A new technology that is becoming increasingly popular amongst Virtual Assistants, Legal & Medical Transcriptionists (to name but a few professions) is that of digital transcription. I have provided below a very brief outline of what this technology involves and the advantages of using it.
What is Digital Transcription?
The word processor took over from the typewriter, and now, due to the advances in technology, digital transcription is taking over from cassette-based transcription machines.
How does it work?
The principles are exactly the same as with cassette transcription ie. the client will record into a recorder and the transcriptionist will transcribe the files. However, the client’s recorder will no longer contain cassettes onto which they record the information, instead it will be a digital recorder that will produce an audio file in readiness for downloading or emailing to the transcriptionist. The format of the file may be DSS (Digital Speech Standard), WAV (Waveform audio file) or MP3 (mpeg layer 3).
By plugging the digital recorder into their PC the client will then download or email the file to the transcriptionist, who will have digital transcription software on her PC, from where she will be able to transcribe the files and send them back to the client.
What are the advantages?
There are many advantages to this new technology, and I have listed just a few here:
- Email is instant - you can record your files, which can immediately be received by the transcriptionist.
- If you are outsourcing your transcription work then you will no longer need to post cassettes and risk them being lost or damaged during transit.
- Receive work back via email - no danger of losing your transcribed documents in the postal system, or waiting several days for it to arrive on your desk.
- Consequently, there will be no courier/overnight delivery costs involved for either sending or receiving your files if transcription is urgent.
- Off site working is effective, particularly if your business requires you to undertake a lot of travelling. You can dictate onto your recorder anywhere and email your files directly to your transcriptionist (assuming you have PC/email access).
- If you are a teleworker you can record your files from your location and email them directly to your transcriptionist at the office.
- Audio quality is superior to traditional cassette dictation/transcription and will not degrade over time, as with cassettes.
- You no longer need to erase, rewind, load, unload or turn over your cassettes.
- There are no moving parts in the form of cassette mechanisms.
- No more chewed cassettes or breaking of cassettes mid-recording.
