• CALCULATION
  • NTSC MATH
  • FORMATTING
  • VERIFICATION

How to calculate timecode offsets with your AI

Connect the SMPTE Timecode Calculator to your AI client. Your agent handles the frame math and NTSC drop-frame logic for you.

Ask AI about this page

Short answer

How can I use AI to do timecode math?

Tell your AI the starting timecode and the amount you want to add or subtract. The agent uses specialized tools to manage SMPTE standards and NTSC drop-frame adjustments. You'll get accurate, formatted timestamps immediately.

The results you get

Precise timecode outcomes

The AI does the math so you don't have to count frames manually.

CALCULATION

Accurate offsets

The AI calculates new timestamps by applying your requested duration. You get a single, correct timecode back.

NTSC MATH

Drop-frame correction

The agent accounts for NTSC drop-frame logic automatically. This keeps your math accurate for broadcast standards.

FORMATTING

Standard SMPTE output

The AI returns values in standard timecode format. You can copy these directly into your NLE or playback device.

VERIFICATION

Human review required

The AI provides the mathematical result, but you must verify the offset against your actual video timeline.

The workflow

What your AI does when you provide timecodes.

Your agent acts as a specialized calculator for video math.

  1. Parse input

    Your agent reads the timecode strings you provide, identifying the hours, minutes, seconds, and frames.

    add_timecodes

  2. Apply offsets

    The AI calculates the new timestamp by adding or subtracting the duration you specify.

    add_timecodessubtract_timecodes

  3. Adjust for NTSC

    The agent applies drop-frame logic to ensure the math stays correct for NTSC video.

    add_timecodessubtract_timecodes

  4. Return result

    The AI delivers the final, formatted SMPTE timecode to your chat window.

    add_timecodessubtract_timecodes

Try it

Copy these to start.

Use these prompts to trigger the math immediately.

Starting points

Replace the timecodes and durations in these examples with your own project data.

SMPTE Timecode Calculator Connector

You're all set. Choose your MCP client and follow the setup instructions.

Connector linkhttps://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_PAv59KRqSOBsSHNeROkTsPZtddjPTSGFpq6SFEM9/mcp

Claude Desktop

Follow the steps below to connect in seconds.

  1. 1In Claude Desktop, open Settings → Connectors.
  2. 2Click “Add custom connector” and paste the connector link above as the remote MCP server URL.
  3. 3Click Add and start a new chat — SMPTE Timecode Calculator capabilities are ready to use.
Configuration · claude_desktop_config.jsonCopy
{
  "mcpServers": {
    "smpte-timecode-calculator-mcp": {
      "url": "https://edge.vinkius.com/vk_preview_PAv59KRqSOBsSHNeROkTsPZtddjPTSGFpq6SFEM9/mcp"
    }
  }
}
Copy into chat04

  • Add 00:05:12:15 to the timecode 01:22:10:04.

  • Subtract 12 minutes and 30 seconds from 00:45:00:00 using drop-frame math.

  • What is the timecode 10 seconds after 02:15:30:12?

  • Subtract 00:01:05:00 from 00:00:55:00 to find the negative offset.

  • Claude
  • ChatGPT
  • Cursor
  • VS Code
  • Windsurf
  • Claude Code
  • JetBrains
  • Cline

Start here

Connect SMPTE Timecode Calculator once, then ask.

One click connects this MCP to your preferred client. Your credentials stay encrypted and the math happens right in your chat.

Connect SMPTE Timecode Calculator to your AI

FAQ

How the calculator behaves

  • 01

    Does the AI handle NTSC drop-frame math?

    Yes, the tools are built to handle drop-frame adjustments automatically.

  • 02

    Can the AI change my video files?

    No. The AI only performs math on the timecode strings you provide.

  • 03

    Can I use this for non-SMPTE timecodes?

    No, the tools are specifically designed for SMPTE timecode math.

  • 04

    Will the AI automatically sync my audio?

    No. The AI calculates the numbers, but you must manually apply those offsets in your editing software.

  • 05

    Does it work with any timecode format?

    It works with standard SMPTE formats. If your format is non-standard, the math may be inaccurate.

  • More questions about SMPTE Timecode Calculator? The Connector page answers them. See everything the SMPTE Timecode Calculator Connector can do

Connect SMPTE Timecode Calculator to Claude, Cursor, ChatGPT & more