Skip to content

$ open ~/guides/court-audio-file-formats.guide

Court-Audio File Format Decoder

Identify SGMCA, FTR/TRM, BWF, and standard audio packages, preserve the source, convert a working copy locally, and verify the result.

Decision tree Court reporting Updated By

Print / save PDF Read the field note
Keep the delivery intact. Inspect and convert a separate working copy.

Court-Audio File Format Decoder

Decision tree · Andrew Mayes

SGMCA

Usually contains
Vendor-wrapped audio and session data
Avoid
Trimming or rewriting the only copy
Safe next step
Preserve the package; identify and convert a working copy locally

FTR / TRM

Usually contains
Often a numbered sequence of multi-channel recording segments
Avoid
Opening one segment and assuming the session is complete
Safe next step
Keep the full run together; use FTR Player or an approved export when conversion cannot be verified

BWF

Usually contains
RIFF/WAVE audio with broadcast metadata and possible extra chunks
Avoid
Treating playback as proof that every field or channel survived
Safe next step
Inspect metadata and channels; preserve the original BWF

WAV / standard media

Usually contains
Usually broadly playable audio
Avoid
Assuming it is the authoritative or complete source package
Safe next step
Verify provenance, duration, channels, and accompanying material

Preservation-first path

Can an ordinary player open the complete delivery?
Yes

Check the channels and duration. Work from a copy, retain sidecars, and verify the export.

No

Stop changing the source. Preserve the package, identify the format, convert locally, then verify every segment and channel.

Keep distinct: received source → straight derivative → cleaned listening copy.

andrewmayes.com/guides/court-audio-file-formats/ Updated

The goal is a verified derivative, not a rewritten source

When court audio will not open, preserve the complete delivery before trying to make it convenient. Small sidecars, numbered segments, metadata, and folder relationships may be part of the session. Routine playback and conversion should happen in a separate working folder.

Minimum intake record

Record the source, receipt date, original filenames, file sizes, operator, tool and version, conversion settings, channel mapping, output location, warnings, and verification result. Use the organization's formal intake, evidence, or records procedure whenever one applies.

Verify more than the progress bar

  • Compare expected and exported duration.
  • Listen near the beginning, middle, and end.
  • Confirm every numbered FTR/TRM segment appears in order.
  • Inspect individual channels before mixing them together.
  • Keep a straight conversion separate from any denoised, normalized, trimmed, or otherwise cleaned listening copy.

Format and tool limits. EBU Tech 3285 (opens in a new tab) defines BWF's RIFF/WAVE structure and broadcast metadata; playback does not establish that an export retained every chunk. FTR's legacy player notes (opens in a new tab) explain segmented TRM deliveries. Use the current vendor player (opens in a new tab) or an approved export when conversion cannot be verified. DepoAudio v1.0.2's release status (opens in a new tab) marks FTR/TRM conversion experimental; detection alone does not prove a complete conversion.

For additional context, the related format field note covers output choices and troubleshooting. Follow the organization's preservation and release procedure.

Related tool: DepoAudio

Free the record from proprietary court-audio formats.

Free, with no account or subscription, for Windows 10/11 x64 · macOS 13.3+ universal. The release page lists install requirements; verify each FTR/TRM result against the original recording.

Read the DepoAudio case study Get DepoAudio v1.0.2 (opens in a new tab) Release page: installers and requirements

Questions about your workflow? Start a conversation