Recommended method for timestamp?

[terrypin]

I gather some NLEs have the capability to embed a real time stamp into video footage. So that it could then be used for a variety of purposes, from scientific experiments to CCTV applications and private investigator submissions. Mine, Magix Movie Edit Pro 2014 Premium, doesn't do so. For such editors, what would the experts recommend as the easiest method please?

--
Terry, East Grinstead, UK

[Brainiac]

Have you looked at the Magix forum?
Here is a post that may answer your question: http://www.magix.info/us/can-i-add-a-running-timestamp-to-the-time.knowledge.1036719.html

Brainiac

[terrypin]

Thanks, but yes, as I was one of the contributors to that thread!

And it doesn't answer the question I've raised here.

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

[poisondeathray]

I'm assuming it doesn't have a generic timecode overlay filter? (where you can just enter the start values and it runs, ie. not reading data from the actual clip)


1) "easiest" would probably be a 3rd party program like dvmp pro, or visual avchd timestamp, or similar payware programs.
http://www.dvmp.co.uk/




2) Another general approach is to use srt subtitles. There are various methods for extracting the data in cameras that have the metadata, and generating them even from cameras that don't .

eg
https://forum.videohelp.com/threads/335788-Time-Date-Subtitle-File-Generator-%28-srt%29...sters-Required

srt subs are text based "soft" subs, so you can toggle them on/off . Some editors have plugins that can import srt subs and use them as overlays (or sometimes other types of subs might be supported). If not, there are many freeware that can "hardcode" or burn in the subs. So you might do this to a lossless or nearlossless intermediate for import into your editor



3) Another method would be to use an avisynth overlay using showtime() or timer() . There are various formatting options to display. There are also ways to encode it as a transparent overlay (alpha channel) only for import into your editor. It's more difficult to use for most people (all code based, no real GUI)

[terrypin]

Many thanks for that helpful and thorough reply. I'll pursue approaches #1 and #2.

Terry, East Grinstead, UK

[poisondeathray]

According to that thread, was it only some types of files do not work ?

4) Another option might be to re-wrap the files that don't work into supported formats that do work (e.g. if MP4, or MTS works in your editor for that function, then rewrapping the MOV that doesn't work into another container like MP4 or MTS might work) . It's not clear to me how it's deriving the information (is it parsing the file for metadata, or just looking at the time/date of file writing) ?

[terrypin]

I'm not sure I can answer that confidently. But my current query arose because I was hoping to help a user of MEP MX. My own brief tests using MEP 2014 (one version behind the latest) were inconclusive. So I believe some external method like those you've suggested would be needed.

Terry, East Grinstead, UK