Digital Transcription- Ten Setbacks to Avoid

Digital transcription can be termed as the future of secretarial services where it offer the users with numerous benefits and cost cuts when compared with the traditional analogue options. Nonetheless, the technology that is used to drive this revolution comes with its own glitches and problems. Below you will find useful information on the pitfalls associated with digital transcription through expert advice where you will get insightful information on how to avoid catastrophes.

1. Background noise – there are numerous examples of background noise that affect recording quality like traffic pollution, hard wood floors, high ceilings, shuffling paper, coughing and sneezing among many others. It is vital for the interviewer to talk to the participants before hand and even carry out test recording to ensure that everything is in place.
2. Check the equipment to look for USB cable – Most of the time, digital recorders are bought without digital interface like USB cables. This means that removing data for transcription becomes a hard task. Study the device well and ask all the necessary questions before it is purchased to ensure that you get a functional item. The device should be compatible because of transcription purposes.
3. The recorder should have enough battery/memory before it is used. Different machines have varying battery lives and capacities. It is best to get the one that will handle the interview in the best way possible to minimize interruptions during recording.
4. Microphones – It is usually advisable to make use of external omni-directional mics when dealing with many speakers. This is because the inbuilt mics are usually not enough for many people.
5. Talk to the transcriptionist – where possible it is best to consult with the transcriptionist to know the best methods to use as well as get advice to come with a high quality production.
6. Flow of speech/accents – Participants need to be advised on the importance of being concise and clear when speaking to get the best verbatim that can be understood with ease. Client should know that accents can slow down transcription time.
7. Cost of transcription – Avoid the catch phrase “cheapest is the best” as it may end up posing a lot of problems and becoming more expensive.
8. Choose digital over analogue – This is because they are superior in quality and clarity and do not deteriorate over time.
9. Identify yourself – This helps to avoid misidentification and duplication. References can be used when there is need for confidentiality
10. Content – Provide a glossary section in case there are any difficult terminologies used.