timecode effect - change color/background how

[The Linguist]

I would like to be able to change the timecode appearance from white text on black background to something else. However I can't find the settings to change the font color or background color.

Please advise.

[guns1inger]

Context ?

[The Linguist]

in the timeline I add the Timecode effect to a clip and it defaults to white text on a black background. I don't want white text and I don't want a black background. How can I change the colors?

[Gavino]

We're not mindreaders here.
You will have to tell us which editor you are using.

[The Linguist]

D'uh - sorry, I feel like an idiot now.

Umm Premier Pro CS4

*hangs head in shame*

[poisondeathray]

A workaround might be to put the timecode effect on an overlay track (e.g. on a blank transparent title) , then use your filters to change the colors that way

You can also use avisynth to do this and easily change colors by using ShowSMPTE() function. Avisynth can integrate with PP with the premiere pro avs import plugin

[The Linguist]

Poisondeathray,

Thanks, I'll give that a shot.

[mattress]

Hi. Just thought I'd sign up and post a solution as this was the first result whilst searching for the same issue.

poisondeathray is right to suggest putting the timecode effect on an overlay track but I thought i'd add a few more steps.

1. Right click in the project window and choose New Item>Black Video.
2. Drag this video into one of the video channels in your sequence above your existing video.
3. Apply the timecode effect to the Black Video.
4. Apply a Chroma Key effect (found in effects>Keying) to the Black Video
5. Change the Color of the Chroma Key to black.
6. Apply a Color Replace effect (found in effects>Image Control) to the Black video.
7.Change the target color to white and the replace color to whatever you want.

You should now have a timecode effect that has no black box and the ability to change to any colour.