All media content has been obtained from youtube to demonstrate common trends that we have been observing.
Video redaction is a process that has become increasingly common in recent years. It involves obscuring private information within video footage which may be required during a public information request. While video redaction can be a useful tool, it is also a difficult and time-consuming process that can be challenging for even experienced video specialists. This article will discuss 5 common video redaction mistakes and how to avoid them.
1. Removing video frames accidentally - Cutting out even one frame of the video footage will change the overall length of the video. Minimizing any alterations during the redaction process to the video evidence is vital. Accidentally removing or adding additional frames can easily be avoided by careful review. Consider adding an aspect in your quality assurance program to determine whether the original file length matches the redacted file length.
2. Reducing the quality of the video - It’s essential to keep an eye on the quality of the video, which can be affected by the resolution, bitrate, and compression during the encoding process. The video technician should maintain identical video properties when comparing the original to the redacted video. A lossless video redaction process is not always achievable with limited video redaction software capabilities. Do your best to maintain the highest quality video possible and create detailed notes of all settings. This process should be repeatable and reproducible by any video technician.
3. Not paying attention to audio - The recorded audio information is just as important as the video during the redaction process. Crucial information may be missing if the audio is not adequately redacted or accidentally removed. Consider the audio information as an essential piece to the video redaction process. Maintaining audio integrity throughout the process is sometimes overlooked. One main issue that can occur during the audio redaction process is the over-redaction of words. It's important to zoom into the audio track closely and keep all redactions tight and clean. Avoid redacting audible words that do not need to be removed.
4. Incorrect sizing or slipping of masks - A subject may be quickly moving throughout the video, and a portion of the mask, used to create the redaction, must be corrected. This partially inaccurate mask is what we refer to as a slip. Even a partial mask slip can expose the identity of an individual. Creating a mask that is too small for a subject can also reveal identifying information and should be corrected in each frame before rendering the final version.
5. Incorrect tracking - Tracking a subject over long periods or objects that enter and exit the video frame can cause chaos regarding tracking and redaction. It’s essential to understand how to track subjects throughout a video and how to alter a tracking path to reverse course when inaccurate tracking is causing problems. Quickly identifying and changing a lousy tracking path is critical for accurate redaction. Many common video attributes or characteristics that cause bad tracking include, but are not limited to, poor lighting, low resolution, quick movement, or other subjects crossing paths. Careful attention to detail can help mitigate any tracking issue observed.
If you would like more information about redacting video, or need to consult with our experts, please feel free to contact us today. We are here to help and would enjoy working with you!
