20 Feb Audio Transcription, a brief history and the current service options
What is audio transcription? In simple terms, it’s the conversion of speech to text via a transcriptionist. Audio transcription is crucially vital for legal proceedings, interview recordings, lectures and seminars, as well as the medical industry.
A Brief History of Audio Transcription
Originally, as you could expect, the process of audio transcription was human to human. In the same vicinity, transcriptionists scribed as the speaker spoke. The process was laborious, and caused many gaps and inaccuracies. The process was revolutionized by recording devices. First, Thomas Edison produced the phonograph. Applause is due to Edison because of this landmark invention, however it was incredibly unreliable and ineffective. His originally recorded sound onto a tinfoil sheet phonograph cylinder, and could both record and reproduce sounds. Alexander Graham Bell’s made several improvements in the 1880s, including the use of wax-coated cardboard cylinders, and a cutting stylus that moved from side to side in a “zig zag” pattern across the record. The process advanced soon thereafter with the implementation of magnetic tape.
In the 1990s, digital hardware and software revolutionized the industry.
Audio Transcription Service Options
With digital mechanisms in place, individuals now record their voice electronically. From there, there are two main options for audio transcription services:
Speech Recognition Software
There are speech recognition softwares on the market today that are claiming to be the new audio to text solution. This seems to work okay for small recordings when verbal inflections are near perfect. However, when the audio transcription project is in the professional realm and/or produces a sizable file, inaccuracies run ramped. Perhaps in a few more years the software will improve, but today the software is not capable of getting the job done in professional standards. Now, we’re not just saying this because we provide human transcription services. Critics agree, claiming the software must advance further before replacing the transcription service sector. We’ve had numerous clients who have tried using a transcription device, only to see that it came up far short of expectations.
Transcription Service
Trusting an audio transcription service company offers 99.8% accuracy and human accountability. Individuals, after recording their speech, upload the file to a secure FTP. A professional transcriptionist with specific industry experience rapidly and accurately transcribes the audio into text. Within 24-48hrs, the client receives a professional-grade transcript directly in their inbox for immediate use. There is no editing required on your end. Simply speak, upload, then receive. Plus, utilizing a transcription service is incredibly cost-effective compared to purchasing an imperfect device. Give a shot by simply requesting a quote for your specific project(s).
Best Wishes,
KMTS