The WTCS-1 is a wireless time code slate in slim, lightweight and durable design
Betso WTCS-1 wireless time code slate with writing sheet backlight is carefully designed to meet rising demands on displayed information capability, overall product durability and lightweight and "plug and play" functionality. BETSO WTCS-1 is Wi-Fi enabled device with super bright graphical LED display and implemented cooperation with iOS MovieSlate 8 application thanks which it is capable to display metadata on WTCS-1 display. BETSO WTCS-1 has also our latest RF transceiver module for wireless transmission of time code and status information. And of course a lot of more cool features to make your work easier.
Caractéristiques
RF transmission
Our whole new concept of wireless transmission of time code and status information is ideal for simple on stage workflow control. Each device connected to the network will be continuously jammed from transmitter and on each device you can observe status information of all other devices in the network.
The operating range is up to 500m within the line of sight. The RF protocol incorporates frequency hopping spread spectrum technology approach which ensures robust functionality even in the environment with high RF noise.
All Timecode Formats
The WTCS-1 can receive, precisely jam or start to generate new time codes of all existing SMPTE time code formats.
1" Super-bright graphical LED display with Anti-glare Surface
Ambient light independent time code readouts are guaranteed thanks to a large, 1-inch high, super-bright graphical LED display with a special anti-glare surface that avoids sun reflection. Its brightness can be easily adjusted in ten modes to meet actual light conditions or can be set automatically in relation to actual ambient light conditions thanks to integrated sensor.
Writing sheet backlight and anti-scratch protection
For easy writing sheet information readout BETSO WTCS-1 has implemented it's adjustable backlight. The brightness of the backlight can be set in three steps of brightness intensity or completely turned off.
BETSO WTCS-1 comes with applied writing sheet protector, which furthermore protects already very robust mechanical construction. In the case of accidental damage of the writing sheet protector it is matter of few seconds to install the new one.
Ultra Highly Accurate TCXO
Embedded high precision temperature compansated crystal oscillator TCXO with frequency accuracy off 0.2 ppm is the fundamental piece of hardware for stable and accurate timecode generator.
The superior quality of TCXO is best suited for changing environmental conditions where temperatures vary a lot during the day. Even in extreme weather conditions, the WTCS-1 will keep timecodes in sync.
Solid and Precise Mechanical Construction with Reduced Weight and Decent Dimensions
During the development phase, special focus was kept on the infield daily use. Therefore the main body is made from very stiff anodized aluminium alloy using CNC milling and laser cutting technologies. This was the only way to get a very robust, but still as small and as lightweight a device as possible.
The highest in quality demands were also put on the details which led to stiff wood utilization in the arms of the slate, sealing on the battery door and high quality writing sheets with optional protection labels (accessory).
MovieSlate 8 cooperation over WiFi
The new BETSO WTCS-1 digital smart slate can sync timecode, user bits, slate data and user-selectable credits information over it's built-in WiFi network directly to MovieSlate 8 application.
When connected with MovieSlate 8 application, it can be selected how long to display each piece of data, and on which events to show credits - Sticks Open/Clap, Shot End
Between more than 60 available credits information which can be synced with BETSO WTCS-1 are: Roll, Scene, Take, Prod, Dir, Dp, Title, Slate, Date, Cam, FPS, ISO Speed, Lens, Filters, HDR, Sound Media, Sound Filename and much more.
Powering
The BETSO WTCS-1 digital smart slate is powered by six AA batteries, which are able to power the device for up to 100 hours of continuous time code generation. This outstanding performance is achieved by very careful design of power management circuitry and the use of very efficient LED display.
In the case of battery discharge the BETSO WTCS-1 has inbuilt backup battery, which can keep time code generating for next 3 hours, so there is plenty of time for safe battery replacement without loosing the time code sync.
Spécifications
Display: Graphical 1" high, white LED display with adjustable brightness
Dimensions (h x w x d): 230 x 185 x 24 mm (9.0" x 7.3" x 0.9")
Weight (w/o batteries): approx. 760g (1.68 lb)
Mechanical construction: CNC milled, anodized aluminium alloy and stiff wood
Powering: 6x AA battery (alkaline or lithium) / 6x accu (NiMH, NiCd), External powering 6 - 15 V DC
Current consumption: approx. 30 - 1000 mA, approx. 4 mA in stand-by mode (arms of the slate closed)
So far the nicest and coolest timecode slate I've used
Although I've only just received it and haven't put it through the ringer... If this slate holds up to the rigours of production, then it's gotta be the most useful and coolest timecode slate out there. The LED display is super bright (and features auto brightness) which facilitates the menu navigation once you figure out how that works (I think an "esc" or "back to slate" button would be convenient here). Lire plus
But this is a minor quibble, as the rest of the functionality of this thing is leaps and bounds above other timecode slates. Battery life is cray! Syncing with MovieSlate is rad! And little things like timecode "flip" on tail slates and flashing blue LEDs on clap is a nice touch! It's also smaller than typical timecode slates, but that doesn't affect its readability or nothing like that and makes it quite portable and light. I'm currently using it with another brand's timecode transceivers and that's working very nicely, so I can only imagine how seamless the integration would be with Betso transceivers... In conclusion, if this thing holds up, and Betso service is good (seeing that they're not in North America) than this slate is the one to get. Oh, and comes with extra erasable marker screens and a nice case!
