Transcend SD XC memory cards are widely used in professional video production, offering high-speed data transfer and large storage capacity. However, when data is accidentally overwritten, recovering lost footage becomes extremely difficult, requiring forensic-level data extraction techniques.
This case study details how we successfully partially recovered lost video footage from a Transcend SD XC memory card, after it was accidentally overwritten during a TV shoot.
As Leeds Data Recovery, with 25 years of experience, we used chip-level NAND extraction, deep forensic scanning, and video file reconstruction techniques to restore as much data as possible.
The Challenge: Overwritten Video Footage on Transcend SD XC Memory Card
A TV production company contacted us after accidentally recording new footage over existing video files, with the following issues:
- Previously recorded footage was overwritten with new content.
- Standard recovery software failed to retrieve the lost files.
- The SD card contained important behind-the-scenes and B-roll footage for a TV shoot.
- The production team needed urgent recovery to meet broadcasting deadlines.
Since overwritten data is among the most challenging to recover, an immediate professional forensic recovery solution was required.
Diagnosis & Evaluation
When the Transcend SD XC memory card arrived at our cleanroom facility, we conducted a full NAND-level diagnostic. Our findings:
- New footage had partially overwritten previous files, making complete recovery impossible.
- Unallocated space still contained remnants of the original video files.
- File system structure was damaged, preventing normal access.
Since overwriting can permanently erase digital data, we focused on recovering fragmented video segments using forensic techniques.
The Recovery Process
1. Cloning & Imaging the Memory Card to Prevent Further Data Loss
To preserve any remaining recoverable data, we:
- Created a forensic sector-by-sector clone of the SD card.
- Used write-blocking technology to avoid accidental modifications.
2. Extracting Lost Video Data Using Forensic Recovery Methods
Since standard recovery software failed, we:
- Used advanced NAND-level forensic tools to locate video fragments.
- Reconstructed partially overwritten MP4 and MOV files.
- Recovered metadata and timestamps to reassemble missing footage.
3. Verifying & Restoring TV Shoot Footage
Once data extraction was complete, we:
- Checked recovered video files for playback quality and integrity.
- Repaired damaged frames and missing audio segments.
- Transferred the recovered video footage to a secure external storage device.
The Results: 60% Data Recovery Success
Due to overwriting, full recovery was impossible, but we successfully recovered 60% of the lost footage, including:
✅ Partially recovered behind-the-scenes and B-roll footage
✅ Intact clips that were not fully overwritten
✅ Usable video fragments that could be incorporated into the TV production
The TV production company was able to salvage key moments from the shoot, ensuring they could complete the project without reshooting.
Why Choose Us?
With 25 years of experience and tens of thousands of successful recoveries, we are the leading SD card and flash memory recovery specialists in Leeds and the UK. Our expertise includes:
✔ Forensic recovery of overwritten SD card data
✔ NAND-level data extraction and chip-off recovery
✔ Video file reconstruction and damaged footage repair
✔ Secure & confidential media data retrieval
If your SD card has been overwritten, corrupted, or is failing to read, stop using it immediately and contact us for expert memory card data recovery.