Tape Transcription– Still Remains as a Truthful Method of Data Collecting

Tape transcription is one of the earliest forms of analog transcription, which includes standard cassettes, VHS tapes, micro cassettes and mini tapes in the recording process. But these recordings are restricted since the tapes contain a limited capacity such as 90 minutes, 60 minutes and 30 minutes, and it needs backup facilities as well.

Though, the tapes are preferred to record face to face interviews or speeches, VHS tapes are highly recommended for group discussions, meetings and conferences as it captures both the voice and the visuals of all the members for the group.

In tape transcription, it is essential to use standard microphones and in the transcription process other supportive equipments such as foot pedals, head phones, playback features, speed controllers and A/C adaptor, are needed. Cassettes transcription machines, which are equipped with these facilities are available at reasonable rates and it enables to get the maximum quality transcription.

In medical transcriptions, earlier mini cassettes were used and today the tape recording system has been replaced by digital recording systems due to its efficacy and the supreme quality.

The standards of the tape is the main factor that influence the excellent quality of the sound and in transcription a special mechanism is used to get a high quality error free transcription.

The voice quality is highly affected if you reuse the recorded tape to record a new speech or discussion and also the quality of the tape may deteriorate by the time. Further, poor quality of microphone, auditorium, background noise etc. also has an impact. The cassettes and VHS tapes take more space to store as against the digital forms and it needs more maintenance as well.

Digital recording is easy to transmit and by using software and other equipments, the cassettes recordings can be converted into digital forms, which can be stored in computers.

When the cassettes are being transcribed into words, a transcriptionist needs extra skills to minimize the errors that occur due to the poor quality of the tape or the background noise. Also, a higher level of understanding of different accents is an important requisite.

However, the tape transcription is a trustful method which is still used by businesses, media, and legal and public administration sectors who outsource transcription and also among the people who are not well versed with the new trends of the digital recordings.