The potential uses of audio and video transcription are expanding as more people demand more accessible content. There are many audio transcription services today, with their own set of limitations and benefits. A client must specify what type of audio transcription they need as this will exert a massive influence on the project.
Ordinarily, transcription means converting the video or audio file into a written format. That is the essential premise. A transcript may be the written form of a presentation, an interview, a podcast, or a lecture. Furthermore, it can be the written document of court hearings or the recorded voice notes of a physician.
While some projects require transcription as a post-production process, there are instances when a real time transcription is needed. Some news broadcasts need a real-time transcription. So do sporting events, off-studio programs, and emergency broadcasts.
Types of transcription
It is essential to understand the varied types of transcription and where a specific type is more applicable. Recognizing exactly what you need will save you time and money because your order will be right the first time.
- Verbatim transcription
With this type, the transcriber must include all the details included in the source materials. It has to capture all the pauses, the non-verbal communication, and the filler words. It should even include the words the speaker uttered. Because a verbatim transcription requires the inclusion of all the details from the audio/video recording, it is usually lengthy.
If there are multiple speakers in the source file, the transcriber must note the overlapping conversations, conversational affirmations such as ”uh-huh” or ”right”, and the interruptions that occurred. Non-verbal communication includes laughter, coughing, other ambient noise in the background, and everything that is relevant to the transcript.
The verbatim transcription is the mirror-image of the recorded video or audio file. It can include garbled, mumbled, and half sentences, which may or may not be grammatically correct. Commercials, videos, films, and movies, and legal proceedings require this type of transcription.
- Edited transcription
This is also called clean verbatim transcription. This type is committed to preserving the intended meaning of the source material. The transcriber does not paraphrase the text. Likewise, the transcriber will not alter the meaning of the text. Rather, the transcriber will concentrate on establishing a balance between the readability and completeness of the text. The transcriber will not include filler words, stammering, and other unnecessary non-verbal communication happening in the background. The edited transcription contains the essential text spoken by the speaker or multiple speakers.
Similar to a verbatim transcription, an edited translation takes a long time to complete. The transcriber needs to understand the purpose and meaning of the source material before cleaning it up. Edited transcriptions are customarily used for classes, seminars, conferences, and speeches.
- Intelligent transcription
This transcription type is more concerned with concise, readable texts. This means the transcription does not need to include garbled, mumbled, half-sentences and emotions from the source material. The result is an intelligible and easier transcription to read. An intelligent transcription needs a highly experienced, trained, and qualified transcriber because they have to understand the context of the audio. It requires more editing than actual transcriptions. The transcriber will likewise correct grammar and punctuation.
Make sure you work with a trustworthy transcription service provider because transcriptions should be accurate. Always consider where you are going to use the transcription to know which type is applicable.
