Convert Audio to text

Audio transcription is the conversion of any form of audio recording into a text format, more often than not; the transcribed files are in word office form.  Transcription can be used in different purposes.  Others use this to compile all recorded data, research and resource interview for a term paper, dissertation or thesis report.  Medical institutions train their own transcribers to facilitate fast turn around of patient files, reports, history and treatment. 

Training their own transcribers also allows the institution to monitor any breech in confidentiality although this is a strict guideline in all of the transcription companies.  Some companies prefer that their meeting agendas and everything that transpired during their conferences will be transcribed and then filed. 

There are so many uses of Interview transcription and it is becoming a money generating industry for those who are trained.  Software manufacturers are also taking advantage with the transcriptions fame; they constantly create voice recognition software that has the capacity to turn a computer or laptop into a conversion machine.  These technologies are constantly being upgraded to ensure an almost perfect accuracy.  There have been some issues regarding the software performance because of its limitations.  The limitations being, the software needs to be trained to a particular voice for it to start transcribing properly. 

In audio transcriptions, someone who is adept to transcription may transcribe his or her own files.  However, if you have no time at all, for example you are beating a deadline - then hiring a transcription service or an online Transcriber might be a choice you should take into consideration. 

As mentioned above, there is software that you can purchase to transcribe the files for you.  If you have the time to install, train and double check the results, then you can try this out.  However if you do not want to risk anything and would rather get results fast, you can hire a transcriptionist.  There are a lot of transcription companies that offer fast, accurate and professional transcription works at reasonable prices.  The number of hours for turn around is usually within 24 hours for most companies but if you would rather receive the transcribed files in a shorter period of time then that would be possible as well. 

Audio transcription has two options: a verbatim and non verbatim transcription.  Definition of both is fairly obvious.

1. Verbatim – this is the conversion of audio recordings in a very detailed manner.  All the words including fluffs, very minute or insignificant words are also transcribed.  In short, what you recorded is what you will get when you receive your text format.  Even the exclamations, gasps, repeated words and such are transcribed.  Even sounds that are not audio or voice are being transcribed, opening of doors, external noises, cars honking and many more.  Filler words are also encoded, examples of filler words are:

• Sort of
• Would have
• Could have
• Ahm
• Ers

This type of transcription is mostly needed when a transcription will aid legal purposes such as court hearings.

2.  Non-verbatim – this transcription is the opposite.  Words that are not significant, repeats, external noises, coughs, laughter are not included.  There are certain types of transcriptions that do not need word for word conversions.  Grammars may also be adjusted as long as the meaning of the sentence is retained.  This type of transcription is cheaper compared to that of verbatim because it is less detailed and a faster turn around time can be assumed.

These are the things that you would need to learn about transcription and the service that you may get.  For whatever purpose it may serve, it is best if you learn what transcription is all about and what your options are.