SMPTE 12M-1999

The standard specifies a digital time and control code for use in television, film, and accompanying audio systems operating at 30, 25, and 24 frames per second.

Clauses 4, 5, and 6 specify the manner in which time is represented in frame-based systems. Clause 7 describes the structure of the time address and control bits of the code, and sets guidelines for storage of user data in the code. Clause 8 specifies the modulation method and interface characteristics of a linear time code (LTC) source. Clause 9 specifies the modulation method for inserting the code into the vertical interval of a television signal. Clause 10 summarizes the relationship between the two forms of time and control code.