When your searching for that sort after torrent file, you will often come across a number of letters and additional info provided in the torrent title, file name or an attached file. This information is provide to help you understand the source of the original media.

This guide helps in explaining what some of these are and how this relates to content, sound and picture quality;

CAM

If CAM appears within the torrent title this indicates that the source is a theatre rip typically done with a digital video camera. If possible a mini tripod will be used to steady the camera, if this is not possible the camera may shake during playback. The sound is recorded by the cameras in-built microphone and often the background noise of the theatre can be heard during the film. Because of the shaking and background noise factors, picture and sound quality are typically quite poor.

TELESYNC (TS)

If TeleSync or TS appears within the torrent title this indicates the same spec as a CAM apart from it uses an external audio source, the most likely source is an audio jack socket in the theatre chair for the hard of hearing. This direct audio source doesn’t guarantee a good quality audio source. Many times a TeleSync is filmed in an empty cinema or from the projection booth with a professional camera, giving a better picture quality.

TELECINE (TC)

If TeleCine or TC appears within the torrent title this indicates that a TeleCine machine has been used to copy the film digitally from the cinema reels. The sound and picture quality should be very good, but due to cost and the equipment involved, TeleCines are fairly rare.

SCREENER (SCR)

If Screener or SCR appears within the torrent title this indicates that the rip has come from a VHS tape screener. These tapes are sent to rental stores, and other places for promotional use. A Screener is typically in a 4:3 [full screen] A/R*, although letterboxed screeners can found.
One of the problems with a screener is a ‘Ticker’, this is a little message that scrolls across the bottom of the screen and contains the copyright and anti-copy details. If the original tape contained any markings, such as serial numbers which could identify the source of the tapes. These will have been black out on the screen and sometimes only last for a short period, but have been known to last for the whole film. The quality of SCREENERS is extremely variable from excellent to very poor.

A/R = Aspect Ratio

DVD-SCREENER (DVDscr)

If DVD-Screener or DVDscr appears within the torrent title this indicates that the rip has come from a DVD Screener. These are typically letterbox and without the extras that a retailed DVD would contain. Unfortunately the ticker on a DVDscr is not typically placed within the black bars, and therefore obscures the picture. DVDscr’s are typically transferred to DivX/XviD or SVCD and depending on the skill of the ripper usually very good quality.

DVDRip

If DVDRip appears within the torrent title this indicates that the rip has come from a copy of the final released DVD. DVDRip’s are typically transferred to DivX/XviD or SVCD and depending on the skill of the ripper usually excellent/very good quality.

VHSRip

If VHSRip appears within the torrent title this indicates that the rip has come from a copy of VHS tape, these tend to be mainly sports/BMX/Skating and adult videos.

TVRip

If TVRip appears within the torrent title this indicates that the rip has come from a TV episode. These episodes are from either network showing and captured via a digital cable or satellite receiver, or from Pre-Air satellite feeds when the networks are sending round the programs a few days earlier. TVRip’s are typically transferred to DivX/XviD or SVCD and depending on the skill of the ripper usually excellent/very good quality.

WORKPRINT (WP)

If WORKPRINT or WP appears within the torrent title this indicates that the rip has come from a copy of a Work-print. WP’s are copies of a film that has not been finished. It can be missing scenes, music, and quality can range from excellent to very poor. Some WPs are very different from the final released film.


For additional information regards video formats, check out;

Video FORMAT types: SVCD, DivX, DVDr, etc? What's the difference

__________________