Verbatim Transcripts     Upload your audio files here!

Transcripts Plus utilises the latest technology, known as voice writing.  So, rather than typing into a shorthand machine - like our close cousins - voice Computer Aided Transcription (CAT) software is used to achieve the same result.   A digital recording is usually also made, which is synched to the text display on our computer (highlight the words in the transcript, and the room audio of those words is played back, or the reporter's dictated words. There can be a choice of four different audio channels.) 

There is a great deal of confusion as to the difference between talking into your computer at your own pace and rhythm to dictate letters etc, and a voice writer utilising a speech recognition AND a voice CAT system to produce transcripts - which is done with special software that works in with the speech engine.  The difference is chalk and cheese. 

SOME MYTHS ABOUT VOICE WRITING:

It is apparent that there are many misunderstandings about tasks a voice writer using a specifically developed voice Computer Aided Transcription (CAT) system can perform as opposed to a layman's use of a speech recognition.  The speech recognition engine a voice writer uses sits 'underneath' the CAT system.  A voice writer rarely even goes into the speech engine as such. 

Can voice writers do realtime? YES.  

Can a voice writer using a voice CAT system change how Dragon Naturally Speaking behaves in realtime, such as what text it 'types'?  YES.

Can a voice writer double-check text that Dragon Naturally Speaking lays down?  YES.

Can a voice writer easily edit text in realtime, and have it displayed in various formats?  YES.

Can a voice writer use voice shortforms to save having to re-speak everything? YES.  

The voice CAT system enables the voice writer to do many things that a speech engine alone would not permit, a few examples being:

• Change the way the speech engine behaves - in realtime - by creating Realtime Rules as the reporter is dictating on the job.  Because one can be hands-free, one can type into the Realtime Rules box in the voice CAT system that every time the word "box" is dictated, change it to "shadow."  Again, this can be done instantly, as the job is being taken.  In effect, a rule is designated as you dicate, thus, at will changing the speech engine's behaviour, in realtime. You can even add exceptions to the rule. This rule can be placed in a job specific dictionary or be available for all jobs - again, as you are dictating.
• Create voice shortforms quickly and easily.  For instance, say you want to remove the last three words of dictation.  You simply create a shortform such that when you say "three-shazam" the last three words are removed. Say you want to add a whole paragraph of a constantly occuring phrase. You can create a shortform or rule for it on-the-job. 
• Provide wireless realtime to other computers, with the ability to refresh.  That is, what you might change on your computer screen is instantly reflected on other computer screens that you are wirelessly linked to.
• Video and digitally record a meeting at the same time as creating a transcript, and then combine the video, digital recording and transcript on to a DVD (see below) immediately after the meeting, for your clients to take away.
• Instantly have the ability to change speakers.  For instance, each speaker is given a "number."  When you speak that "number" the speaker's name is automatically placed in the left-hand column with a colon and two spaces.  You can quickly and easily switch between speakers.
• To make a correction you simply highlight the text, change it, and the change is sent straight to the speech engine for it to learn.  No need to have to say "Correct that."
• Send your realtime transcript over the Internet. 

The above represent only a few functions a voice CAT system can perform.  There are dozens more. 

Voice writing brings to the reporting industry a whole new professional path, and provides the reporter with an intellectually stimulating career, using the latest advancements in computer and software technology.  Technology is constantly evolving, and this ensures the work of a voice writer is never dull.  He or she is always learning and evolving. 

What is Voice Writing? A more specific overview - 

Voice writing is a cutting-edge technique where a skilled reporter takes proceedings of hearings by voice. He/she speaks into a speech recognition silencing mask.  This then feeds into a powerful laptop computer.  Using your voice is a very natural method of producing a record.  It also has obvious ergonomic advantages. Advanced speech recognition software translates the words into text on the computer.  The mask device mutes the reporter’s voice so he or she cannot be heard.  This technology provides realtime or delayed translation of voice to text.  Computer Aided Transcription software assists the reporter in producing a professional product.  Voice reporters have obtained very high levels of expertise, and can accurately shadow the words of speakers in excess of 200 wpm.

The above picture represents the Client Media DVD, which is viewed via the SpeechCAT viewer.  Tools for adjusting the audio and video are red and blue buttons, with the transcript, of course, being on the right-hand side.  This software viewer is provided free-of-charge. 

Where can voice writing be used?

Voice writing is perfect for arbitrations, AGMs, board meetings, workshops, conferences, focus groups, interviews, lectures. 

Advantages to you from using our voice writing technique:

• Imagine the ability to produce a draft transcript seconds after the words are spoken, and thus not needing to record a meeting and have to send the recording away for transcription. 
• Imagine there is a set budget, and clients want to know at any time during a meeting how much a transcript has so far cost them.

Transcripts Plus can do this – and much more.  That might sound a bold statement, but we are sure you will agree once you see what can be achieved - and we would be delighted to provide you with a no-obligation demonstration.

Transcripts Plus is utilising the most advanced technology available in the southern hemisphere to assist business into the new millennium. Audio typing of transcripts becomes unnecessary. Our transcripts when viewed on our computer software can be two or three dimensional – that is, we can synchronise text, voice and now video – seconds after the words are spoken – and at a very competitive price, because we are a one-stop-shop.  We record AND produce the written transcript at the same time, within seconds of the words being uttered. 

We are more than happy to provide you with no cost or obligation demonstration of the cutting-edge technology that is now the backbone of our business. 

• You just meet and speak as you would normally. A qualified reporter attends the meeting (or works from a remote location) and professionally uses Computer Aided Transcription technology trained for the reporter’s specific voice.  You do not need to buy any equipment, be specially trained, or speak into any device, thus ensuring high accuracy.
• The actual progressive cost of a transcript can be called up at any time by the use of a page counter.
• The meeting is digitally recorded in addition to realtime, instant production of the transcript – this is transcripts at the speed of thought.  Our cutting-edge digital system also has more than four separate audio channels.
• A draft transcript can be produced at the end of a meeting – at an addition cost of $1.50 per A4 page.
• The reporter can quickly move the equipment to any setting within minutes.
• Segments of the room digital recording can be played back by a word find feature at a moment’s notice.

Please see our What’s New page for additional material on the latest developments in voice writing.

Our equipment:

Transcripts Plus does not travel light, but has compacted its technology into one bag.  It includes ALL our equipment, such as a high end business computer, digital recorders, mask, microphones, video player, leads, sound amplifier, disks, to name a few - all the necessary items to provide realtime transcripts.