Transcription City are video transcription specialists. Whether you use transcription services for your videos on a regular basis or are just curious about using a transcription company for the first time, we can help. In this post, we thought we’d go over some of the things that can improve your experience with the video transcription process and help you decide on what video transcription service suits your individual needs and requirements.
Video Transcript Layouts
Videos can be transcribed using a variety of layouts to suit your needs. Our transcripts range from the standard 2 column transcription layout (indicating the speaker and the dialogue), 3 column transcription layout (indicating the speakers, the dialogue and the time codes) or a 4 column layout (indicating the speakers, the dialogue, the time codes and visual descriptions). Please feel free to contact us if you are not sure of which layout you require and we will help you decide on the best option for you. You can also find example transcript layouts by visiting our ‘Transcript Layout’ page.
Video Time Codes and Captioning
Video subtitles and video captions require very precise formatting as well as time codes that correspond and are in sync with the speech onscreen. Video captioning requires exact time codes to be included for both ‘time in’ and ‘time out’ to make sure that the dialogue is visible at the correct time and disappears at the correct time. We offer a range of subtitle formats (please contact us for your requirements). We are also able to provide your subtitles in text format, for translation or editing purposes.
Video Sizes
Although we are happy to transcribe large video files it is a much simpler process to transcribe from smaller, compressed video formats where possible. Unless you are sending videos for open captions or subtitles (where the subtitles or captions are burnt into the screen), we do not require master or hi definition version copies of your videos for transcription or closed captioning. Smaller video files are easier to send and receive, take less space on our video editing and transcription software and are easier to work with when creating subtitles or transcripts.
Video Transcript Turnarounds
There are a number of factors that will affect the turnaround time of your video transcription service. For instance, subtitling and captioning services are more time intensive than standard video transcription and therefore have a longer turnaround time. Very large video formats and hard copies also take longer to process as longer download times will slow down the video transcription process, as will sending and converting video hard copies. If you require a fast turnaround, we recommend that you send videos in a compressed format and not as hard copies.
Video Formats
When it comes to video transcription, we are happy to work with a variety of video formats and file extensions. This includes digital files uploaded to our website, YouTube videos, Vimeo videos, DVD’s, VHS, USB and whatever else you can think of. Please note that hard copy videos may have a slower turnaround time than online videos, as these will be converted and often compressed to digital copies before being transcribed.
If you are interested in our video transcription services or would like more information on any of our other services, why not get in touch? We are available seven days a week and are always happy to help.
