Transcription Services

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Video Transcription and DVD Transcription

We can transcribe from your VHS video tapes or DVDs at no additional cost. (DVD-R)

To see our prices you must select one of the Transcription Services to the left.

If you have miniDV or DVCAM see our DVCAM Format and DVD Duplication area

We do not transcribe from 3/4", Beta-SP, or D-Beta. Please send us only duplicates of your master tapes in the VHS format or as DVD.

We can not transcribe "Interactive DVDs," only DVDs that are essentially just video footage or 'straight play'. We consider an Interactive DVD to be one which would require us to navigate extensively to get to the video that needs to be transcribed. Example: a training DVD that is designed for branching as opposed to straight play through.

DVD and VHS Duplication Guidelines

VHS should only be dubbed in Standard Play Mode (SP)

DVD should only be created in 2-hour per disc mode. Use ONLY DVD-R discs. DVDs should play from beginning to end with no need to navigate chapters or titles. Creating DVDs with chapters, titles or using a format other than DVD-R will delay your order.

VHS or DVDs submitted in SLP (super long play) modes are subject to an additional charge. (See Long Tape charge below) Orders requesting timecoding from SLP tapes or DVDs will be bill an additional $0.33 per minute to offset the additional time it takes to transcribe and timecode from SLP/EP tapes/DVDs.

For more info see our duplication guidelines

Timecoded (time coded) Transcripts

If you want timecode on your transcript, you must submit on VHS (or DVD) and the VHS (or DVD) must have a time code window burn (BITC). If you are requesting transcription of a tape which has lower thirds, be sure to place your BITC window so that it does not block the text.

We do not produce time coded transcripts from Audio Cassettes with audible timecode recorded on one of the channels.

See this link for more information regarding time coded transcripts.

Important Duplication Information

When making your VHS dubs, record in Standard Play (SP) mode with HiFi stereo audio. Dubs recorded in SLP (Super Long Play), EP (Extended Play) or without HiFi audio sound far inferior to SP HiFi dubs. One-on-One interviews normally classified as Type-1 run the risk of being downgraded to Type-2 if this rule isn't followed.

See our Duplication Tutorial for more details.

Long Video Tape/DVD Fee

This only applies to any particular video tape submitted for transcription. It does not apply to the cumulative length of all your tapes.

Any single tape or file submitted that is longer than 2 hours will be billed $15.00 for each 1/2 hour beyond the initial 2 hours. To avoid this surcharge, record your audio or split it into smaller pieces. For example, send three 60-minute pieces of audio instead of one 180-minute piece of audio.

Sometimes, if you stand on the bottom rail of a bridge and lean over to watch the river slipping slowly away beneath you, you will suddenly know everything there is to be known.
--Pooh's Little Instruction Book, inspired by A. A. Milne