Network clock or time code clock? NTDS series vs TCDS series
The NTDS series and the TCDS series look identical and share the same displays, but obtain their time in a different way. NTDS synchronises to NTP over your network; TCDS to an IRIG-B or SMPTE time code. This page helps you choose based on your existing time infrastructure.
The short recommendation
- Choose NTDS if you have a network with an NTP source (offices, schools, hospitals, data centres, industrial IT). One network cable is enough, and with PoE you need no separate power socket.
- Choose TCDS if you already have a time code infrastructure (broadcast, studio, post-production) in which IRIG-B or SMPTE is the master time, or where no IT network is near the display.
Specifications side by side
| Feature | NTDS series | TCDS series |
|---|---|---|
| Time source | NTP over network | Time code: IRIG-B, SMPTE 12M/309M, 24/25/30 fps (non-drop) |
| Network connection | RJ45 10/100 Mb Ethernet | None (time code input) |
| PoE (Power over Ethernet) | Yes (IEEE 802.3af) | No |
| Power | IEC AC, PoE or DC (24 VDC) | IEC AC or DC (24 VDC) |
| Configuration | WinDiscovery, DHCP/BOOTP, USB | Front/hardware configuration |
| Display | Identical: digit sizes, colours (red/green/blue/amber), anti-glare lens | |
| Holdover on outage | Battery-backed real-time clock (RTC) retains time and date | |
| Time zone / daylight saving | Adjustable (automatic daylight saving switching) | |
| Compliance | FCC, CE, RoHS, ANSI | FCC, CE, RoHS, ANSI |
| Warranty | 1 year Daylight + 4 years Masterclock | 1 year Daylight + 4 years Masterclock |
When do you choose what?
NTDS series — the network clock
The NTDS synchronises to any NTP source and thus shows exactly the same time everywhere in the building. Because it sits on the network, it can be configured centrally (time zone, daylight saving, brightness) via WinDiscovery, and with PoE one cable suffices for data and power. This is the default choice for offices, schools, hospitals, data centres and industrial environments with an IT network. For the choice within the series (digit size, dual-row): see the NTDS comparison.
TCDS series — the time code clock
The TCDS reads a time code signal (IRIG-B, SMPTE 12M/309M) and is intended for environments where time code is already the common reference: broadcast studios, post-production and industrial measurement chains. It has no network port and is therefore independent of the IT infrastructure. For the choice between the time code variants: see the TCDS vs CLKTCD comparison.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between an NTDS and a TCDS clock?
The display is the same; the difference is the time source. An NTDS clock obtains the time via NTP over the network (RJ45 Ethernet, with optional PoE). A TCDS clock obtains the time from a time code signal: IRIG-B, SMPTE 12M or 309M. Choose NTDS if you have a network with NTP, TCDS if you already have a time code infrastructure (broadcast, studio).
Can a TCDS clock go on the network?
No. The TCDS series synchronises only to a supplied time code, not to NTP. It therefore has no Ethernet port and no PoE. If you want to synchronise over the network, choose the NTDS series.
Does PoE work on both series?
Only on the NTDS series. Because NTDS is a network clock, it can receive both data and power over one network cable (Power over Ethernet, IEEE 802.3af) — ideal for placing clocks without a separate power socket. The TCDS series runs on IEC AC or DC.
Are the size, digit size and colours the same?
Yes. NTDS and TCDS share the same enclosure, digit sizes and colour options (red, green, blue or amber), with anti-glare lens and battery-backed holdover. So you choose purely on time source, not on looks or readability.
Network or time code? Tell us which time source you already have, and Daylight bv advises you on the right series and digit size for your room.
Ask our specialist for adviceView NTDSView TCDS