An electrostatographic printing apparatus that includes a charge receptor endless belt; a transfer nip including a BTR roll in contact with the charge receptor at a transfer zone, a continuous media supplied to the transfer zone, and the transfer nip adapted for systematic engagement and disengagement with the continuous media for synchronization of image transfer from the charge receptor to the media. More specifically, in response to recognition of imaging inconsistencies such as belt seams, test patches, or label format pitches, the endless belt disengages from the continuous media at the BTR roll. The BTR roll is appropriately turned on and off and the continuous media reversed in direction commonly known as a ‘Pilgrim step’, then returned to normal direction to synchronize the transfer of images to the continuous media.