We are often asked questions related to transcription service, audio quality, group recordings and turnaround times. Some of the more frequently asked questions are presented below
We offer two types of transcription styles; Verbatim where we include all "ums", "ahs", hesitations, repetitions, non-verbal speech events and unnecessary interjections, and Intelligent Verbatim where we will edit these out. What style you require really depends on the type of analysis you will be doing. Contact us for an example of both styles and to discuss your requirements in more detail.
No, all our transcripts are completed by our highly experienced team of transcriptionists. We do not use AI software in any part of the transcription process. If, however, you have AI transcripts of your recordings we can proof these for you to ensure that they are accurate and formatted ready for analysis.
Absolutely. Prior to commencing any work with you we'll ascertain all your requirements regarding formatting, layout, transcription style and identifiers. We'll also find out more about your project to help put the discussion into context. We'll ask you for the name of the project and a short summary. We'll also ask you for a glossary of any unusual terminology or acronyms that we might not be familiar with.
We can transcribe from all audio file formats. Where it is a more unusual or encrypted file type, such as DS2, we have the necessary licensed software to be able to convert the file to a more generic file type, such as wma or MP3. We are also able to convert video files into an audio format where required for data security purposes.
Yes, we can. We have the appropriate licensed software to be able to transcribe direct from your video file. This is particularly useful for large group meetings, and helps us correctly identify the participants as they speak. Transcribing from video files is also helpful for verbatim transcripts as we are able to include any additional non-verbal speech events, such as head shaking or nodding.
If the work will be paid for by your organisation, you may need to provide us with a purchase order before we can start the work. Please speak directly to your purchasing manager who will be able to advise you. If you require a quotation to raise a PO we can help you with that. Contact us for the information we need, or upload your files to us, and we'll provide you with written quotation and will commence the transcript as soon as the PO arrives.
We provide our client area as a pure extranet, which means that when you log in you can only see your own files and no other clients'; the same applies to all our clients. When uploading the files, they are transferred over a 256-bit SSL-encrypted channel which ensure that the transfer is secure. The extranet itself resides on a dedicated server based in the UK to which only we have access - there is no public access to the hardware at all. The server is also security patched to the latest standards and we can supply information for any public sector or private organisation seeking confirmation of the standard we work to. We use encrypted passwords with two factor authentication.
Audio/video files are automatically deleted from our server 120 days from date of completion of the work. Transcripts are automatically deleted 365 days from date of completion. If you require us to apply a different retention policy to your files we can accommodate that. All files are deleted using shredding software and are irretrievable on deletion. It is therefore really important that you download and retain copies of your audio files and transcripts as soon as they are available.
Yes we do, we have the audio equipment and technology to transcribe from audio cassette, digital recorder and mini/micro tapes too! Whilst a large number of clients use digital audio and video we recognise that we are still able to service the more legacy clients and they do come in all shapes and forms!
We have considerable experience providing academic transcription services, and have learned that sometimes you need an indicative cost to support your research project application. Please get in touch if you need a quote or need copies of our polices and procedures to satisfy ethics reviewers questions on data transfer, handling and security.
We are always delighted when we get favourable feedback from our clients; some are offered below
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