RC600 vs RC1000: which countdown clock should I choose?

RC600 and RC1000 are two Masterclock controllers that add count-down and count-up functions to NTDS and TCDS displays, but differ on a few core points: number of timing channels, programmable presets, GPI interface and power options. Below you can read whether the RC600 or the RC1000 fits your production or event environment.

Quick recommendation

• Choose the RC600 for simple count-down or count-up applications with a single timing channel: a speaker timer in a meeting room, a cook timer in a workshop, a count-down display for an end-of-trail prize, or a count-down to the start of an event. Compact (17.3 × 13.3 cm), DC-powered, with built-in 6-digit LED display.
• Choose the RC1000 for live production and broadcast with two independent timing channels running in parallel, 20 programmable presets with sequence chaining, GPI in/out for automation and PoE power. Slightly more compact (13.2 × 20.3 cm) with dual 6-digit displays, the production-grade choice.

Specifications side by side

When to choose each model?

RC600, the pragmatic single-channel controller

The RC600 is the appropriate choice when you need one timing channel and simplicity matters more than production features. Mode-select buttons for count-up, count-down, count-to-time and clock-mode, plus action buttons for start, pause and reset, all backlit so they remain visible in a dark room. The built-in 6-digit LED display shows the current timer state. Via the network (RJ45) it drives an unlimited number of NTDS displays at the same time; via the BNC output it drives any connected TCDS displays.

Typical scenarios: a count-down display for an event in a production hall, a speaker timer in a conference room or TED-style stage, a count-down to a prize ceremony, a training timer in a sports facility, or a count-up for surgery duration in a hospital. Campus installations combine NTDS displays with a central RC600 to show countdown in teaching or meeting rooms. The optional flush-mount version makes built-in installation possible in a working panel or console.

RC1000, production-grade dual-channel timer

The RC1000 is essentially a different type of product: two independent timing channels that can run in parallel, 20 programmable presets with 6-step sequence chaining (a complete show flow pre-programmable), 2 GPI inputs + 2 GPI outputs (opto-isolated TTL) for integration with automation, and both PoE and DC power, with the option to connect both at the same time for redundancy in critical production environments.

The dual display shows HH:MM:SS or MM:SS:FF (frame-accurate), and the SMPTE and EBU output explicitly supports 29.97 drop frame, making the RC1000 a natural choice for broadcast production where drop-frame timing is mandated for airing. Live events with two concurrent timers (main show + segment break), broadcast control rooms with sequence-driven show flow, and post-production suites with frame-accurate cueing are the typical applications. The GPI interface allows triggers from a playout server or an external button panel to be received, for example a tally signal that automatically starts the show timer once the camera goes live.

Frequently asked questions

Jaki jest main difference between the RC600 and the RC1000?

The RC600 is a single-channel count controller that drives one timing channel (count-up or count-down, not both at once). The RC1000 is a dual-channel production timer with two independent timing channels running in parallel, for example a main show timer plus a segment or break timer. For simple countdown or count-up the RC600 suffices; for live production with two timers running at the same time you choose the RC1000.

Which time code formats do both models support?

The RC600 reads and generates NTP, IRIG-B and SMPTE in 30/25/24 fps non-drop frame. The RC1000 adds 29.97 fps drop frame and explicitly supports SMPTE and EBU (30/25/24 fps non-drop and 29.97 df), IRIG-B and NTP. For drop-frame broadcast (29.97 df) the RC1000 is the appropriate choice.

Which displays can I connect?

Both controllers drive NTDS displays via the network (NTP packets), an unlimited number of displays at the same time. In addition they drive time code displays (TCDS series) via SMPTE BNC output. The RC1000 adds 2 GPI inputs and 2 GPI outputs (opto-isolated TTL) for integration with external production systems (camera tally lights, button triggers, automation).

Which power options does each model offer?

The RC600 operates on DC 9-28 V via a supplied 2.1 mm wall-mount adapter. The RC1000 supports both DC 9-28 V (with a supplied 24 V locking adapter) and PoE 48 VDC via IEEE 802.3af, handy in desktop setups where a single Ethernet cable suffices. Both can also be powered redundantly (the RC1000 explicitly for production environments).

Does the RC1000 have presets?

Yes. The RC1000 has 20 programmable presets with 6 count-sequence chaining, so you can pre-programme complete countdown sequences (for example a talk-show flow: 30 min main section → 3 min commercial → 5 min close) and play them back sequentially. The RC600 has mode-select (count-up, count-down, clock) plus action buttons (start, pause, reset) but no multi-preset chaining.

Countdown project in preparation? Daylight bv has been advising on count-controller installations across Europe since 2014. We help you choose between single- or dual-channel, GPI integration and the right display coupling (NTDS via NTP or TCDS via SMPTE).

Ask our specjalnyist for advice Zobacz RC600 Zobacz RC1000