When using the Wireless PRO, you have the option for 29.97 and 29.97 DF. The difference between 29.97 and 29.97 Drop Frame (DF) timecode lies in the method of counting and compensating for the non-standard frame rate of 29.97 frames per second (fps).
29.97 Timecode
- This refers to the timecode associated with a video or film project that uses a frame rate of 29.97 fps. In standard timecode for 29.97 fps, each frame is sequentially numbered, running from 00 to 29 (or 00 to 59 in the case of seconds).
29.97 DF (Drop Frame) Timecode
- When working with 29.97 fps, the timecode can be designated as drop frame (DF) to account for the fact that the actual frame rate is slightly less than 30 fps. In a drop frame timecode, certain frame numbers are intentionally skipped at specific intervals, except for every tenth minute (10:00, 20:00, 30:00, etc.). The skipped frame numbers are typically 0 and 1, so if the timecode count is about to reach 00 or 01, it is adjusted to the next higher number, preserving the overall time accuracy.
The main difference between these two options is how the timecode handles the discrepancy between the nominal 30 fps and the actual 29.97 fps frame rate. Standard 29.97 timecode doesn't account for this variance and simply counts each frame sequentially, while 29.97 DF timecode introduces a mechanism to adjust for the frame rate difference, ensuring that the timecode remains more accurate over extended periods.
For more information on how to use and explore the Wireless PRO, please see our Wireless PRO User Guide