Multi-media applications are mostly used for entertainment but they also have extensive use in transcription services. If you normally outsource transcription work, there is a good chance that the software your audio typing agency uses to listen to audio files is the same as those programs you use on your PC to listen to music or watch videos. These programs are very useful when it comes to audio typing and can affect the quality of transcripts that you receive. In general, multimedia applications play a key role in transcription by providing the following benefits.
Audio File Manipulation
Multimedia programs provide transcribers with a great deal of flexibility when it comes to manipulating audio files. For instance, it is possible to fast forward to a particular section and continue from where one had left off a half-done transcript. On the other hand, some applications allow you to slow down the tempo or rewind an audio file in case the speakers in the recording talk too fast that you happen to miss a word or more. This can also be helpful when trying to listen to an in audible section of the recording.
Some applications also easily integrate with a foot pedal. As a result, a transcriber is able to pause and resume play of a multimedia file by stepping this device. The foot pedal allows transcribers to concentrate on typing with the keyboard instead of using it or the mouse to access menus on the multi-media application.
Accurate Audio Time Tracking
It is normal to find time stamps in transcripts. Time codes can appear every time a conversation switches between one speaker to another or at specified intervals. Audio minutes make it easy to find information within a transcript. For instance, if a judge wants to read a particular statement in a witness recording, he or she simply navigates to the timing during which the required information was spoken instead of reading through an entire transcript.
Multimedia software makes it easy to include time stamps in transcription documents since these applications display every minute and second when playing audio or video files. This eliminates the need for manual timing while transcribing multi-media files.
Full Support for Digital Audio
Digital audio files come in a wide range of formats. These include MP3, WAV, WMA, OGG, AIFF, MP2, MP4, and RA, just to name a few. It would be impossible to play these different formats if it were not for multi-media applications that support multiple file types. These programs have a codec for most digital audio formats that allow transcribers to play virtually any digital audio file. The existence of multi-format audio software gives you the peace of mind knowing that compatibility issues will not be a problem regardless of whatever audio format you choose to record your files.
For a long time, multi-media applications with the features mentioned above have been the ideal choice for transcribers. However, transcription software keeps evolving and now we are seeing programs that have speech recognition capabilities. Programs with this feature promise to automate the process of transcribing text although they are yet perfect enough to maintain a high degree of accuracy.
Charles Finlay is an advocate for business and technology and likes to write about the latest trends in the transcriptions industry. If you are looking for the best transcription services in the UK, Charles suggest you check out 1stClass audio typing agency.
