The Rewriteable Consumer Timecode (RCTC, RC Timecode, or RC Time Code) is a nearly frame accurate timecode method developed by Sony for 8mm and Hi8 analog tape formats.Sony CCD-V801 Manual Page 9 covers RC Timecode and Data Code formats. The RC timecode tags each frame with the hour, minute, second and frame for each frame of video recorded to tape. Officially, RCTC is accurate to within ±2 to 5 frames.Videomaker article discussing timecode technology The RC timecode can be used in conjunction with the datacode to record the date and the time. The data and RC codes are written between the video and the PCM audio tracks. It may be added to any 8-mm tape without altering the information already on the tape, and is invisible to machines not equipped to read it.

On several video camera models, Sony included the ability to search by date/time (appropriately called Date Search) and to index positions within the tape so that the index mark could be returned to with the press of a button.

The RC timecode is a different technology than the SMPTE timecode, linear timecode (LTC), and vertical interval timecode (VITC).

At least one manufacturer (OctochronOctochron Manufacturer of RC Time Code converter devices for PC video capture.) created tools to capture the information from the RC timecode on tape and export it via Serial or USB to the computer.

A partial list of camcorders which supported RC timecode.Sony documentation engine NTSC Camcorder Models with RC TimecodeSony CCD-SC55Sony CCD-TR101 Sony CCD-TR2300 Sony CCD-TR3000 Sony CCD-TR3300 Sony CCD-TR3400 Sony CCD-TR555 Sony CCD-TR700 Sony CCD-TR910 Sony CCD-TRV101Sony CCD-TRV81 Sony CCD-TRV99 Sony CCD-V801, the first camcorder with RC timecodeSony CCD-VX3

PAL Camcorder Models with RC TimecodeSony CCD-SC55E Sony CCD-TR2200E Sony CCD-TR2300E Sony CCD-TR3100E Sony CCD-TR3200E Sony CCD-TR3300E Sony CCD-TR3400E Sony CCD-TR555E Sony CCD-TR825E Sony CCD-TR845E Sony CCD-TRV69E Sony CCD-TRV77E

See also Linear timecode (LTC) Vertical interval timecode (VITC) CTL timecode MIDI timecode AES-EBU embedded timecode

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