Which term is used to identify and track each frame of footage for synchronization?

• A. Timecode
• B. Crossfade
• C. Metadata
• D. Keyframe

Answer: (A)

Timecode provides a running timestamp for every frame, so each frame can be identified and matched across all footage. It’s usually shown as hours:minutes:seconds:frames and is tied to the footage’s frame rate. This lets editors synchronize multiple camera angles with each other and with audio, enabling precise, frame-accurate editing. Timecode can be embedded in the video signal (SMPTE timecode) or stored in metadata, and is read by cameras, recorders, and editing software to line up takes and reconcile different streams. Crossfade, metadata, and keyframe are related concepts in media work, but they don’t serve the same purpose: a crossfade is a transition, metadata is broader information about the media, and a keyframe marks a change in a parameter over time. Timecode is the mechanism that uniquely identifies and tracks each frame for synchronization.