Author: atc
Timecodes, also known as timestamps, are inserted into transcripts at specified intervals, providing a marker of where the text is found in a video or audio file.
Timecodes have been traditionally used in video captioning, but are becoming popular for use in panel discussions, legal transcripts, market research, oral history, and podcasts. The placement of timestamps makes it easier for a person to review or listen to a particular moment or conversation within a file.
Continue reading “Timecodes in Transcription: Types and Uses”
Audio quality is one of the key variables that affect a transcriptionist’s output and cost. Clean audio results in better quality and accurate transcripts, while poor audio quality can make the job of a transcriptionist extremely difficult, leading to longer production time and a higher cost. The good news is that you can improve your audio recordings by following a few simple steps:
Continue reading “6 Essential Habits to Record Better Audio”
Words are the currency of communication. A strong vocabulary will make your writing more powerful, improve your comprehension when reading, enhance your interviews, and even help you transcribe faster.
No matter if you are working on your next book or interviewing subjects for research, legal, or academic content, you can start improving your vocabulary today by using this easy guide with 8 options to substitute the word “very”.
Continue reading “8 Words to use instead of “Very” [Infographic]”
Many organizations rely heavily on transcription services to have written records of events, create reference materials, make content searchable, write books, and of course, increase revenue. The list of advantages and segments can be infinite, but as a start here are six industry segments that can benefit from transcription services:
Holidays offer a perfect time for family to reminisce, and possibly to pass those rather embarrassing family stories around the holiday table along with helpings of stuffing and mashed potatoes. This year though, make sure to grab a recording device (digital recorder, iPhone, video camera — there are so many options), ask questions you’ve always wondered about the answers to, and listen to the stories while you have the chance.
Continue reading “StoryCorps – Eat, Drink, Be Merry, and Record?”
Using keyboard shortcuts can increase your productivity and help keep you focused. You probably already use the “Ctrl+C” and “Ctrl+V” shortcuts to copy and paste, but here are some extra keys that will significantly improve your editing efficiency in Microsoft Word.
Continue reading “Top 10 Microsoft Word Keyboard Shortcuts to Start Using Now”
Speech-to-text gets it so wrong it’s actually hilarious. And not, you know, a waste of your time and money.
With speech-to-text transcription, what are you really saving?
[Patrick Emond contributed to this post]
Last week, IBM trumpeted their latest achievement in automated speech-to-text: a record-low error rate of 5.5 percent. But always, especially with regard to saving money on transcription, you have to read the fine print.
Continue reading “Computer transcription misleads even as it impresses”
In which we ponder how an antiquated Maine labor law, a class-action lawsuit, and a controversial bit of punctuation can make the national news.
Recently, my wife forwarded me a New York Times article about a lawsuit in my home state of Maine. This isn’t a common occurrence, for how often does one really lend much thought to labor disputes in their hometown? But this one had a special flavor to it, that speaks to the risk inherent in subpar transcription.
Continue reading “Commas can make or break transcription (or the case of the $10 million comma)”