Video and audio transcription has become a great need in a number of industries and professions. Transcripts can be derived from streaming media, business meetings, podcasts, focus group discussions, webcasts, conferences, videotapes, seminars, audio books, interviews, DVDs and TV/radio shows. It is important to find out the specific video/audio file formats accepted by transcriptionists, if you are primarily making recordings with transcription in mind.
Most transcriptionists can work with both analog and digital recordings, but the media formats accepted by different transcriptionists accept varied media formats. The most common digital file formats accepted by transcriptionists include MP4, AIFF, WMA, GVI, MP3, DIVX, MPEG, SWF, FLV and MOV. Analog file formats accepted by transcriptionists include VHS, magnetic tapes, mini cassettes and micro cassettes.
What not to do when creating a recording for transcription
Do not create recordings in crowded noisy places, especially in the case of interviews. Do not go for subpar equipment which might only jeopardize the quality of the recording. Do not start recording without adjusting the microphone levels to the right levels. Do not start the interview process without taking the interviewee through the process and what is expected from them. Do not start off an interview before warming up the interviewee.
How to obtain quality recordings for transcription
Quality is the most important aspect to have in mind when creating recordings meant for translation or transcription. Start off by getting the right equipment and learn how to properly handle the recording equipment. If you are unable to handle the equipment it is important to get someone to operate the equipment on your behalf. The quality of audio obtained is dependent on the microphone used.
There are two categories of microphones; unidirectional microphones and omnidirectional microphones.
Unidirectional microphones capture audio from a single direction while omnidirectional microphones capture audio from all directions. Unidirectional microphones are ideal for recording interviews, because they record less ambient sound. It is important to find out what your options are so that you can select an appropriate microphone to meet your needs.
The recording environment is equally important if you want to obtain quality audio recordings. Choose a peaceful environment with minimal disruptions to ensure that you get the highest quality recordings. Turn off phones, the television, radios and microwaves in the background which at the end create sound distortions. If the recording is potentially meant for commercial purposes it would be wise to contract the services of a sound studio engineer. More on transcription services
