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Voice Over Recording In The Woods - A Surprise on My Vacation

You'd think it would be a pretty good bet that I could take a week off without having to record any audio. After all, I've had to actively submit auditions for every voice over job I've gotten. So you might imagine my surprise when I got an e-mail on the 2nd day out (why was I checking e-mail? Brand new iPhone...but that's a different story:)) I received an offer for a voice over job I hadn't even auditioned for. And they couldn't wait a week. It was take-it-or-leave-it. So I decided to give it a shot. Here is all the equipment I had with me.

1. iPhone

2. Zoom H2 Handy Recorder

3. Netbook computer with an 11 hour battery life

We were going to be doing some singing, which is the only reason I had the recorder. That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Anyway, here is how it went. The client e-mailed some scripts and instructions. I used my iPhone to read the scripts, holding it in one hand, and recorded all my parts while holding the Zoom H2 in my other hand. Once I had recorded all my files, I ejected the SD card from the H2 and put it into my netbook. I used the Internet Tethering feature of the iPhone to connect my netbook to the web, downloaded Audacity, and edited the audio files (noise gating and reduction, cutting out bad takes, etc.). Finally I uploaded the files to the client's website.

It was definitely a first for me. What made it work was that the Zoom H2 can record at up to 24-bit/96kHz on its stereo mic setup. The client specifically requested a minimum of 24 bit and a 44.1 KHz sampling rate. I could not have done it with a really cruddy mic.

So now I know there is no reason to ever fear losing out on a recording gig when I'm on the go, which means you can too. All 3 required items fit very easily into a quite small hand bag or back pack.

Happy recording!

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How to Become a Transcriptionist: Skills and Tools Needed to Get Started

As companies become more sophisticated and advance in their use of the internet, audio technologies are being utilized more often. Because of this upward trend, there is now a huge demand for people who can transcribe or turn this audio information into a written format. This is where your general transcription business comes in.

Your general transcription business can cater to companies that frequently do recorded teleseminars and other similar projects. These companies are in need of people who can transcribe their seminars so they can make the information available online. Other types of projects that require general transcription include online videos, web conferences, podcasts and tutorials.

How to Become a Transcriptionist: Necessary Skills, Equipment, and Tools

So how does one get started in the general transcription business? There are no particular requirements regarding training or certification in order to be a general transcriptionist. If you're a good listener and you have good typing skills, you can become a transcriptionist. It's also essential that you are able to follow instructions since every client will specify exactly how they want their audio files transcribed and formatted. For instance, the client may instruct you to ignore specific words or phrases and not include them in your transcribed copy, or the client may require you to deliver your transcription in a specific format.

You'll also need a professionally designed website for marketing your business. You can market your service by approaching prospective clients and making them aware of your transcription services. Make sure that your website looks professional, both in design and content, to make a good impression on potential clients. Make your rates are competitive, and give potential clients a way to contact you.

As for the equipment, you need a computer, internet access, a word processing program, headphones and a program that will let you play audio slowly. Although not a requirement, you may want to invest in a foot pedal so you can stop, rewind and fast forward audio recordings using your foot. A foot pedal can make transcribing faster and easier because you won't have to stop typing on your keyboard if you need to stop or rewind a recording.

If you enjoy typing and you are very skilled at it, a general transcription business would likely be a good fit for you. You can set your own schedule, allowing for flexibility, and keeping in mind the turnaround time that the client requires. Additionally, the very low start up costs make general transcription business a good choice for starting from home.

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Talking Heads 04: Setting Up the Camera

So, we're all somewhat on our own; which is really a good thing. We can each choose cameras that produce good looking video compared to other talking head videos which are already out there. No one need purchase $50k cameras and complex lighting and audio gear. Most talking head videos will do just fine being recorded with a late model, higher end, HD web cam; with a couple of caveats.

The standard web cam setup clips on one's computer monitor which is usually too close to the talent. More distance is required from lens to face in order to avoid Big Nose Syndrome. Big Nose Syndrome is what the curvature of the lens does to a human nose when the face is too close to the lens. But, simply rolling the desk chair back away from the computer monitor on which the camera is clipped also moves the speaking voice further from the mic than was intended. Thus, echoey noises and unclear dialogue.

Backing off just enough to reduce the Big Nose Syndrome, yet stay close enough to the mic for relatively clear audio is the trick. Like all things new, run some tests to see how you do. If you have an alternative audio source that will work simultaneously with your web cam, it would better to use it instead of the webcam's onboard mic. A headset mic, or shotgun mic from off camera are almost certainly to produce better quality audio than the webcam's mic. Because the point of talking head videos is more the dialogue than the visual element, more care should be taken in making sure the audio is clear.

The head can either fill the screen (not my personal choice) or portray a head and shoulders shot.

To save time, you could go out and purchase a camera that renders its finished product in web ready file extensions like FLV, MPG, etc. We simply upload virtually any video we shoot to the EZWeb server and let the embedded EZWeb Tool render out the best current format. This certainly simplifies things.

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Work at Home Providing Transcription Services

There are many types of transcription jobs out there. Many of the larger transcription services utilize self-employed contractors to assist them in completing the work. There are many transcription companies that do work of a general or legal nature (rather than medical). You can search terms such as "transcription services" or "transcription jobs" to find these businesses.

The requirements to work for these companies usually involves owning a foot control, transcription software of some type (you can download Express Scribe for free from the internet) and Microsoft Word. Qualified transcriptionists will possess excellent grammar and punctuation skills, as well as an ear for transcribing every word on the audio file. Great care must be taken with this. It is what differentiates a mediocre transcriptionist and a superb transcriptionist.

Pay rates vary greatly. Many services pay a per audio minute rate or a per audio hour rate. These range anywhere from $40.00 per audio hour on the very low end to $110 per audio hour when you secure your own customers. Keep in mind it takes four to six hours to type an hour of audio.

The easiest way to get into the industry without any experience is to practice, practice, practice using available practice files. Again, use your favorite search engine to find "transcription practice files." Then look for volunteer opportunities. Once you feel you're ready you can give the volunteer organization as a reference and try applying with one of the regular transcription services companies.

Deborah Devitt is the owner and operator of Pioneer Transcription Service where she has been providing transcription to businesses and individuals since 1990. Her company offers an encrypted file transfer service, a free trial, and no extra charge for rush services to their regular clients. She can be contacted at [mailto:info@pioneer-transcription-services.com]info@pioneer-transcription-services.com. http://www.pioneer-transcription-services.com

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Starting A Home Business - How To Create 3 Price Ranges With The Same Product

Below I have outlined three products and the types of prices you can apply to each, and why they are higher in perceived value:

#1 - Create an ebook

An ebook is the basic form of giving someone information online these days. The range of price for an ebook can be very low ($7) and can get as high as ($97). The price should always be justified by the depth of the information inside as well as the topic at hand. If you are teaching someone how to shoot a basketball and it is done in 10 pages then your ebook should clearly be priced on the lower-end, while an ebook that teaches someone something like losing weight or curing an ailment naturally could fetch a much higher price.

#2 - Create an audio product

An audio product can range from $40 all the way up to a few hundred dollars, and it ultimately depends on the length of the audio product as well as the format by which it is delivered. Some people still sell their audio programs by sending out physical CD's, which are perceived as higher in value simply because they cost more to produce. I personally prefer to automatically email my customers their audio product in MP3 format so for the convenience and speed of delivery you can still command a price around $100.

#3 - Create a coaching program

A coaching program is often a high-ticket item because it is delivered in great depth and it is also delivered over a longer period of time. The price can vary, and should reflect the length of the program as well as the detail that you've included inside.

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The Business of The 21st Century Audio CD

When you think about it, it is difficult not to agree with Robert Kiyosaki. It is an effective way of marketing where companies use ordinary people to promote and distribute their products as opposed to spending huge amounts of money hiring full time employees or paying for costly television, radio, billboard and print advertisements. Not only does the company benefit, but so does the marketer as your effort today can continue to generate income in many years to come as you recruit new people.

As with many other people, Robert Kiyosaki had initially been skeptical about this industry - that is, until he learnt and saw firsthand the substantial positive impact network marketing has had on business revenue, product distribution and improving the quality of life. What gives network marketing an edge over other methods is that it primarily depends on word of mouth - a tactic that helps establish a strong connection emotional connection between the marketer and the product.

In The Business of the 21st Century Audio CD, Robert takes the reader through the eight wealth building benefits provided by network marketing. The first asset he mentions is a real world business education. The second asset is a profitable path of personal development. The third is a circle of friends who share your dream and your values while the fourth asset is the power of your own network.

The Business of the 21st Century Audio CD outlines the fifth asset as a repeatable and fully scalable business. Robert Kiyosaki goes on to detail why incomparable leadership skills is the sixth asset provided by network marketing and the seventh is the mechanism for genuine wealth creation. The CD concludes the benefits list in Robert's distinct captivating style where he discusses the big dream and one's capacity to live them through a successful network marketing career.

Through The Business of the 21st Century Audio CD, Robert Kiyosaki quickly debunks the myth that network marketing is little more than a glorified ponzi scheme. Rather, he explains why this form of marketing best works with a minimum 5 year plan that allows you as the network marketer to grow in knowledge of the product and subsequently grow your income.

The Business of the 21st Century Audio CD makes it clear that network marketing can be a steady source of income especially in these times where the economy is on the downturn and job security is no longer assured. This Robert Kiyosaki audio CD is one that every marketer must have in their library.

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CD Transcription - How to Transcribe CDs and Get More Transcription Jobs

CDs and DVDs are popular storage media, but are not practical for quick reference of data. Transcription solves this problem by providing digital documentation of the contents of CDs and DVDs. Transcription makes it easy to access, store, centralize and track data.

Some businesses, executives and educators store their recordings on CDs and provide the transcriptionist with a CD for transcription.

CD transcriptionsoftware allows the transcriptionist to transcribe from CDs. Transcriptionists install transcription software on their computer and control audio playback using a transcription foot pedal or keyboard with 'hot' keys. Transcription software offers additional features for typists such as variable speed playback, multi-channel control, and playing video and file management.

Express Scribe is free professional audio player software designed to assist the transcription of audio recordings. It is very popular for transcription work. It features foot pedal control, variable speed and support for a wide variety of audio formats including dss, dct, wav, mp3, and wma. Audio recordings can be loaded automatically from CD, email, LAN, FTP and local hard drive.

Stop Powerplay is another tool for quick and efficient transcription of digital video and audio. Start-Stop Powerplay DVD/Video Transcriber is a professional grade PC-based, foot-pedal controlled system. It controls playback of digital video, pause, play, step-back, and fast-forward without taking your hands from the keys or your attention away from your computer monitor and transcript. The Start-Stop PowerPlay provides a wide range of supported video and audio formats, and a focus on improved workflow and efficiency for transcriptionists.

Many transcription services are performed by home based general transcriptionists and transcription companies.

Transcription is not limited to medical transcription or legal transcription. A lot of businesses today are hiring general transcriptionists to transcribe a wide variety of audio or video recordings. General transcription topics may include academic topics, lectures, symposiums, interviews, seminars, reports, briefs, commercials, panel discussions, radio shows, conferences, police videos, legal videos, press briefings and conference calls.

Transcriptionists can provide audio CD transcription, video CD transcription, audio DVD transcription and video DVD transcription. With the right software, transcriptionists can transcribe many file formats, including mp3, wav, mp4, aiff, Windows Media, WMV, WMA, DSS, QuickTime, Real Audio and Real Media. The more audio and video formats you can transcribe, the more transcription work you'll be able to get.

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The Convenience of Digital Dictation

Transcribing from a digital audio format is a lot better than transcribing from traditional cassettes. In fact, transcriptionists have found that the sound recorded using these modern equipment are clearer. This results in more accurate and speedier transcription. It is also much easier to electronically transfer files in digital audio format. This allows you to download the audio files from wherever you are anytime you need to work on your material. Digital dictation can also be used with other equipment and digital transcription software that is often used with the help of a foot pedal.

You can now start your own home transcription services business without worrying about having the time and resources to meet up with clients and pick up your audio material. You can do everything online - from getting transcription jobs to downloading your audio files, to actual transcription and uploading of transcribed text. A lot of businesses look for service providers for their transcription needs online. There are classifieds specifically intended for transcriptionists online. A lot of these transcription jobs involve work that does not require medical or legal know-how. Contrary to popular notion, medical and legal transcription jobs are not the only transcription jobs around. General transcription jobs are easier to get into as you do not need to learn any medical or legal terminologies. You also do not need to spend much money to start your own general transcription services business. Excellent mastery of the English language, sharp listening skills, accurate and reliable typing skills, and a fast internet connection will be your investment in this business. It is easy to learn how to become a transcriptionist from home without knowing medical terminology and without specialized training.

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Quick Guide to Transcription Files and How to Access Them

If you are working for a transcription company, you may not need to do anything because some would have built-in systems they would rather use. There are cases when you have to deal with it on your own. Even then, transcription file types are easy to grasp. The different file types are due to the difference in software or the actual recording devices used by clients. Some would even deliberately convert the format based on their file size preference. If you have accessed various audio files before, you might notice that there is a difference in the quality of the audio sound.

The most common format being used is.wav or WAVeform file. The quality is usually superb since it is dubbed as a lossless audio file type. The downside to this kind of transcription file is the size. Since there is no compression, the file size can be too big for e-mails. In the past, these are sent out through snail mail because it will be placed in a CD. With the advancement of digital technology, they are now sent through virtual storage disks. You would basically have to be online because as you are working, the transcription files will be downloaded in the background.

If you prefer to get a smaller file size, you can ask for the files to be sent via.mp3 format. Also known as MPEG-1 Audio Layer 3 file, it is far smaller than.wav files. The quality is compromised in this format so you might find it a little harder to transcribe compared to the first choice. It is useful if the files are more than 1 hour long because it would take you less time to download. Aside from the usual virtual drive, this can also be sent through e-mail attachments.

Once you have received these audio files, you have to find a good player that can open them. The most popular file formats can be accessed by the player that was bundled with your operating system. You can also use players released by Quicktime and Real. The only problem they may have is the lack of transcription support. You may find it hard to slow down the speed of these audio files when you are transcribing. You can look for free transcriptions if your typing speed is a little slow. They are filled with features that can make it easier for transcriptions like you.

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Ways How to Easily Pass a Transcription Test

Unlike other career online or otherwise, you don't have to be highly skilled if you want to make a career out of being a transcriptionist. Most companies do not have an overly strict policy when it comes to their applicants. You don't have to worry about getting a degree to qualify. You would need to have a computer of your own which will be hooked up to the internet. You should also have a copy of transcription software as well. If you are qualified for a company, you can simply send in your resume and if they like what they're seeing, they would contact you for the exam.

Some transcription companies are very strict with their applicants so you have to make sure that you will pass the test or you will lose your chance to work for their company. You don't have to worry too much about the actual exam because you can ace it if you are well prepared. There are only a few steps you would have to follow in order to be successful.

No matter what company you are going to apply in, you should make sure that you have the right software and the equipments. There are many transcription tools you can use and some of them are even free. eScribe and Audacity are very popular among transcriptionists and they won't cost you a single cent. You can conveniently download them online as well. As for your equipment, one of the things you must invest in is a high-end head phone. It will not only block disruptive sounds, but you would even hear the audio files clearly.

The transcription test will be an audio file you must transcribe within a certain time span. Some companies would send a 15-minutes audio file, while some would go as far as an hour's worth of audio transcription. You have to finish transcribing your test before the time limit ends or they will fail you. Don't be too pressured because anxiety can slow you down. If speed typing is not your strongest point, you might want to practice a few days first to improve your wpm. After you have transcribed the file, make sure that you are going to check the grammar and spelling first. Successful transcriptionists have been known to check a style sheet before they send their files back to the company. If you've done well, they would contact you as soon as possible.

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