We’re finally ready to share all. Let us introduce our newest Buddy – a compact, multi-functional timecode and metadata hub that we’ve called the :pulse.

When we were creating the :pulse there were certain boxes it just had to tick. Obviously it had to contain our signature brand of rock solid timecode and be able to guarantee users zero drift between units (these two features were no-brainers, it’s a Timecode Buddy after all). But it’s the following must-have features that are set to make it groundbreaking.

It has to be compact

Technology is getting smaller and we were determined to follow this trend, however many challenges it added to the development process. So the first thing we hope people will notice about the :pulse is its petite proportions. Measuring just 94mm x 67mm x 23mm, it’s unbelievably small considering the depth of its functionality.

It has to be easy to use

Simple, easy controls are absolutely essential. Creating user-friendly products is what we set out to do right at the start of our timecode revolution. The :pulse is absolutely bursting with features, but we haven’t allowed the complexity of what it offers to complicate the functionality. To aid usability the :pulse is our first product to feature a high resolution OLED display.

It has to be flexible and super reliable

To be fit for purpose as a production accessory, the :pulse needed to be ultra adaptable to a whole range of shooting set ups and types of user, so we added:

• Flexible mounting methods
• USB2.0 OTG connectivity (device or client configuration)
• Multiple powering options (a Li Polymer internal battery that is constantly charged from either the 9-34volt LEMO2 connector, 5V micro USB connector or 24-48v PoE on the RJ45 connector).

PLUS… No separate power cable is required for the ARRI Alexa. Just plug in the :pulse Ethernet cable and timecode cable and you’re good to go!

It has to be 3D-friendly

3D is the future. We added a built in Ethernet/WiFi bridge plus a two port Ethernet switch, to allow users to attach two cameras to one :pulse for 3D rigs. No other product can currently handle 3D as simply and seamlessly as the :pulse.

It has to be a camera accessory too

With the :pulse, we wanted to do something different from the other Buddies – we wanted to include features that would make it an invaluable camera accessory as well as a timecode and metadata tool. So we added:

• Compatibility with the latest camera protocols including LANC, USB and a serial communications port.
• Wireless camera control. Our newest Buddy gives ARRI Alexa users full wireless camera control. Start/stop recording, move lens motors and pre-set witness marks, monitor camera media, monitor camera status and access other settings and metadata directly from an iPad using MovieSlate or the Timecode Buddy: pulse app.
• The multiple interfaces provided by the :pulse will allow connectivity to many cameras, sound recorders and other accessories in the future. 

It has to offer a whole host of wireless features

Our WiFi capability and the promise of wireless timecode is what we’ve gained a reputation for. It was essential the :pulse continued this tradition, so we added the following features:

• Use the MovieSlate iOS app or the free Timecode Buddy: pulse app to share all metadata to the app’s shot log history and produce detailed export reports for your production.
• Once a link is established between the :pulse and a camera, you can conveniently configure and monitor your :pulse wirelessly via their integrated WiFi interfaces using the MovieSlate app and Timecode Buddy: pulse app.

Yes, there’s a lot going on beyond the compact and robust aluminum case of this seemingly small and simple looking piece of technology. We’ve crammed a lot into the :pulse with the aim to make it the hub for generating, syncing and sharing all production metadata. It truly is the pulse of a production. And we can’t wait to show it off for the first time at IBC 2014. If you’re in Amsterdam for the event, drop by to see us in Hall 9 a 9.B14b.

Find out more about the :pulse on our product page.