September
2007
Transcribing from Video
I am sometimes asked whether we can transcribe from video. The simple answer would be no, but that’s rather misleading and probably the best way to make a potential client decide to go somewhere else!
The fact is that it is not possible, to the best of my knowledge, to transcribe directly from either digital or audio video files, but it is entirely possible to convert either kind to a workable format. The reason one cannot transcribe directly is simple. There is no transcription kit available to do it, and frankly there probably isn’t the demand for one. The transcription kit is fundamentally the foot pedal that allows the transcriptionist to rewind and fast forward through the recording, and the player (software or a tape player) that allows changes in the speed of play, volume, tone etc. As well as being a fast typist with expert knowledge a professional transcriptionist can (almost certainly) get through your recordings faster than you can because they have this nifty bit of kit (or usually several nifty bits of kit, for mini tapes, micro tapes, standard tapes and digital audio recordings).
Digital video (at least some formats) can be converted to an audio equivalent e.g. mp4 (video) to mp3 (audio) quite easily by running the video file through a bit of conversion software. We do this at no extra charge as it is not difficult or time consuming. See the digital video pages on our website for more information.
Converting VHS video to audio is a different matter. We do it, but we don’t do it with big happy smiles on our faces and we do have to charge. It’s not that challenging or expensive but it is a bit time consuming. So … if you have a VHS video that needs transcribing, whether it be a conference or debate or a documentary that you want a transcript of for personal study purposes, you could convert it to a digital recording and save yourself some money! My article, How to Record Digital Audio from VHS Tape for Transcription, will tell you how.