Documenting MP3, WAV and WMA files
Transcriptions from a wide variety of different digital formats can be provided, They can be uploaded directly on our servers or can be saved on a CD-R and sent to us. Digital files have the advantage of easy upload on our servers saving shipping costs and the turn-around-time.
It is essential that only files that are required for transcription should be uploaded, assuming if you have a partial 25 minute file of a large 60 minute file to be transcribed, then the parts to be transcribed only have to be uploaded, instead of sending the entire 60 minute length of the file, and then marking the portions required for transcription.
If you choose to upload a large file and indicate the IN and OUT points, please note that approximately 25 to 30 seconds will be added to each side, this is to ensure that the entire audio requested by the client is covered for transcription.
If files sent for transcription have to be edited, extra turn-around-time will be required.
Our preferred Formats
Although we process all formats sent to us for transcription, the most common audio digital format is the MP3.
- Mono Channel
- 64 kbit/second data rate
- 44.1 khz sample/frequency per second
- Size preferable not more than 60 minutes per file if possible. (e.g.: if you have 120 minutes, split it into 2 files.)
The file name should not exceed 25 characters, for example File_10.mp3, File_11.mp3 or joe_dylan.mp3, steve_thomas.mp3, etc, an underscore “_” should be used instead of spaces "_" if possible.
You can upload files with two easy options
- You can choose the easy upload method for digital files
- You can sign-up for an FTP account on our servers
Using the easy upload, you can drag & drop your files onto our server, for an FTP account you need to sign up first, then we will send you a User Id and a Password.
Other Formats
It needs to be ensured that all digital files can be downloadable. It is not possible to transcribe from web pages or through streaming media files.
- MP3 Transcription
- WAV Transcription
- AIFF Transcription
- Windows Media Transcription
- WMV and WMA Transcription
- DSS Transcription
- RealMedia Transcription
- RealAudio Transcription
- Quicktime Transcription
For WAV files, the sample rate should be set to 22.1 khz and 16 bit audio, and if you have a choice to choose between size and quality, it is advisable to use quality, digital files do take a lot of time for upload.
DSS and DVF format:
One of the oldest formats is the DSS format, which has been active since early 80s, however newer recording formats have made both DSS and DVF obsolete, in spite of which digital dictation devices still use this format, it is to be noted that these devices should be used only for dictations only, since the audio quality is inferior.
Charges applicable for Long Digital Files
An extra US$ 15.00 for every ½ hour will be billed for single tapes or files that are longer in excess of 2 hours. In order to save on this charge, audio should be split into three portions if for example a single tape or DVD is of 180 minutes duration. Each file should be of 60 minute duration.
