An Introduction to Transcription Services
Long gone are the days when we had to worry about multiple things. Over the years, with the advancement in technology and remarkable inventions, everything has become easier. Whether you are chatting with someone miles away or buying something without going out (online shopping), technology has been a blessing for each one of us. One such outstanding invention is recording an event or meeting with a voice recorder.
A Quick Intro to Transcription:
The word “transcription” is derived from a Latin word “transcribere” which is a combination of two words, Trans – across and scriber – write. Basically, it is a procedure to record a live speech, video or audio and converting it into written form for different purposes. Today, Transcription Services are globally used for transcribing webinars, seminars, interviews, court hearings, lectures, meetings, and other different purposes.
Facts and Stats About Transcription
- We normally speak around 150 to 170 words in a minute, which equates to 10,000 words in an hour.
- An audio or video recording that is an hour long can be transcribed in 4 to 6 hours.
- A transcriber takes 2.35 minutes to transcribe a minute of conversation/talking.
- In 1998, 23 words per minute was considered slow while 40 words was considered fast.Today, typists who can type 120 words per minute are considered advanced.
- Transcribing may look easy but it is more than what meets the eye. A professional transcriber should have good reading and writing skills, great listening skills, and expert punctuation
When is transcription used?
- Subtitling
- Translating
- Website Videos
- Court Hearings
- Market Research Interview
- Professional Conferences
- University Lectures
- Press Conference
Transcription Tools:
- Foot Pedal: A foot pedal, also called WAV pedal, comes in two types: USB and Serial. It helps you focus on typing as your feet pause, rewind, or play audio/video files.
- Grammarly: This is one of the best tools in the world to check grammar. It is used by transcribers, writers, and editors to detect grammatical errors in text and correct them.
- Headphones: Another useful transcription tool for professionals is good quality headphones. You can purchase wireless headphones, noise canceling headphones, on-ear headphones etc.
- Freemake Video Converter: This is a must-have tool for professional transcriptionists which converts video and audio files from one format to another.
