Lawyers, doctors, corporations and government entities often need to have audio files transcribed into text.  Examples can include: court hearings and trials, voicemails, examinations, meetings (board, annual, financial, town hall, brainstorm, focus groups), interviews, investigations, video/audio presentations and training seminars, podcasts, webinars and teleseminars.

Selecting a quality transcription company is the only way to avoid disappointment in the end product.

7 Questions to Ask Before Selecting a Transcription Vendor:

1. Who is doing the transcription? An experienced transcriber or court reporter?
2. Where is the transcription being done? In the U.S. or abroad?  It may be less expensive to use an overseas transcriber, but the results may not be what you expect or need.
3. How are the files being transmitted? Besides the obvious, email, can the files be transmitted securely, e.g., via encrypted email?
4. What types of files can the transcriber handle?  Qualified transcribers should not only be able to handle the following files, CourtSmart (used in most courtrooms), FTR Gold, .WAV,.MP3, and .MPEG, but should also have the resources to convert and enhance the files if necessary.
5. How much will it cost? Once the audio file is received, your provider should be able to provide you with an accurate estimate based on the length and quality of the audio file, as well as the turnaround time.
6. In what format will you need the final transcript? Your provider should offer a wide variety of file types, including .PTX, .PDF, ASCII, Word, LiveNote (.LEF), TextMap (.XMEF), Case Notebook (.PTZ), Summation (.SBF) and trial software such as Sanction (.MDB) & Trial Director (.CMS).
7. Will the transcript and audio/video be searchable? This can make finding the information you need quick and easy, especially for lengthy transcriptions.