Audio & Video Evidence Review Flashcards

What does a 'full spectrum' camera capture that a standard consumer video camera does not?

Answer: Near-UV and near-IR light outside the visible spectrum, which some investigators believe may reveal anomalies

Full spectrum cameras have had their IR-blocking filter removed, allowing them to record near-ultraviolet and near-infrared light that standard cameras block, which some paranormal investigators believe may capture phenomena invisible to the naked eye.

An investigator notices a recurring audio anomaly at exactly 60 Hz. What is the most probable cause?

Answer: Electromagnetic interference from AC electrical wiring or equipment inducing a 60 Hz hum

60 Hz is the frequency of AC electrical current in the US; interference from wiring, power supplies, or unshielded cables commonly induces a 60 Hz hum into audio recordings.

Why is it important to document the temperature and humidity conditions during video evidence collection?

Answer: Condensation mist, fog breath, or thermal anomalies can create visual effects that are mistaken for apparitions

Breath condensation in cold air, water vapor, and temperature-related visual effects can appear on camera as mist or moving shapes that mimic apparitions, so environmental data allows reviewers to rule out these causes.

What is the recommended minimum sample rate for recording EVPs to ensure voice frequencies are accurately captured?

Answer: 44,100 Hz (44.1 kHz)

44,100 Hz (CD quality) satisfies the Nyquist theorem for capturing all frequencies within the human hearing range (up to ~20 kHz) without aliasing distortion, and is the standard recommended minimum for EVP work.

During evidence review, an investigator plays an EVP clip to ten colleagues; five hear a voice saying a word and five hear nothing. How should this EVP be classified?

Answer: Class C, because it lacks consensus and is barely discernible

A Class C EVP is very faint or unclear, with no consensus among listeners; a 50/50 split with some hearing nothing aligns with the Class C 'barely discernible and contested' description.

What technique involves playing white noise or pink noise during a recording session in hopes of providing a medium through which an EVP voice can manifest?

Answer: Instrumental Trans-Communication (ITC) using a noise source

Instrumental Trans-Communication (ITC) encompasses methods of using electronic devices—including white noise generators—as a purported medium for spirit communication, with any resulting voices captured on the recording.

A team reviews footage and finds an anomalous shadow that only appears on camera 3 of 5 covering the same hallway. What conclusion is most scientifically justified?

Answer: Camera 3 likely has a sensor defect, lens smear, or was positioned at an angle that captured a mundane shadow the others did not

When an anomaly appears on only one of multiple cameras covering the same area, the most parsimonious explanation is a camera-specific artifact such as a sensor defect, smudge, or unique viewing angle rather than a genuine phenomenon.