In a world where people speaking different languages have more freedom to interact, transcription services are making huge strides. Transcripts are valuable to individuals and institutions. They are accurate hard copies of recorded information, which are easier to share digitally. They aid in communication and allow people with hearing disabilities to access information.
One of the digital solutions for accurate transcription is speech-to-text software. It is a type of assistive technology tool which converts recorded words into electronic written text. Some people call this application speech or voice recognition program.
A robust speech-to-text solution can streamline the entire transcription process, with features to integrate the tool with Zoom and learning management systems to improve audio/video engagement. You may find the perfect speech-to-text solution from Verbit.ai.
Defining speech-to-text software
Speech-to-text software is an application the takes recorded audio content and transcribes it into text using a word processor. It is important to individuals and organizations that generate volumes of written content without doing manual typing.
Some people call the program automated speech recognition (ASR). Whatever term you use, the speech-to-text application uses speech recognition technology. The algorithms identify the patterns of the sound waves and match them to the speech sounds so they can translate them into the written form.
Reasons to use speech-to-text programs
The concept is not new. It has been around since the 1950s, and as it continues to evolve, developers added many features and enhancements to the application. The program can help you create content easier and faster. Here are practical reasons using a speech-to-text program can be helpful for you.
It’s affordable
The market offers a variety of ASR programs. So, the transcription services using the technology can offer you lower rates. If you are in the business of producing written content, investing in the program will improve your productivity and increase your revenue.
While there are many ASR options that are free, it is better to purchase a proprietary program or subscribe to a service that uses a professional quality ASR to ensure accuracy and access to other features that will improve the output. Keep in mind that the accuracy of the program is between 80% and 90%, so you still need a professional human transcriber to edit the text.
It’s fast
You can expect the application to be fast because it is computer-based. Many of the available ASR solutions can transcribe lengthy recordings into text within minutes, which human transcribers cannot do. The program does not need a human to type the transcript. It does it automatically with the support of a word processor. Therefore, it can improve your productivity.
As always, even the most robust application can only achieve about 90% accuracy. The program cannot handle poor audio quality, incessant background noise, multiple speakers, and poor enunciation of speakers. Therefore, have a trained professional transcriptionist to edit the text, particularly if the document deals with sensitive or critical information.
The program is convenient
Typing lengthy documents is tedious and back-breaking. A speech-to-text program is a user-friendly and convenient option. You can install it on your laptop, desktop, or mobile devices so you can dictate your content and transcribe it later. You can be on the move and use the program to dictate ideas or add information to what you’ve previously recorded.
A speech-to-text program allows you to capture lectures, interviews, notes, and other recorded information and convert them to text quickly, with the level of detail that you require.