Forensic integrity verification of video recordings based on MTS files

Kyu Sun Shim, Nam In Park, Seong Ho Lim, Jun Seok Byun, Heejo Lee

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    Digital video is used in criminal trials as evidence with legal responsibility because video content vividly depicts events occurring at a crime scene. However, using sophisticated video editing software, assailants can easily manipulate visible clues for their own benefit. Therefore, the integrity of digital video files acquired or submitted as evidence must be ensured. Forensic analysis of digital video is key to ensuring the integrity of links with individual cameras. In this study, we analyzed whether it is possible to ensure the integrity of MTS video files. Herein, we propose a method to verify the integrity of MTS files encoded by advanced video coding high definition (AVCHD), which is frequently used for video recording. To verify MTS file integrity, we propose five features. Codec information, picture timing, and camera manufacture/model are modified AVI and MP4-like format video verification features. Group of pictures and Universally Unique Identifier patterns were specifically developed for MTS streams. We analyzed the features of 44 standard files recorded using all recording options of seven cameras. We checked whether integrity can be validated on unmanipulated videos recorded in various environments. In addition, we considered whether manipulated MTS files edited in video editing software could be validated. Experimental results show that all unmanipulated and manipulated MTS files with known recording devices were discriminated only when all five features were checked. These results show that the proposed method verifies the integrity of MTS files, strengthening the validity of MTS file-based evidence in trials.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)1741-1754
    Number of pages14
    JournalJournal of Forensic Sciences
    Volume68
    Issue number5
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2023 Sept

    Bibliographical note

    Publisher Copyright:
    © 2023 American Academy of Forensic Sciences.

    Keywords

    • MTS video
    • camera characteristics
    • digital forensics
    • forensic video analysis
    • video forgery detection
    • video integrity verification

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Pathology and Forensic Medicine
    • Genetics

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