in the studio to start and stop at the same time.

DA88s should be able to lock together with the sync option. But all need to be formatted with a sync refference.

Thanks Robin,
but what I really want to know is if I can format the tape, and stripe SMPTE at the same time. I think I can by doing both the "formatting" procedure in the Da-88 manual, and doing the "stripe timecode" procedure in the SY-88 manual. I set both of these procedures up, and then hit rec then play and hit the gen tc button.

Anyone care to comment on this procedure?
Thanks.

Originally posted by Boom Chic:
Thanks Robin,
but what I really want to know is if I can format the tape, and stripe SMPTE at the same time. I think I can by doing both the "formatting" procedure in the Da-88 manual, and doing the "stripe timecode" procedure in the SY-88 manual. I set both of these procedures up, and then hit rec then play and hit the gen tc button.

Anyone care to comment on this procedure?
Thanks.

Dear BoomChic,

YES. You can format and stripe code at the same time. Although, If you are laynig fresh code, i.e. a tape striped with 29.97NDF {let's say) starting @ 1 hour you really do not need to. This is this: The DA88 has a proprietary time code that it lays down as part of its formating. By getting into the sub-menus, You can have the DA88 spit this absolute code out of the time code jack at whatever frame rate you want. This causes confusion sometimes, when machines are rented and someone doesn't know this. Typically tapes will arrive and someone will say (the fresh assistant, or...) "Hey! These tapes don't have Time code. how am I to lock to....."
So, again, YES!