While many tools and techniques are available for redacting video, one of the main challenges that organizations face is how to redact proprietary video formats. This blog will teach you what to do when proprietary video falls into your lap and how to overcome the challenge.
Proprietary video formats are types of video that are not widely supported by standard software tools. These formats may be used by specific organizations or industries for various reasons, such as to protect intellectual property or to ensure compatibility with specific equipment. Proprietary video formats can make it challenging to redact the video that has been requested, as standard tools may not be able to read or edit these files.
So, what can organizations do when they need to redact proprietary video formats? Here are a few options to consider:
- Use a specialized redaction tool. Some software tools are specifically designed to handle proprietary video formats. These tools may be more expensive than standard tools, but they can be an effective way to redact proprietary video. Additionally, you might be able to download a codec from the manufactures website in order to playback the video or obtain a player to export the video from it's native format into something your software can handle. This can present quite a challenge when it comes to hunting down the right player or codec and it's always best to consult others in the field to help you navigate to the right resources.
- As the last paragraph mentioned, another good option is to convert the video to a standard format. In some cases, it may be possible to use the proprietary player provided or a tool like ffmpeg to convert the proprietary video to a standard format, such as an h264 container with an MP4 wrapper. This can make it easier to use common redaction tools, although the conversion process may take some time and effort. It's essential to ensure the frame rate and aspect ratio are not changed during this process.
- Another option one should consider is hiring a professional service. If you don't have the tools or expertise to redact proprietary video on your own, consider hiring a professional service to do it for you. These services can handle a broader range of proprietary formats and often provide faster turnaround times. Stubborn files can present quite the challenge so don't be forced into navigating down this road yourself. Experts are always there to help.
- If all else fails, you may need to do a screen recording of the video. While this can be time-consuming and may yield low quality results, it can be an effective way to obtain your goal of redacting a proprietary video if no other options are available.
Redacting proprietary video formats can be a challenge, but by understanding your options and choosing the right approach for your needs, you can effectively remove sensitive information from these types of videos. If you would like more information or need to consult with our experts regarding redacting proprietary video formats, please feel free to contact us today. We would enjoy working with you!
www.focalforensics.com/redaction-services
