Ryan Dube from MakeUseOf.com recently wrote a great tutorial on how to use voice-to-text functionality within Express Scribe transcribing software.  This is a great solution for recording yourself (dictation) and getting a very quick and accurate result; however, be aware that this is not a solution for transcribing voice audio files.   Why?  Voice recognition software must first learn your voice.   Other voices will tend to confuse it and produce what Ryan calls “garbage”.   Interviews, group discussions, or any recording that is in a less-than-ideal environment will also not transcribe well.  The noise and/or lack of clarity in these environments will create more “garbage” from your voice-to-text software.  Want to see an example?  I recently wrote a blog post that links to a radio station’s use of automated transcription software.

Also, keep in mind that the best transcripts not only include the correct spelling of words, but also the correct punctuation, formatting and so much more.  A relatively simple thing like the correct handling of homonyms may never be a realistic goal of voice-to-text programs.  Also, professional transcriptionists will hear discrepancies because their ears have been trained to hear and comprehend the details.  If something said later in the transcript does not jibe with what was said earlier, your professional transcriptionist will bring this to your attention.  Voice-to-text software will never be able to do this.

Lastly, terminology research is key to a great transcript.  Here at AudioFile Solutions, it is not uncommon for us to verify 40 or 50 terms in a typical interview.

For these reasons, the automatic transcription of audio files is clearly not ready for prime time and, in my opinion, should be left to a professional.

Read Ryan’s complete article below.

Begin Article
——————–

When you do a lot of phone interviews that get published in text format on the web, transcribing audio files becomes a big part of one’s life. There are a lot of people that have the need to transcribe voice to text, such as doctor’s that record a log of office visits, journalists that conduct audio interviews, or even students that record class lectures.

For years, I’ve been looking for a high-quality free voice to text software solution that will automatically take an audio recording and transcribe it to text. Such an application will put a lot of transcription companies out of work, but it’s a dream that I believe will come true some day. Recently, I conducted another hour-long interview… (continue reading the full article here: How to Use Voice-to-Text Dictation on Express Scribe.)

The post How to Use Voice-To-Text Dictation in Express Scribe appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Begin Press Release
—————————

Sony Unveils Vegas Pro 10 Software Featuring Native Stereoscopic 3D Video Editing Workflow

New Version of Award-Winning NLE Offers Flexible Tools and Updates Including New Features that Simplify 3D Content Creation and Delivery

AMSTERDAM, Sept. 10 /PRNewswire/ — [IBC Trade Show Stand 12.A10] — Sony Creative Software, a leading provider of professional video and audio editing applications, today announced Vegas(TM) Pro 10 software. The most recent upgrade to Sony’s award-winning nonlinear HD video and audio editing (NLE) application provides broad audio and video support for media ingest, editing and delivery workflows for a wide variety of production professionals.

New features in the native 32- and 64-bit versions of Vegas Pro 10 include powerful stereoscopic 3D editing tools, enhanced closed captioning features, broadened video effect support and new event level audio effects, as well as workflow and user interface enhancements. These updates enable media creators to quickly produce and deliver compelling content for broadcast and broadband distribution, theatrical releases, YouTube(TM) 3D, and prepare content for DVD and 3D Blu-ray(TM) titles.

“As the market leader in developing 3D technologies, Sony is focused on providing integrated professional 3D hardware and software products built for everyone from innovative broadcasters to inspired filmmakers,” said Dave Chaimson, Sony Creative Software vice president of global marketing. “With the upcoming launch of Vegas Pro 10, Sony now provides one of the industry’s most intuitive applications for natively editing 3D. In addition to providing tools that simplify professional 3D production, Vegas Pro 10 continues to innovate unique solutions for closed captioning, 5.1 surround sound, and widespread content distribution support to offer the most intuitive and progressive workflows for media production.”

Vegas Pro 10 Feature Highlights

—  Stereoscopic 3D Editing: Vegas Pro 10 facilitates the creation of 3D
projects by enabling users to import, adjust, edit, preview and export
stereoscopic 3D projects natively without any additional tools or
plug-ins. These new features and workflow updates make working in 3D
as seamless as working in 2D.  While fully compatible with the latest
3D screen technology, anaglyphic viewing is also supported, making it
possible to preview 3D on any monitor.

—  Improved Closed Captioning: Improved support for closed captions
enables broadcasters to preview captions in the Video Preview and
Trimmer windows for increased accuracy and ease of editing. Other
improvements include increased support for line 21 closed captions, HD
SDI closed captions, multiple closed captioning file types, as well as
the ability to export captions for Sony DVD Architect(TM),
YouTube(TM), RealPlayer®, QuickTime(TM), and Windows Media Player®.

—  Workflow Tools and Enhancements: Sony has also introduced the
following updates to Vegas Pro 10:
—  Expanded Multicam Functionality: Updated multicam features provide
a more robust editing and preview experience by offering the
ability to view the multicam source clips and the full-screen
edited program output simultaneously
—  Improved support for DSLR video: Performance improvements make
editing video from popular DSLR cameras faster and easier
—  Track Grouping: This update offers a quick and easy way to
organize and manage complex projects by grouping related sections
of video/audio for a cleaner working environment
—  Advanced Transport Controls: UI modifications offer efficient
access to important editing tools, providing a more intuitive
workflow while improving overall productivity

—  Image Stabilization: New stabilization tools greatly reduce jittery or
shaky video sometimes caused by hand held recording.

—  Video Plug-in SDK: Video Effects Plug-in Architecture: Vegas Pro 10
now offers a completely new video effects plug-in architecture based
on the Open Effects Association standard. This industry-leading
standard was created from the combined experience of the leading
companies in the visual effects industry. The new architecture is
accessed by a new software development kit (SDK), which reduces the
developer’s workload by automating UI integration. These features will
benefit editors by greatly expanding the available visual effects
plug-ins available for Vegas Pro 10.

—  Enhanced Audio Tools: In addition to the Dolby Digital
Professional(TM) 5.1 surround sound production capabilities of Vegas
Pro, the upcoming version includes the following new features:
—  Audio Event FX: For more precise control over the placement of
audio effects, Vegas Pro 10 allows editors to assign audio effects
at the master output, bus level, track level and now at the event
level for greater flexibility when working with multitrack
projects.
—  Input Busses: Input Busses now enable editors to record, mix and
monitor audio from external hardware devices.
—  VU meters: The Vegas Pro Mixing Console view becomes even more
powerful with the addition of new VU meters.
—  Track Meters: Track Meters provide direct feedback and a faster
editing workflow throughout the record, edit and mix process.

—  GPU Accelerated AVC Encoding: Users with CUDA-enabled nVidia video
cards are now able to encode to the Sony AVC format with improved
rendering performance and speed.

—  Device Support: Sony continues to add expanded device support with
each new version including HD-SDI adapters, Sony NXCAM cameras, and
broader support for DVD and Blu-ray Disc(TM) drives.

Once a project is ready for delivery, Vegas Pro 10 features broad support for industry leading media formats. From DVD and Blu-ray Disc authoring to integrated tape, file, and SDI I/O options, Vegas Pro makes it easy to encode and deliver content in an extensive range of popular formats.

“Vegas Pro 10 provides powerful features that are crucial for 3D editing,” said filmmaker Jean-Jacques Mantello, director of the acclaimed IMAX theatre films “Dolphins and Whales 3D”, “Sharks 3D” and “Ocean Wonderland” distributed by 3D Entertainment Distribution. “Creating quality 3D projects can be a complex challenge, but Vegas Pro presents a solution that allows editors to intuitively work with footage for results that put audiences into the heart of the action, whether on land, in the air or under the sea.”

Price and Availability

Vegas Pro 10 software is scheduled to be available on October 11, 2010 at retailers worldwide and for purchase online at www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) for Vegas Pro 10 software is U.S. $699.95. Upgrades from previous versions of Vegas Pro are available for U.S.$249.95 from www.sonycreativesoftware.com. Localized French, German, Spanish, and Japanese versions will be available on October 11, 2010.

About Sony Creative Software

Sony Creative Software inspires artistic expression with its award-winning line of products for digital video, music, DVD, Blu-ray Disc, and audio production. The company develops applications that integrate with and enhance use of Sony cameras and other hardware devices. Sony Creative Software customers span the globe and include seasoned professionals in the film, television, video game, and recording industries, as well as students, educators, hobbyists, and enthusiasts. For more information about professional and consumer products, visit www.sonycreativesoftware.com.

Vegas is a trademark or registered trademark of Sony Creative Software Inc. in the U.S. and other countries. All other trademarks or trade names mentioned are the property of their respective owners.

Source: Sony Media Software

CONTACT: Shannon McPhee, Shannon_mcphee@bhimpact.com, or Jessie
Comstock, Jessie_comstock@bhimpact.com, both of Bender/Helper Impact,
+1-310-473-4147

Web Site: http://www.sonycreativesoftware.com/

The post New Release of Professional Audio Video Editing Tool appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

What Hardware do You Need?
Microphones, headphones and computers are discussed.

Software?
Professional or Consumer?

Recording, Editing and Production in Garageband
How to use tracks, effects and sharing features.

If you liked this screencast Intro to Recording a Podcast from TechUniversity, please let us know.  Also check out our podcast recording and production services page.

The post Introduction to Podcast Recording and Production appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.

Editor’s Note: We no longer use this transcription tool.

We believe we are one of the best transcription companies out there. But what exactly does that mean? Are we just blowing our own horn?

Our clients count on us to render line, form and movement to their audio and video recordings—the  result being a tangible transcript of the spoken word. We’re contacted daily to deliver professional transcription support for focus group discussions, lectures, academic interviews, podcasts, meetings, webcasts… the list is endless.

As a business professional, you need to feel confident those whom you’re entrusting to transcribe your content have your best interests at heart. We’ve been delivering transcription services to companies for many years and it’s our pleasure to provide the outline below—identifying four key areas and the elements within—for you to consider when evaluating and choosing a transcription company.

Here’s what the best transcription companies provide and what they require from their employees.

Technical Skills

• Keyboarding Skills/Speed – Look for an above-average rate of speed (75+ words per minute) married with a high degree of accuracy (98% or higher). Fast isn’t valuable if precision isn’t the guarantee.
• Know and Understand Technology/Computer Literacy – Work with someone who knows more than just the technology basics. Look for creativity and adaptability, ask what type of technology they use to listen to your audio/video and the software they use to create your transcript.
• Working within Deadlines – This is all about time management and organizational skills. Great transcriptionists know how to “work backwards” in estimating typing time, proofing time and reading-for-comprehension time to beat your deadline and exceed your expectations.

Communication Skills

• Spelling and Grammar – You have a right to expect the best transcription companies to excel in these areas. Inquire how they ensure the accurate handling of homonyms. If they’re uncertain or confused about their homonym policy, don’t go there.
• Superior Listening – Typing what is said can be a science at times. Does the transcription company have the capability to provide verbatim (word-for-word) transcripts? Can they remove the superfluous (I know, you mean, like, uh, um, ah) interjections to create a cleaner transcript for you? Be specific with what you’d like to see as an end result and learn if the transcription company offers these skills.
• Superior Comprehension/Ear for Detail –This is where experience is vital. Great transcriptionists will hear discrepancies because their ears have been trained to hear and comprehend the detail. If something said later in the transcript does not jibe with what was said earlier, the best transcription companies will bring this to your attention. It’s not too much to expect.

Experience

• Specialties – Some transcription companies specialize in delivering transcripts of accented speakers, those that contain two or more speakers or transcripts requiring time code stamps. Be sure you understand areas of specialty and any price increases associated with higher-value services.
• Terminology Research – Is it important to you that your transcription company go the extra mile in researching and verifying terminology on your transcript? A transcription services provider who is on the ball will maintain a terminology list specifically for your work to ensure consistency on your future transcripts.
• Proofing Process – Ask questions about the proofing process. If your transcript is not proofed a minimum of two times, you may want to consider speaking with another potential provider. And… a response of “proofing as the transcript is typed” is not an acceptable guarantee of accuracy or consistency on your deliverable.
• Years in Business – Ask the provider how long they’ve been in business providing transcription services. Any transcription company worth its salt will be pleased to share this information with you. Longevity is significant.

Work Ethic

• Professionalism – This does not become any less important as we move from the brick-and-mortar environment to the virtual workplace. Ask for references and examples of work if this will provide you with a better feel for the provider’s professionalism. Those who are serious about your business will gladly respond to your requests.
• Confidentiality – Work with a transcription company that provides a confidentiality clause in their service agreement. (Yes, be sure to sign an agreement.) Feel confident that the subject matter shared with your transcription company stays with your transcription company.
• Business/Industry Knowledge – This is extremely important when it comes to creating your content. A transcription company should be familiar with standard business acronyms, business leaders and business trends.
• Vested Interest in Your Success – Work with a transcription provider who wants to understand what’s important to you. Find someone who isn’t afraid to have a voice-to-voice conversation and clarify your needs. You want to work with someone who requests that level of detail because it indicates they’re interested in your success.

And finally… transcribing is more than just typing. If you have ever received transcription services support, you quickly discovered upon review of your final deliverable whether you hired a skilled service provider. Transcription is a combination of art, skill and business savvy; it’s the transformation of your raw material into a meaningful deliverable to support the success of your business. Be sure to partner with a transcription company that has experience, is pleased to answer your questions and is committed to your success.

All the best.

Lori J. Clark is the Founder and Lead Administrator of Clark VA Solutions, a virtual administrative consulting practice delivering services based on a strong, 30-year professional foundation of education, skills and experience. Clark VA Solutions serves C- and executive-level professionals and entrepreneurs with writing services, corporate/business transcription, administrative planning and brainstorming/structuring service offerings for success. See http://clarkvasolutions.com for more information.

photo by Nathan LeClair

The post The Best Transcription Companies — How to Find One appeared first on AudioFile Solutions.