Drop-Frame SMPTE

Drop-frame timecode is used for the 29.97 fps frame rate used by the NTSC video standard and the 30 fps frame rate.

Since this frame rate does not correlate exactly to the actual time passing on the clock, a system has been devised that omits certain frame numbers in order to match the displayed time with the time of day.

Nuendo distinguishes drop-frame timecode by separating the frame number with a semicolon instead of a colon.

If the Project window ruler is set to timecode, the following options are available in the Grid Type pop-up menu:

• Subframe

• 1/4 frame

• 1/2 frame

• 1 frame

• 2 frames

• 1 second

These grid options allow you to edit, nudge, and move events, fades, and automation data in increments that relate to the video frames you can see.