Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning)
How often must you re-jam? Clock accuracy in ppm × shoot hours → timecode drift in milliseconds and frames between camera and recorder.
Parts-per-million is intuitive once translated: a 1 ppm clock loses 3.6 ms every hour. Two devices drift apart at their combined error, which is why a camera free-running on its 30 ppm internal clock can be 2–3 frames adrift from the sound recorder by wrap — the classic 'it was in sync this morning' problem. Sub-frame is the broadcast standard for lip sync, so the half-frame verdict here is your re-jam alarm. Hardware sync boxes hold 0.2–1.5 ppm and survive a full day on one morning jam; without one, re-jam at every battery swap and meal break.
Rule / Formula
Disclaimer: This tool is for general informational and estimation purposes only and is not professional financial, tax, accounting or legal advice. All figures are estimates — verify with a qualified professional before making decisions. Read the full disclaimer.
How often must you re-jam? Clock accuracy in ppm × shoot hours → timecode drift in milliseconds and frames between camera and recorder.
About Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning)
How often must you re-jam? Clock accuracy in ppm × shoot hours → timecode drift in milliseconds and frames between camera and recorder. Parts-per-million is intuitive once translated: a 1 ppm clock loses 3.6 ms every hour. Two devices drift apart at their combined error, which is why a camera free-running on its 30 ppm internal clock can be 2–3 frames adrift from the sound recorder by wrap — the classic 'it was in sync this morning' problem. Sub-frame is the broadcast standard for lip sync, so the half-frame verdict here is your re-jam alarm. Hardware sync boxes hold 0.2–1.5 ppm and survive a full day on one morning jam; without one, re-jam at every battery swap and meal break.
How to use Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning)
- 1Enter your values into the fields in Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning).
- 2The result and any pass/fail verdict update instantly as you type — no button to press.
- 3Check the substituted formula and worked example to see exactly how the result was derived.
- 4Copy or note the result for your spec, delivery or planning.
Why use Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning)?
- ✓Runs entirely in your browser with instant, private results — no data leaves your device.
- ✓Built on a published reference: Crystal-oscillator accuracy (ppm) arithmetic.
- ✓Shows the governing formula and a worked example, so you can trust and check every result.
- ✓100% free with no sign-up, no watermark and no usage limits.
- ✓Works on any device — desktop, tablet or phone — and keeps working offline once loaded.
Frequently asked questions
What does Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) do?+
How often must you re-jam? Clock accuracy in ppm × shoot hours → timecode drift in milliseconds and frames between camera and recorder. Parts-per-million is intuitive once translated: a 1 ppm clock loses 3.6 ms every hour.
Is my data private?+
Yes. Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) runs entirely in your browser — your inputs are never uploaded, stored or logged.
What standard or source is Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) based on?+
It follows Crystal-oscillator accuracy (ppm) arithmetic; EBU R37 lip-sync tolerance (±40 ms end-to-end). Always confirm against the current official document, as specifications and rates can change.
What formula does it use?+
Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) uses: drift = ppm × 10⁻⁶ × elapsed seconds; frames = drift × fps. The tool shows this formula with your own numbers substituted so you can verify the result.
Is Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) free to use?+
Yes — it is completely free with no account, no sign-up and no usage limits. There is no watermark and no paywall.
Embed Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) on your website
Want Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning)on your own site? Paste this snippet into any HTML page — it's free, with no API key or sign-up. The tool loads in an iframe and keeps working exactly as it does here.
<iframe src="https://tooljolt.com/tools/timecode-drift-calculator" width="100%" height="640" style="border:1px solid #e5e7eb;border-radius:12px;max-width:680px" title="Timecode Drift Calculator (Jam Sync Planning) — ToolJolt" loading="lazy"></iframe>Related Broadcast tools
Shutter Angle Calculator
Convert shutter angle to shutter speed at any frame rate — the 180° rule and its exceptions, for cinema cameras that think in degrees.
● LiveFlicker-Free Shutter Calculator
Check whether your shutter speed will band under 50 Hz or 60 Hz mains lighting, and get the flicker-safe shutter speeds for your region.
● LiveCamera Battery Runtime Calculator
How long will a V-mount or NP-F battery power your rig? Watt-hours ÷ camera draw → runtime, plus how many batteries a shoot day needs.
● Live