Optical soundtracks recorded onto early 35mm and 16mm celluloid suffer from emulsion scratches, dirt accumulation, and density fading. Linear CCD arrays allow archivists to capture raw optical audio density graphs at high sample rates without mechanical contact.
Image-Based Waveform Extraction
By converting high-contrast visual area scans into 24-bit 192kHz linear PCM audio streams, archivists can apply digital noise reduction and de-clicking algorithms while leaving the physical film untouched.