How to Convert Audio and Video Files Into Accurate Text

Need your audio or video files converted to text? Whether you’re a PhD researcher with hours of interviews, a law firm needing court transcripts, or a business recording an important meeting, the goal is the same: turning spoken words into an accurate, usable document.

Since 2007, DAATS (Digital & Audio Transcription Services) has been helping Australian businesses, researchers, and professionals get accurate transcriptions. This guide explains how the process works and what to look for to ensure you get a high-quality result.

The First Decision: Automated vs. Human Transcription

When converting audio to text, your first choice is between an automated service and a professional human-led service. While automated services might seem cheaper, they often create more work than they save.

Automated services typically achieve 70-85% accuracy at best. That means for every one-hour recording, you could spend hours finding and correcting errors.

Common Problems With Automated Transcription:

  • Struggles with Australian accents and colloquialisms.
  • Misses technical terms and proper nouns.
  • Can’t handle multiple speakers effectively.
  • Delivers poor or inconsistent formatting that requires manual correction.
  • Produces nonsensical text that requires complete rewriting.

A professional service uses experienced human typists to deliver extremely low error rates. Real people understand context, Australian accents, and industry-specific terminology that automated services miss.

The Professional Transcription Process: A Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your audio professionally transcribed is a straightforward process. Here’s how it typically works:

  • Send Your Files: The first step is to provide your audio or video files. Most professional services accept all common digital formats (MP3, WAV, MP4, M4A) and can even help convert older physical media like audio cassettes or VHS tapes.
  • Expert Matching: Your work is assigned to typists based on the content. For example, legal proceedings are handled by transcription secretaries who understand legal terminology, while academic research is assigned to those familiar with university requirements.
  • Manual Transcription: An experienced typist listens to your recording and types exactly what’s said. This is the most crucial step for ensuring accuracy.
  • Quality Control and Delivery: For any unclear sections, the typist will add a time tag (e.g., [15:32]) so you can easily find and check those parts yourself. This approach gives you a clean, reliable document within an agreed-upon timeframe.

What to Look For in a Transcription Service

Many recordings are made in less-than-ideal conditions, like a cafe with background noise. Some companies charge extra for recordings that aren’t “broadcast quality,” but you should look for a service that won’t hit you with surprise fees. At DAATS, we have no surcharges for poor quality recordings. Our experienced typists work with challenging audio regularly and will deliver an accurate transcript.

Local Expertise 

If your content features local accents or terminology, an Australian-based service makes a significant difference in accuracy. Our Australian typists understand local accents, business terminology, and cultural context, which saves you time on corrections.

Clear Timelines and Turnaround 

A professional service should provide a realistic timeframe. Standard turnaround is typically 2-3 working days for a 60-minute audio file. For larger projects, look for a capacity of up to 10 audio hours per week, with rush services available when needed.

Security and Confidentiality

 Your content is important, and often sensitive. It’s vital to know how your data is handled. A trustworthy service will treat all client content as confidential, have their typists work under confidentiality agreements, and be able to accommodate specific security requirements.

Getting Started

Ready to convert your audio to text? The key is to find a partner who delivers clear, timely, and affordable transcription. Since 2007, we’ve built a reputation on doing just that. Our distributed team across Australia means we can handle your project regardless of its size or your location.

We provide upfront pricing with no hidden fees, with costs depending on audio length, turnaround time, and complexity.

Ready to convert your audio to text? Contact DAATS today to discuss your transcription needs or fill in a quote enquiry form for an immediate quote.