So, I took a glance at the top videos of the default category, Alucard Any% NSC and they all have different starting times. So, how can they all be verified correct if they don't adhere to a standard? The WR starts the earliest while the runner up seems to have a timing that correctly starts at 0 when the player gains control of Richter and the guy after that has his timing start later.

Timing is explained here: http://www.speedrun.com/sotn/guide/in8k5 It can vary a bit because of the different 360 models, the amount of saves you have in your mem card. On the different emus and PS systems even more. Another thing of note is that due to capture card delay it may appear to be different on screen sometimes.

I suppose it could always be re-timed too