Court-Audio File Format Decoder — Printable Visual Guide

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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.