TELERGOS

FAQ

What do you do?

We provide a document processing service (using audio, digital and copy) on a 2, 4 and 24 hour turnaround.

What type of documents can you process?

Booklets, schedules, manuals etc by copy typing.  Any form of dictation by audio or digital voice files.

How do I get the documents/dictation to you?

For copy typing you can send them by:

●    Post
●    Courier
●    Fax

For audio typing you can send them by:

●    E-mail/internet for sound files
●    Telescribe

What is TeleScribe and how does it work?

Our TeleScribe system enables customers to dictate directly to us from any standard touch tone telephone as well as send completed analogue dictation tapes down the telephone line.  The client uses standard equipment, plus a telephone coupler which Telergos supplies.  The system is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is very easy to use.

What is the turnaround?

Turnaround is typically 24 hours but can be 2 or 4 hours for urgent work.  There is a limit to what can be achieved within 2 and 4 hours.

Can turnaround be shorter?

Yes possibly.  We are flexible and will always endeavor to meet your requirements should they be different.

How do I get the transcribed documents back?

Transcribed documents are usually e-mailed to you in the format you prefer, eg: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, WordPerfect, etc.  Alternatively we can use post or courier.  Any amendments are usually done in-house.

What hours are you available?

Office hours are 9 am to 5 pm Monday to Friday.  However TeleScribe is accessible 24 hours a day, 7 days a week so you can dictate directly or transmit analogue tapes to us whenever and from wherever you like.

How long will it take to transcribe a tape?

15 minutes of speech takes approximately 90 minutes to transcribe depending on the quality.  If the speech is recorded clearly and only one person is speaking this can be as low as 60 minutes.  However if the speech is of poor quality and where there are multiple participants, eg meetings and conferences, this can take twice as long to transcribe.

Why does it take so long to transcribe recordings?

General

●    People speak, in general, four to six times faster than a typist can type.

●    Poor quality tape recordings.  This is likely to be caused by background
      noise in office, trains, cars etc.

●    Strong accents, softly spoken people, people speaking quickly or mumbling.

●    Terminology or technical words not being spelt.

Conferences

●    Several people talking all at once can be problematic for the transcriber.

●    Not knowing who is speaking.

●    People can digress from their original train of thought confusing
      the transcriber.

●    Normal speech is often littered with “ums and urs”.

How can I ensure a good recording?

●    Ensure the speaker speaks clearly, not too quickly and not too softly.

●    Reduce background noise as much as possible.

●    Spell technical or specialist words.

●    Use a fast recording speed.  The tapes that offer a slower recording time
      may hold more dictation but the quality is a lot poorer.

●    Turn off the voice activation—it tends to cut off the first word or two.

●    If you send a tape make sure it is the original—copies tend to be of a
      poorer quality. 

For multiple speakers:

●    Use professional equipment when recording in large room.

●    Use more than one microphone.

●    Speakers should identify themselves before speaking.

Can you provide references?

Yes, please contact us for details.

What about confidentiality?

If anything we are more secure than use of temporary staff as we are not transient.  All staff have a confidentiality clause in their contract.  If required we are happy to sign a confidentiality agreement with you.

How is time measured?

Clients are charged exactly from when the typist starts the job to when the job is completed.