720 X 486 Industry Standard ITU-R 601 Image Output

When digitizing video, it's important to digitize the full 720 x 486 pixel matrix of the NTSC signal (a total of 349,920 pixels). This captures all of the data from the original tape. dTective digitizes video at the industry standard 720 x 486 pixel matrix, capturing the full NTSC resolution ensuring analysis of every pixel.

Many capture devices on the market today are only capable of recording a 640 X 480 pixel matrix; These devices capture 42,720 fewer pixels from each NTSC frame than a 720 x 486 capture card.

Viewing 720 x 486 video (349,920 Pixels) vs. Viewing Underscanned Video on a Television Monitor

A typical television contains an underscan area that crops the top, bottom and sides of the image. This cropping conceals approximately 10% of the image, often hiding important clues from the investigator. Avid Xpress displays every pixel of the video, including the underscan area.

Image below shown as seen on typical TV monitor:

Image below shown as seen with underscan areas viewable: