ABOUT TRANSCRIPTION SERVICES

Transcription is the process of typing from audio to text. The audio may come from any type of media, such as a CD, DVD, tape, Video, etc.; however, the most common audio format is digital, such as .mp3, .dss, .wma, .wav, etc. The audio is typed into a word processing program, such as Microsoft Word or Word Perfect.

A transcriptionist is someone who transcribes from audio to text, and the necessary equipment she/he needs would be a good set of headphones, a foot pedal (with this, one is able to control the audio), and a software program, such as Express Scribe, to listen to the audio.

A transcription service is a company (either in-house or online) that will provide you with the services you need. Transcription service companies normally contract with independent contractors, transcriptionists, in order to complete the work.

An office in need of transcription services might prefer to use a transcription services company in order to get a large project completed or simply because their in-house staff is absent for some reason. They may also use a transcription services company on a regular basis in lieu of hiring in-house staff in order to save on offering benefits and having someone there all day when there is no need to do so.

Because these online transcriptionists are independent contractors, you will not need to pay taxes on the work they do for you. The independent contractors receive 1099s at the beginning of the year because they are self-employed. This can save you a great deal of money in getting your work sent out to a transcription services company.

Transcription services companies should guarantee 100% confidentiality and also, at minimum, 98% accuracy. This is extremely important to all customers, and a new customer should always do research for just the right company prior to signing up with their services.

Although Google is a good source for finding the right company, word of mouth is also very important. If you know a colleague, friend, or family member who has used a transcription services company, simply asking them may do the trick. Otherwise, do not count on the No. 1, No. 2, or No. 3 company listed in Google to do a good job for you. They may, in fact, be the right choice; however, there is more to it than that.

In many of the transcription forums online, you could find a list of transcription companies. You could also read some threads in those forums that might suggest a good fit for you. Most transcription companies also have a “rating” listed online. This could also be helpful. You might also make a list of companies, call each one and speak to a company representative, and then make your choice based on that.

The company representative must be able to answer any and all questions you may have in a friendly, courteous, and helpful manner. The representative must be ready and willing to help you not only with questions, but also with any technical questions you may have regarding the use of their FTP tool (File Transfer Protocol), signing up with them as a customer, and also be ready to take down your contact information as a reference for the future.

You now know what a transcription service is, what they do, and the steps to take in finding just the right company for you. It is now left up to you whether it would be advantageous to you in using transcription services.

About the Author

Joyce Warran is the Transcription Director for Chromolume Transcription. She has many years of experience in transcription, business management, marketing, and writing.

Chromolume Transcription (866) 375-2441 transcription@crtranscription.com

Source : http://www.goarticles.com/