TRANSCRIPTION

A surprising number of people still ask the question, “What is transcription, exactly?” This short overview should answer the question.

Quite simply, transcription is the process of representing oral text in written format. Transcription companies work from audio recordings (dictation, audio tapes, video, and DVD or audio digital recording) to produce documentation in text format. They do not work from ‘hard copy’ (written material). Transcription services include the capture of dictation, cassette, interview, podcast, and meeting recordings, to name just a few.

Transcription companies are required to deal with many types of concerns that simple typing services need not address–clarity of speech, comprehension of terminology and recording quality are some examples. Transcriptionists also have to know whether their clients require verbatim transcriptions or need their transcriptions to be proofread for grammar and linguistic errors. In all cases, transcriptionists must be able to understand the oral material they listen to in order to punctuate and format the transcribed text correctly. Conversely, it is perfectly possible (technically, anyway!) for a copy typist to type copy written in a language he or she does not know!

Because it is important to understand the content of the material being transcribed, transcriptionists (and some transcription companies) often specialize in specific areas: legal, medical, financial, insurance, conference, academic, and interview transcription etc. A transcriptionist may come across content that he or she is not familiar with. Quality professional transcriptionists will then research the unfamiliar terminology to produce accurate transcriptions.

The process of transcription is therefore more complicated and involved than copy typing. It is also much more time-consuming, and that is the reason why transcription companies and transcription service providers worldwide demand higher rates for their services than providers of typing services do.

However, online transcription service providers such as Transcription Company.Co.UK have made it possible to obtain premium quality transcription services at affordable prices. Transcription outsourcing effectively reduces costs associated with the maintenance of on-site office space and on-site transcriptionists, while online transcription services dramatically reduce turnaround delays for outsourced transcription services – resulting in high-quality and accurate yet affordable transcription.

Transcription Company.Co.UK Customer Service Representatives will happily answer any questions you may have regarding transcription services. Contact us today.