When transcribing your file, Bell Reporting's™ goal is to create for you a 100% accurate file. Poor audio, lack of supporting information, and overlapping speakers will hinder our ability to provide you with the best product possible. Please check all audio files before uploading or mailing them to us. In some cases, the audio will have to be enhanced in order to remove additional background noise, or static. We’d be happy to help. Just give us a call, and we could provide you with a quote to enhance your audio!
However, if a job is received and the audio is in poor shape, Bell Reporting has the right to refuse the job. We pride ourselves on providing our clients with a quality product, and don’t want to take on a job unless we know we can produce an accurate record.
Other Important Tips
1. Room Acoustics
Make sure your room in acoustically intact. External noise, such as air conditioners and heaters, can wreak havoc on getting a clear audio recording. Also try to provide microphones for all participants. The closer the microphone is to the person speaking, the less background noise the audio will have. This will greatly help to avoid “inaudible” portions.
2. Recorders
We strongly recommend that all recordings, if possible, are recorded on a digital recording device. Cassette tapes and micro cassettes lose quality and usually have to be shipped to the transcribers. Digital recordings will allow us to upload the audio to the transcribers over the internet, saving you added cost on shipping charges.
3. Identify Speakers
Ask the speakers to identify themselves on the record before they begin speaking. In events of greater than 4 people, speakers should identify themselves before speaking (i.e., “This is Jane Doe. My point is that…"). In the event that speakers do not identify themselves, we will not be able to determine who is speaking and will label them as “UNIDENTIFIED SPEAKER.”
4. Supporting Documentation
Submitting paperwork such as seating charts, name lists, agendas, PowerPoint presentations, keyword indexes, etc. will greatly help us in producing an accurate record.
Audio Formats Supported
- Digital Audio – wav, mp3, mpeg, dss, etc
- DVD, VHS, and other video
- Standard compact disc
- Cassette Tape
- Micro-cassette tape
