Dictation and transcribing services are widely used in a variety of businesses. Transcriptionists with specialized training can work in the medical or legal professions. You can work as a generic transcriptionist even if you haven’t taken any special classes. Many people take advantage of common transcription services. Students, journalists, event organizers, podcasters, market researchers, and others are all potential clientele. Transcription used to be a tough career choice, and due to poor technology, the task of a transcriptionist was highly tiresome.
The transcriptionist equipment was also difficult to operate and somewhat costly. Most of the time, you’d be working with audio cassette recordings, which required the tapes to be mailed to you and then returned. The audio quality on those tapes was frequently poor, tapes may jam or break easily because of their fragility, and you had to contend with slow computers if they were accessible at all. With technological advancements, it is now possible to work from the convenience of your own home. To understand better a transcription machine is a type of equipment that processes both voice and text. This computer turns audio and video records into text. Professional human transcriptionists and dictation or transcription machines are frequently combined in transcription machines. Let’s understand the various steps taken in the transcription process and the major equipment used by Transcriptionist.
- Laptop Or Computer
A computer is the first transcription tool you’ll need. Depending on your preferences, you can select between a desktop and a laptop or maintain both. When you’re away from home or the workplace, a laptop is useful, and a desktop is useful when you’re at work. Desktops often last longer and are easier to upgrade. You can also choose between a keyboard and a mouse. If you’re at home, however, you can do the same thing with your laptop.
- Headphones that are comfortable to wear
The second transcription item you’ll need is a strong pair of headphones, as you’ll be working with tough audio regularly. You can hear words and conversations that are difficult to identify with a regular pair of headphones when you use them. It’s much easier to say your next phrase while listening through this device or using other devices than it would on an audiobook where everything happens behind closed doors by the writer. Most people will sound like they’re just walking in line at Target if they talk for more than 10 seconds though! Don’t forget to grab those earbuds too.🙂 A few good tips here: Always read books aloud from start – This makes reading voice-over harder even without high fidelity microphones because many actors still have trouble pronouncing their lines accurately.
- Keyboard with Ergonomic Design
In this list of transcribing equipment, an ergonomically designed keyboard is essential to avoid wrist and forearm strain, especially if you type a lot every day. Although they may be difficult to use at first, you will quickly become accustomed to them.
- Ergonomic Chair
An ergonomic chair provides support and comfort to your neck and back. It’s also a good idea to have an adjustable-height chair so you may position yourself more comfortable when working as a transcriptionist.
- Foot Pedal
While typing, a foot pedal allows you to play, rewind, and fast forward audio. To rewind the audio as you type, simply press the levers with your feet instead of using your hands. This will help you save a lot of time while you’re at work.
- Software for Word Processing
You’ll need to download and install a word processor like WordPerfect or Microsoft Office. Both applications are vital, and you should know how to utilize them to improve your transcription skills and flexibility.
- A thesaurus or a dictionary
It’s a good idea to keep a dictionary or thesaurus on hand if you want to operate as a transcriptionist from home. Both can assist you in spelling unfamiliar terms and ensuring that you type the precise word you hear in the audio recording you’re transcribing. It is the most vital tool for handy use.
Therefore these are the major types of equipment that are necessary for becoming a great transcriptionist.