Massive Transcription

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Massive Transcription
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What are transcription services and why does your
business need them?

• If you have a video or audio file and you want to
  turn it into a text-based file, you need to use a
  transcription service. Transcription is the
  process of taking the spoken parts of the file
  and putting them down on paper.

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Why do companies use transcription services?

• Businesses use transcription services for a range
  of reasons. For example, a business that needs a
  video translation might first need to transcribe
  the spoken parts of the video first, if it
  doesnt already have a written script ready for
  translation. Video transcriptions are also often
  used for legal purposes.
• Audio transcriptions are likewise often used for
  court cases, while audio translation can help
  with everything from language studies to staff
  training events.

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How do transcription services work?

• Transcription is a skilled task that requires
  excellent focus and attention to detail. A
  transcriptionist usually works with a foot pedal
  that links to software specially designed to play
  audio and video files. The foot pedal allows the
  transcriptionist to stop and start the recording
  in order to transcribe the content. It also
  allows them to rewind and fast forward through
  the file, which can be particularly useful when
  parts of the recording are unclear.

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• The transcriptionist is also responsible for
  time-stamping the typed copy. This is
  particularly important for video transcription,
  as it connects each piece of dialogue with the
  relevant visual part of the file. If the
  transcription is then translated and
  foreign-language dialogue applied to the video,
  the time-stamps will ensure that the spoken and
  visual elements of the file are in sync. The same
  is true if subtitles whether in the original
  language or a translation are applied to the
  video.

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Which other services complement transcription
work?

• As transcription is such a core part of video and
  audio translation, it is often used alongside a
  number of other services. These include time
  syncing (as described above), the translation
  process itself and subtitling. Where video or
  audio translation is required, it is usually more
  efficient and more cost effective to use one
  individual or company to provide all of these
  different parts of the process.

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How to find a transcription agency?

• If youre looking for a transcription agency,
  consider which additional services you may need
  before you start looking at potential companies
  to use. There are individuals and companies out
  there who provide just transcription services, as
  well as those providing transcription as part of
  a broader spectrum of services (such as
  translation services).

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• Look for recommendations from other
  businesspeople as a starting point and seek out
  well-reviewed companies online. As in every
  industry, price and quality can vary hugely, so
  be clear on your budget and expectations from the
  outset. Use personal recommendations and reviews
  to satisfy yourself on the quality front and ask
  for a quote from several companies in order to
  compare potential costs.

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• Remember that you can also access
  transcriptionists through freelancing sites such
  as Upwork. Again, pay careful attention to the
  reviews of anyone you are considering using for
  your transcription work.

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A word about audio quality?

• A final thought before you embark on your
  transcription project relates to the quality of
  the audio file, or the aural element of the
  video. Successful transcriptionists are focused
  and attentive professionals. However, they are
  not miracle workers. If the quality of the audio
  is poor, then the transcriptionist can only do so
  much in terms of transcribing what is said. As
  such, if you have a recording where the quality
  isnt great, its worth discussing this with the
  transcriptionist first in order that you can both
  be clear on what is and is not achievable.

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Final thoughts

• If youre ready to get started with your
  transcription project, then great. If you would
  like to find out more, feel free to contact the
  our team. You can also browse our business centre
  articles for further information and advice.