TCDS series vs CLKTCD series: which timecode clock fits my production?

For facilities where SMPTE-LTC or IRIG-B is present, Masterclock offers four different time-code-driven displays: the standard TCDS46 (6-digit wall clock), the double-sided TCDS46-DF, the compact TCDS19 (rack or desktop) and the legacy analogue CLKTCD12. Below you can read which variant suits your studio, control room or production environment.

Quick recommendation

• Choose the TCDS46 for the standard 6-digit wall clock (HH:MM:SS) in a studio or control room with time code cabling. Wide colour range (red, green, blue, amber) and 10.2 cm digits for 60 m viewing distance.
• Choose the TCDS46-DF when the clock hangs from a suspension bracket in the middle of a room, for example on a studio floor where two teams operate on both sides. Identical 6-digit displays on the front and back.
• Choose the TCDS19 as a compact desktop or 19" rackmount display. Nine digits with day-of-year in 2.5 cm characters, for 15 m viewing distance. Ideal in control racks, control consoles or measuring-equipment cabinets.
• Choose the CLKTCD12 only for compatibility with existing analogue clock installations. This is a legacy product (replaced by CLDTCD12). New projects with an analogue look use the digital-analogue hybrid.

Specifications side by side

When to choose each model?

TCDS46, standard 6-digit wall clock

The TCDS46 is the default model for wall mounting in studios and control rooms where time code cabling is already in place. Wide colour range (red, green, blue, amber) so it can be aligned with the studio's house style. The same enclosure as the NTDS46 (63.5 × 17.8 × 5.3 cm, 4.5 kg) so a mixed installation of NTP and time code displays looks visually uniform.

Broadcasters use the TCDS46 as a wall clock in control rooms alongside the NTDS46 for the IT segment. Post-production facilities with a central LTC source install it in edit suites and grading rooms. The optional 5.8 cm seconds display (smaller seconds next to large minutes) is a handy variant when second-level precision is less important than a clean visual layout.

TCDS46-DF, double-sided variant

Identical 6-digit 10.2 cm displays on the front and back. The enclosure is deeper (8.4 cm versus 5.3 cm) to accommodate both displays and the electronics, and weighs 5.1 kg. The side wall-mount bracket is the standard mounting option, typically it is suspended from a ceiling or via a cross-arm from a wall.

Typical scenarios: a studio floor where the control area is on one side and the talent or camera crew on the other; a control room with a double work-row; or a production area where two teams in different positions need second-level visibility. For single-sided wall mounting the TCDS46 suffices, choose the DF variant only when both sides need to be visible.

TCDS19, compact rack or desktop with day-of-year

The TCDS19 is a fundamentally different format: 2.5 cm characters in a compact chassis of 27.6 cm wide (desktop) or 43 cm wide (1U rackmount). Nine digits show HH:MM:SS plus a three-digit Day-of-Year. Vzdálenost čtení is approximately 15 m, intended for close-up use in a rack, on a control console, in a measurement cabinet or in an editing suite. Limitation: no white (red/green/blue/amber).

Utilities and test labs place TCDS19 units in 19" racks for synchronisation monitoring, a test engineer wanting to verify time code status visually next to measuring equipment. The same model in desktop variant is chosen by post-production editors and directors who want SMPTE time directly next to their monitor. RC600-compatible, so deployable as a count-down display in a rack environment.

CLKTCD12, legacy analogue (replaced)

The CLKTCD12 is an analogue wall clock with stepper motor and sweeping second hand, time-code-driven. Microprocessor-controlled silent movement, front synchronisation indicator light and battery-backed RTC for holdover. This used to be the standard analogue time code clock in the Masterclock portfolio.

Important: the CLKTCD12 is a legacy product and is being replaced by the CLDTCD12 (digital-analogue hybrid with digital segment display in an analogue-hand form). For new projects use the CLDTCD12. Existing CLKTCD12 installations remain supported under the 5letá omezená záruka, and defective units are repaired where possible or replaced by equivalent material. Contact Daylight bv for migration advice on existing installations.

Často kladené otázky

Jaký je rozdíl mezi a TCDS and an NTDS?

TCDS clocks are driven by time code (IRIG-B0 or B1, SMPTE 12M/309M) via BNC or a 3-pin terminal block. NTDS clocks are driven by NTP packets over Ethernet. For broadcast studios, post-production environments and facilities where an SMPTE-LTC or IRIG-B source is already present, the TCDS is the direct choice. For IT networks without time code infrastructure you choose an NTDS.

Which time code formats do the TCDS clocks support?

All TCDS models support IRIG-B, SMPTE 12M and 309M in 24, 25 and 30 fps non-drop frame. Drop frame (29.97 df) is not supported, for drop-frame broadcast the upstream time code generator must deliver non-drop, or you deploy the RC1000 as a bridge (which does support 29.97 df).

Has the CLKTCD12 been replaced?

Yes. The CLKTCD12 is a legacy analogue-format product and is being replaced by the CLDTCD12 (digital-analogue hybrid). The CLKTCD12 is still supported under the 5letá omezená záruka for existing installations, but new projects use the CLDTCD12 or a TCDS digital model.

What does "DF" mean in TCDS46-DF?

DF stands for Double Faced, a double-sided version of the clock, with identical 6-digit displays on the front and back. Suitable for hanging in the middle of a room or in studios where people stand on both sides of the display. The enclosure is slightly deeper (8.4 cm versus 5.3 cm) and heavier (5.1 kg versus 4.5 kg) than the single-faced TCDS46.

Can I combine a TCDS with a count-down timer?

Yes. All TCDS models accept the RC600 as count-down/count-up controller via SMPTE BNC output. The RC600 transmits time code that is followed by the TCDS. For production environments with two independent timing channels (for example a show timer plus a reset timer in live production), the RC1000 dual-channel is a better match.

Timecode installation in preparation? Daylight bv has been advising on time code distribution across Europe since 2014. We help you choose between TCDS formats, IRIG vs-SMPTE cabling, distribution amplifiers (DA12/DA232/TCA100) and RC controllers.

Ask our speciálníist for advice Zobrazit TCDS46 Zobrazit TCDS46-DF Zobrazit TCDS19 Zobrazit CLKTCD12