SERVICE OVERVIEW

POPULAR QUESTIONS

• SOURCE TAPES

  WORDJET provides printed transcripts from videotape and/or audio-cassette, CD, DVD, MP3 (preferred file type) and many other digital mediums.  Utmost care is used with client data, however, Wordjet cannot be held responsible for accidental loss of information on magnetic storage media such as disks or tapes.

• FORMATS

  Please call in advance if you require printed copies of transcripts (additional fee).

  Files are downloaded in text format.  Each tape will be given its own document.  Transcripts will be spellchecked but not proofread.  Inaudible speech will be shown as [UNINTELLIGIBLE].

  Q: and A: for interview format.  M: and F: for Male and Female speakers.

• What are the LEVELS OF REFINEMENT?

  Generally, the higher the detail, the longer it takes to transcribe the tape.

  Very High Detail – includes everything on the tape.  Every noise, cough, word, vocal stutter, etc.  No one usually requires this level.

  High Detail – is usually what video producers want.  This includes every word spoken and noise made by the “onscreen talent”.  For an interview we usually paraphrase the questions unless the interviewer is onscreen.  Asides, technical and director’s comments are noted like this [TECH TALK].

  Medium Detail – includes repeated phrases, false starts and vocal stutters but non-speech sounds are eliminated.

  Coarse Detail – is the best choice for a transcript that will be read.  Stutters, false starts, etc. are eliminated so that the transcript reads well.  The content of the tape is not altered.

• HOW MUCH CAN A TRANSCRIBER COMPLETE IN AN HOUR?

  This depends on several factors.

  The tape quality:  Difficult to hear tapes (including things like background noise or hum, speakers who are off mike, eating and chewing near the microphone, outside elements such as wind, traffic, etc.) take much longer to transcribe than clear, well recorded tapes.

  Rate of speech:  A fast speaker will generate more words per hour than a slow speaker.  More words means more typing.  Additionally, fast speakers tend to slur their words together, causing the transcriber to have to pause or repeat to understand what is being said.

  Level of refinement:  How closely the transcript must resemble the original tape.

• PICKUP/DELIVERY

  Uploading digital audio files to Wordjet’s confidential dropbox (https://www.hightail.com/u/StephanieYee9277112) is the best method to send files to us.

  EMAIL DELIVERY OF TRANSCRIPT IS THE PREFERRED METHOD (no additional fee).  A messenger fee of $25+ applies when physical pickup/delivery of the media/transcript is requested.