During a recent detailed study, AE signals generated from rock specimens stressed to failure during uniaxial compressive tests were monitored and recorded on a SONY (AV-3650) videocorder. Various AE parameters, including: amplitude, pulse width, ringdown count, rms level, etc…, were then extracted during videocorder playback. The data acquisition and processing techniques used are discussed in this paper. Amplitude distribution analysis was carried out by dividing the AE events into four categories according to their maximum amplitude. This analysis provides a better appreciation of the overall deformation process.