Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Audio, Video File Formats - High Quality Recordings for Transcription/Translation


Having audio and video transcribed or translated is becoming more and more common in the modern world for various reasons. Recordings that you may need transcribed or translated may include business meetings, focus group discussions, conferences, seminars, interviews, TV/radio shows, audio books, CDs, DVDs, videotapes, webcasts, podcasts and streaming media. However, before you go ahead and get your audio or video transcribed you need to know what file formats your audio/video transcription service handles. Most audio/video transcription/translation services have experience with many types of file formats including digital and analog formats for both audio and video. The more popular digital file formats include MP3, MP4, WAV, AVI, WMA, MPEG, WMV, SWF, MOV, FLV, GVI, DIVX, AIFF, etc. Whereas the more common analog file formats include magnetic taps, micro and mini cassettes and VHS.
What makes a recording low quality?

One of the most important things to keep in mind with recordings meant for transcription or translation is quality. If the recording is of poor quality then the accuracy of the transcription or translation will also be, that is, if it is even possible to make a transcript at all. Some of the factors that make a recording have low quality include background/ambient noise, a low quality microphone, fluctuating volume, etc.
Tips for high quality recordings

So, just how do you make sure that your recording is of high enough quality to guarantee a 100% accurate transcription or translation? Well, if you are making the recording yourself for instance recording a sermon, lecture or business meeting, make sure you have a good microphone. Microphones are either unidirectional (record sound from one direction) or omnidirectional (record sound from all directions. With the audio coming from only one direction a unidirectional microphone will work best because it will not pick up as much ambient noise. It's best to shop around and look for a microphone that best suits your needs and works well in the environment which you will be recording in.

The environment where you will be recording in contributes to the level of quality of the recording. Of course, the highest quality recordings come from professional sound studios with hi-tech equipment and sound proof walls, but other recordings can also be pretty good if they try to emulate those conditions as much as possible. Make sure to keep the background noise as low as possible which may include turning off machines nearby or closing windows and doors to keep out noise.

At the end of the day it does not matter as much what format you choose to record your files in, but the care you take to make the recording as high quality as possible. Nevertheless, if you have a recording that has less than perfect audio many transcription/translation services offer a "difficult audio" option that costs slightly more, but makes the best of recordings that are hard to make out.

Audio/Video Transcription Translations, File Formats for Transcription/ Translation Services, Candid Tech (18664108787-toll free) experts in handling Mp3,WAV,WMA,FLV,MPEG,SWF,CD/DVD,Cassettes,VHS,Magnetic tapes.
Author: Victor ChristSource: http://EzineArticles.com/

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