Transcription Frequently Asked Questions

• What audio file types can you transcribe?
• Can you transcribe my cassette tapes?
• Can you insert time stamps into my transcript?
• In what format do you deliver the finished transcripts?
• What do you consider difficult audio?
• Can I get a copy of a transcript you did for me a couple months ago?
• Do you do custom editing and formatting? 
• What forms of payment do you accept?

Q: What audio file types can you transcribe?
A: We can transcribe from analog audio tapes, VHS video tapes, CDs, DVDs, webcasts, podcasts, most digital sound files (MP3, WAV - see the fill list of file formats), Windows Media Audio files (WMA), and Real Player files.


Q: Can you transcribe my audio cassette tapes?
A: Yes we can transcribe from your standard and micro audio cassette tapes, and VHS video tapes.


Q: Can you insert time stamps into my transcript?
A: Yes!  For digital audio and video recordings we can insert time stamps to your specifications - before or after each paragraph, every minute, every two minutes, at change of speaker, etc. 


Q: In what format do you deliver the finished transcripts?
A: Our default format for finished transcripts is in Word. Upon request we can also delivery finished transcripts in WordPerfect, Lotus Word Pro, Open Office/Star Office, Google Docs, and other formats. Default transcript delivery is via e-mail.


Q: What do you consider difficult audio?
A: Difficult audio is transcribable but hard to understand and includes: audio with background noise, audio with more than three speakers/voices, audio with people speaking over one another, audio with people having side conversations, audio that is poorly recorded and is hard to hear.


Q: Can I get a copy of a transcript you did for me a couple months ago?
A: We encrypt and archive all transcripts in case you need a copy in the future - unless otherwise requested - for two years after delivery.  Digital audio files, tapes, CDs, and DVDs are kept for 90 days after completion.


Q: Do you do custom editing and formatting?
A: Yes, you can give us special instructions for editing and formatting. You can let us know what you need in terms of spacing, grammar corrections, how to identify speakers, what to include - such as false starts, or what to leave out, page layout, font, etc.


Q: What forms of payment do you accept?
A: We accept business checks, personal checks, and cash (cash is in-person payment only), and we also accept major credit cards and e-checks through PayPal. See our payments page for more information.


For more information see:
Transcription Styles
Transcription Pricing and Turnaround