Interview Transcription: Tape To Text

Don't scoff! Cassette tapes are still in use despite DVDs,MP3s and blue ray discs flooding the market. A select community including journalists, writers and researchers still prefer recording their interviews or thoughts in Dictaphones running cassette tapes. So cassette tapes are not as obsolete as people think they are. In fact, transcribers who are able to transcribe these tapes into text are in much demand and can command a good price in the market.

A form of analog transcription, tape transcription refers to the transcription of tape-based storage devices like standard audio cassettes, micro cassettes, VHS tapes and mini tapes into readable word files. Due to the logistical problems involved and the availability of easier formats like MP3s; most of the companies tend to shy away from providing tape transcription services.

Some common complaints include unspooling of tape cassettes, the plastic shell getting damaged during transit and tapes getting misplaced or whole data getting erased with an accidental tap on the record button. This last action could actually see previously recorded audio material getting blanked out due to a new recording. Common forms of tape transcription services include audio transcription, standard cassette transcription, VHS cassettes transcriptions, mini tapes, and micro cassette transcription. Further companies that offer transcription services in other languages besides English have a competitive edge as well though English is the most common language spoken globally.

Though transcribers aim to provide a verbatim transcript while transcribing it is better to avoid the 'umms' and 'aahs' that people especially non-native speakers tend to use. Transcribers can look at providing a continuity in the interview or dictation using terms like coughs or pause instead. This sort of transcription is very evident in movie captioning. Another challenge one faces is when one side ends and the continued audio recording is on the other side. More often than not people forget to immediately flip the cassette over before they continue the recording process. This lapse often ends up causing a lot of problems for the transcriber, moreover, the audio quality is also not at par with the digital formats like WAV or MP3, hence transcribing these tapes is much tedious a task.

Tape transcription also has another whammy to contend with, a low battery or recording equipment that has malfunctioned. If all these issues are addressed then tape transcription is actually a breeze. Tape transcription will continue to be important so long as the writing community exists.

About the Author
Inteleants offers interview transcription from tape to text at affordable prices.
Source: http://goarticles.com/