Traditionally, transcription has always centered around typing the spoken word from an audio source – be it direct from a Dictaphone, a cassette, a CD, MP3 (or digital audio source). However, with the introduction of video sharing sites such as Vimeo and YouTube, alongside the fact that you can now easily record a video on the go via your smartphone, video transcription is becoming much more mainstream. Here at Transcription City, we offer specialist video transcription services, so thought we would take a look at the potential implications of having a video transcribed as opposed to an audio file. We also look at the different transcript options available when having a video transcribed. Here’s our take on video versus audio transcription!
Video Transcription and Speaker Identification
Video files can prove easier to transcribe when it comes to identifying between participants in multiple speaker recordings. This is mainly due to the fact that the transcriptionist has the added advantage of being able to see the speakers involved when transcribing group interviews or focus groups from a video recording, especially if the speaker’s voices are similar. Also, consider if sound quality is compromised, a video can allow a transcriptionist to lip read to an extent.
Video Transcription and Context
If you are using transcription services to aid analysis of your interviews, video transcription can be a good option. Verbatim transcription or discourse analysis is available for both audio and video transcription, but additional visual descriptions and summaries alongside your video transcript can really add further insight into what is said and the visual reactions from the speakers. This can help add further understanding to the context of the transcript and provide potentially crucial additional information for the analyst.
Video Transcription Options
Options for audio transcription can include verbatim transcription, edited transcription, intelligent verbatim transcription, discourse analysis and time coded transcription to suit your needs. Video transcription can encompass all these and more! You can request visual descriptions alongside speech, camera shot description, logging of rushes and even subtitles, open or closed captions. Video transcription can also be extremely useful when it comes to transcription of evidence or where the client requires a transcript with a highly detailed account of what has transpired during their recording.
Video Transcription and Translation
Video transcription can be extremely useful when it comes to reaching a global audience. Thanks to video sharing sites such as YouTube and Vimeo (there are of course many others) it is extremely easy to upload a video to a potential worldwide audience. With this in mind, video podcasts do have the ability to attract a massive viewership, meaning a higher exposure for your message. However, for those who really want to take advantage of video transcription, should consider translating their videos via subtitles and captions.
Here at Transcription City, we love all types of transcription and have an extensive team of expert transcriptionists with experience in a range of industries and sectors. Whatever your project criteria, we will match you perfectly with the right online secretary for you. If you would like more information about our audio or video transcription services, please don’t hesitate to contact us, we’ll lend you a friendly ear and are always happy to help!
