When getting down to outsource the transcription of a recording, the primary concept in most individuals’s minds is to get a printed model of the audio/video recording. However it might be a good suggestion to offer the entire exercise a bit of extra thought if you would like a doc {that a}) you should use, and b) would not value you a bomb.
Listed below are some factors to contemplate:
1. How correct would you like the transcripts to be?
When you’ve heard the recording (or intend to do) and wish a transcript solely on your private use, then you might not require a really excessive degree of accuracy (round 85-90% ought to be sufficient). Much less correct transcripts require fewer rounds of proofing and due to this fact value much less. This ought to be talked about on the time of hiring a transcriptionist and discussing transcription charges.
When you do not intend to listen to the recording OR the transcript goes to be shared with others (particularly clients) then you definitely would do nicely to decide on a better degree of accuracy (98-99%). Once more, this ought to be mentioned with the transcriptionist or transcription firm as a result of a better degree of accuracy requires extra time and consequently prices extra.
2. Transcription types
There are primarily 2 types of transcription used – Verbatim & Clean Learn.
Verbatim transcription includes typing out each phrase and sound on the recording together with non-verbal communication comparable to laughter, pauses, and so forth. This type is good for analysis and evaluation however for those who’re merely in search of the primary concepts on the recording, a transcript based mostly on this type could also be cumbersome to learn.
Clean learn transcription makes for simpler studying. It includes typing each phrase however eradicating irrelevant content material comparable to fillers, false begins, facet conversations, and so forth.
Verbatim transcription takes longer and due to this fact prices extra. As such, the transcription type ought to be mentioned with the transcriber at the start of a undertaking.
3. Does your recording contain technical terminology?
If sure, then you definitely would wish to resolve if you would like your transcriptionist to analysis these phrases on the time of transcription. When you favor to fill on this data your self, you may instruct the transcriptionist to depart time-stamped blanks on the locations the place these phrases seem within the recording (the time stamps will aid you shortly skip to the related a part of the audio on the time of proofing).
Analysis provides substantial value to transcription and this ought to be thought of when outsourcing transcription work.
4. Does your recording contain heavy accents?
If sure, then it might be smart to decide on a transcriptionist who’s aware of the accents concerned. For instance, not everybody can transcribe an Australian or Irish accent except they’ve a educated ear for these!
Test together with your transcription firm if they’ve skilled transcriptionists to deal with completely different accents.
5. Turnaround time
A single hour of clear recording takes 3-4 hours to transcribe and 1-2 hours to proof. This may go up if the recording includes accents, background noise, a number of audio system, and so forth. The usual turnaround time of most transcriptionists and transcription corporations is 3-5 days. When you want the transcript earlier than that, you will have to pay ‘rush’ expenses. It will be a good suggestion to debate this beforehand.
6. Is the recording clear?
In case your recording has background noise, recording points, or individuals speaking over one another, then the transcriptionist can have a tricky time deciphering what’s being stated. Such audio usually requires a number of rounds of proofing to achieve an honest degree of accuracy and consequently takes longer to transcribe. The prices concerned are additionally larger. In case you have such a recording, it might be a good suggestion to ship a pattern file to your transcriber in order that they can provide you an correct analysis and quote. You may even ask for a paid pattern to see for those who’d be getting your cash’s price online transcription services.
7. Variety of audio system
When you’re not specific about speaker identification (i.e. marking every speaker’s identify individually and accurately) then you needn’t fear about this level. Nonetheless, for those who do want speaker identification, then it is a good suggestion to verify together with your transcriber if they will do it for you. Often 2-3 audio system usually are not an issue, however when the numbers transcend that, the transcriber has to rigorously hear to every voice with a purpose to mark speaker names precisely. Not everybody can do that nicely and due to this fact it is a good suggestion to decide on an skilled transcriber or transcription firm for such audio.
8. Formatting
This is a vital one for those who do not wish to wind up with a protracted doc with none paragraphs or web page breaks! Let your transcriptionist know that you’d want the textual content damaged into brief, easy-to-read paragraphs with web page breaks at applicable locations. You may also ask for added formatting comparable to headings, subheadings, particular margins, italicizing of textual content, and so forth. This may occasionally includes further time and value, however is price it in the long term.
9. Enhancing
Many transcription corporations present enhancing providers that can be utilized for making a ready-to-use paperwork. Enhancing providers could embody checking the transcripts for grammar, punctuation, sentence construction, fillers, false begins, slangs, and so forth. You may also ask for the textual content to be positioned below contextual headings/sections or have the transcript transformed into an data product comparable to an e-book, weblog put up, workbook, handout, PowerPoint presentation, and so forth.
10. Transcription of movies
Most transcription corporations convert video recordsdata to audio format earlier than starting transcription. This, nevertheless, is probably not potential with sure video codecs or with streaming movies. In such circumstances, the recordings can’t be loaded in to transcription software program and needs to be transcribed instantly from the video recording. This takes longer and prices extra. Checking on the extra prices concerned for transcribing movies could also be a good suggestion.
11. Sending recordsdata
How are you going to ship recordsdata to the transcription firm? Do they supply on-line house the place the recording will be uploaded? Are you able to e mail the file to them (i.e. if the file just isn’t too massive to be emailed)? How will the transcript be delivered? Can you utilize FTP or ship a hyperlink to the recording?
Many transcription corporations present free on-line house for importing recordsdata. If they do not, you should use the providers of on-line file switch providers comparable to yousendit.com, sendthisfile.com, and so forth.
12. Cost strategies
Relying on the placement of the transcriptionist/transcription firm, there are a number of fee choices to select from, comparable to PayPal, Moneybookers, Payoneer, and Xoom. Wire transfers, moneygrams, and checks are additionally some choices accessible. Checking for a mutually handy technique of fee could save a whole lot of inconvenience later.
Outsourcing your transcription work can result in substantial financial savings each when it comes to time and value. However an uninformed resolution can result in the alternative! For finest outcomes, make investments a bit of time on analysis and select the best service supplier. Good luck!