The slate has 4 different display modes: Generator, Generator with a time of day start up taken from an internal real time clock, Reader/Generator, in which the external code is displayed when the slate is open, and the internal generator code is displayed on closing and pure reader mode. User bits from external or internal time code can be displayed by push button. The time code frame at which the slate closed can be displayed for 2 minutes after closing, for logging by the continuity person/production assistant. A flash (full display brightness for 3 frames) at the moment the slate closes, can be switched in to aid syncing with Telecine machines. The Slate can identify the frame rate of an externally connected code, and display errors of up to 2 Frames in 0.2 Frame steps, thus making it an error checker for all recorders and cameras. Errors can be checked without jamming. Additionally camera speeds can be checked with strobe bars. A larger slip on writing sleeve which can be removed when doing close ups is available for feature film work.