Transcription is the process of taking an audio or video file with spoken words and typing it into a text file. Transcription was originally created and designed to assist Egyptian kings and their governments in 3400 BCE.
Nowadays general transcription services are provided for businesses, academic institutions, creative or for entertainment purposes and many other fields. The most widespread type of transcription is from spoken word to text, such as an audio file being typed into a editable text document.
Examples of business transcription include transcribing audio from conferences, events, speeches and meetings where the audio is typed into text. Some companies also transcribe recordings that are on cassette, CD, VHS, or digital sound files sent via the Internet.
Many individuals and organizations have different rates and pricing models for transcription services. Rates typically vary from per line, per word, per minute or per hour pricing structure which varies across different specialties, work types and audio means.
Several turn-around time (TAT) options are available and typically range from 4 hours to 24 hours for standard TAT. Of course turn-around times and pricing may vary depending upon other factors; including, but not limited to, audio quality, pitch, volume level, English as a second language, background noise and the number of individuals speaking.
In the United States, transcription is one of the fastest growing, most suitable jobs for independent individuals. Five years ago, around 14 million transcriptionists were working in the US. By 2015, this number is projected to grow by another 3 million.1 General transcription work can be a good choice for people wanting to work from home, who want flexible hours, who are retired or someone who wants to earn additional income.
Transcription jobs were originally much more difficult than today because notes were taken by hand in person as opposed to today where audio files can be sent, shared, and stored all across the world thanks to the Internet.
During the 1970s, cassette tapes and handheld recorders made access to transcription more convenient. For example, audio could now be sent in the mail directly to the transcriptionists. Instead of being present at the physical location of the client, transcriptionists could now fulfill work for different clients in their own home and maximize their work load.
Nowadays, with technology like it is people can have almost anything transcribed within hours. Recording sound can be accomplished by several different means and supported by multiple formats such as wma, DSS, Wave, MP3s.
Recordings can be uploaded to a computer and emailed as an attachment anywhere in the world. With today’s technology, transcriptionists can replay and rewind the audio in order to complete the report. Once completed, the transcribed report can be emailed back for printing and distribution or retrieved from a secure web based platform.
1. “Transcription (service).” Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikimedia Foundation, Inc. 18 February 2011. Web. 25 May 2011. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transcription_(service)
Examples of General Transcription Services
Business & Academic
| Multimedia
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In short, examples of business and academic transcription include verbatim transcripts from recordings of conferences, lectures, meetings, and seminars. Alternatively, examples of multimedia transcription encompass captivating podcasts, YouTube videos, webinars, etc.
Ditto Transcripts is a Denver, Colorado-based transcription services company that provides fast, accurate and affordable services for individuals and companies of all sizes. Call (720) 287-3710 today for a free quote, and ask about our free five-day trial.
