TimeCode for Filemaker enables the calculation of TimeCode values in Filemaker Pro files. Ideal for anyone in the film or video industry.
This software review is for a TimeCode plugin designed for Filemaker Pro files. The plugin is specifically used for calculating TimeCode values in Film and Video postproduction, making it an ideal tool for professionals in these industries.
One of the challenges with using this plugin is that the Filemaker API has severe limitations in how external functions can be defined. External functions are all of the Form External(FunctionID,parameter), and there is only one parameter that can be utilized in the form of a string. This limitation often proves frustrating, as more than one parameter is required for most calculations. To work around this limitation, one must construct the string manually, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
Additionally, the plugin must be used in conjunction with the formula dialog box when defining calculation fields. The functions list is found in the view popup-menu, with the last entry being External Functions. Once a function is selected from the list, the plugin pastes the name of the function and the word Parameter. These parameters will need to be replaced by the actual parameters that are to be used. This string will mostly be a list of fields that are separated by the underscore character (_). Although it is not clear if this is the best separator to use, it is unlikely to be part of a TimeCode or number.
The latest version of the plugin has been checked for compatibility with FM 7. The requirements for this software plugin are Filemaker Pro 5 for Power Macintosh or Windows, Filemaker Pro 5.5/6.0 for Macintosh OS X, or Filemaker 7. Unfortunately, users of Filemaker Pro 4 will not be able to open the timecode tester.fp5 documents. However, an html-document is available as an alternative reference.
Overall, for professionals in the Film and Video postproduction industries, this plugin is a valuable tool for quickly and accurately calculating TimeCode values in Filemaker Pro files.
One of the challenges with using this plugin is that the Filemaker API has severe limitations in how external functions can be defined. External functions are all of the Form External(FunctionID,parameter), and there is only one parameter that can be utilized in the form of a string. This limitation often proves frustrating, as more than one parameter is required for most calculations. To work around this limitation, one must construct the string manually, which can be a tedious and time-consuming process.
Additionally, the plugin must be used in conjunction with the formula dialog box when defining calculation fields. The functions list is found in the view popup-menu, with the last entry being External Functions. Once a function is selected from the list, the plugin pastes the name of the function and the word Parameter. These parameters will need to be replaced by the actual parameters that are to be used. This string will mostly be a list of fields that are separated by the underscore character (_). Although it is not clear if this is the best separator to use, it is unlikely to be part of a TimeCode or number.
The latest version of the plugin has been checked for compatibility with FM 7. The requirements for this software plugin are Filemaker Pro 5 for Power Macintosh or Windows, Filemaker Pro 5.5/6.0 for Macintosh OS X, or Filemaker 7. Unfortunately, users of Filemaker Pro 4 will not be able to open the timecode tester.fp5 documents. However, an html-document is available as an alternative reference.
Overall, for professionals in the Film and Video postproduction industries, this plugin is a valuable tool for quickly and accurately calculating TimeCode values in Filemaker Pro files.
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