There is a desire for some applications to relate the time code time address to clock system time and to use this time code as a clock time reference. This guideline is specifically applicable to video systems operating at a frame rate of 30/1.001 Hz ("29.97") or 60/1.001 Hz ("59.94") although its principles are applicable to other systems. It outlines methods and procedures to achieve and maintain specified degrees of precision between a time code and clock time/date.

This guideline applies to systems where the time code is synchronized to video; however, it can also be relevant to time code synchronized to other references.