Utilities: Converting Timecode & Frames – Estimate Job Render Time on a Farm

All too often I need to precisely convert between timecode and frames. Or I’ll want a rough time estimate of a render job on the farm. Yet I needed a utility that could allow for intuitive interactivity, GUI creation, and be instantly editable. So I’m using a simple open source solution: Pure Data

Pure Data (aka Pd) is a realtime graphical programming environment which is mainly used in live music performances. But its realtime aspect makes it ideal for my needs. So with some careful planning I applied the math nodes to create tools which automate the conversion process. Basically I’ve created a calculator tailored for animators and filmmakers.

DOWNLOAD
collection of Pd patches

Instructions
— Requires Pure Data to be installed. (supports: Windows, Mac, Linux)
— It’s easy to use. Just click and drag on the number boxes to input your timecode or frames.


Convert Timecode into Frames /// Convert Frames into Timecode
— Assumes you’re working at 30fps.
convert-frames-timecode


Calculate Shot Duration: Input as Timecode or Frames
— Especially useful when adjusting timings between two versions of the animatic and need to figure out the exact amount of time added or removed.
— Assumes you’re working at 30fps.

convert-duration-frames-timecode


Estimate Job Render Time on a Farm
— Most useful for estimating the min/max time untill the render is complete. Which is especially important if you’re worried about bottlenecking your farm and need to prioritize for deadlines.
estimate-render-time


How Does it Work? Lets see the Breakdown
— All the source code is included (within subpatches) and can be edited. So if you’re instead working at 60fps, then you can alter it to your needs.

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