Auto transcription recording

You are asking a lot!!! And would a cameraperson also want that on
the camera...in addition to battery, top light, receivers, etc.

I have been SCREWING with this TC transcription thing for
years....literall years. Doing some of the inital "figuring it out"
for CBS 60 MIN years ago...large two track cassette machine...then
smaller cassette machines...then MD...now mp3! But always with the
dang connection for TC.

While it is expensive, the ZFR100 may FINALLY be the ticket!!! There
is little other way to do a TC roll on the recorder. Plus you no
longer have just one track of audio, but two pristine tracks, if
something happens to the camera audio. Plus it is small...plus it
runs forever on a couple of lithium-ion AA batts...

Yea, I know it is a lot of $$$...but if it saves headaches, cables,
attenuator pads, forgetting to roll, etc, then it is probaby worth
it.

cleve
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

On Mar 18, 4:45 pm, mixalo....DeleteThis@aol.com wrote:
> Hello all,
> Has anyone come up with a transcription system that can be attached
> directly to the camera(video) to automatically record audio and
> timecode when the camera rolls? I am trying to eliminate a timecode
> wireless hop back to me for my transcription backup in those roll/
> record timecode video situations. I am aware of the Zaxcom option but
> it is too expensive.
>
> Thank you for your help.
> Mike

I'm just thinking out loud here.... But....
The Zoom H2 has an auto trigger record function that is initiated when
the unit "sees" audio. Would it be possible to setup the video camera
to output audio only when recording. It weighs nothing, has an
internal TC tod stamp in BWF format.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

"MitchB4610" <mitchb4610 DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:2053afcd-7c68-43f5-a0f2-ec6ef908981d@8g2000hsu.googlegroups.com...
> On Mar 18, 4:45 pm, mixalo... DeleteThis @aol.com wrote:
>> Hello all,
>> Has anyone come up with a transcription system that can be attached
>> directly to the camera(video) to automatically record audio and
>> timecode when the camera rolls? I am trying to eliminate a timecode
>> wireless hop back to me for my transcription backup in those roll/
>> record timecode video situations. I am aware of the Zaxcom option but
>> it is too expensive.
>>
>> Thank you for your help.
>> Mike
>
> I'm just thinking out loud here.... But....
> The Zoom H2 has an auto trigger record function that is initiated when
> the unit "sees" audio. Would it be possible to setup the video camera
> to output audio only when recording. It weighs nothing, has an
> internal TC tod stamp in BWF format.

But you don't want to email several 100MB files to the transcription house.
BWF files are just too big.
Best way is to use a recorder that time stamps MP3s or use BWF-Widget Pro to
convert BWF to MP3 with time stamps and make sure the transcription house
can handle the time stamped MP3s. (instead of the LTC track on an audio
channel) It makes more sense on their end since the time stamped MP3s
require no external hardware to decode the LTC for playback during
transcription. They can use a simple PC laptop with MS Word and BWP for
transcription.
I think the ZFR100 records in ZAX format or MARF format and must be copied
and converted to MP3 in a computer after it is recorded. Although it has a
Time code generator it does not record a LTC time code track which is what a
lot of (old school) transcription houses specify.

---Courtney
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

On Mar 19, 2:35 am, "Courtney Goodin" <tech....RemoveThis@pacbell.net> wrote:
> "MitchB4610" <mitchb4....RemoveThis@aol.com> wrote in message
>
> news:2053afcd-7c68-43f5-a0f2-ec6ef908981d@8g2000hsu.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > On Mar 18, 4:45 pm, mixalo....RemoveThis@aol.com wrote:
> >> Hello all,
> >> Has anyone come up with a transcription system that can be attached
> >> directly to the camera(video) to automatically record audio and
> >> timecode when the camera rolls?  I am trying to eliminate a timecode
> >> wireless hop back to me for my transcription backup in those roll/
> >> record timecode video situations. I am aware of the Zaxcom option but
> >> it is too expensive.
>
> >> Thank you for your help.
> >> Mike
>
> > I'm just thinking out loud here.... But....
> > The Zoom H2 has an auto trigger record function that is initiated when
> > the unit "sees" audio.  Would it be possible to setup the video camera
> > to output audio only when recording.  It weighs nothing, has an
> > internal TC tod stamp in BWF format.
>
> But you don't want to email several 100MB files to the transcription house..
> BWF files are just too big.
> Best way is to use a recorder that time stamps MP3s or use BWF-Widget Pro to
> convert BWF to MP3 with time stamps and make sure the transcription house
> can handle the time stamped MP3s. (instead of the LTC track on an audio
> channel) It makes more sense on their end since the time stamped MP3s
> require no external hardware to decode the LTC for playback during
> transcription.  They can use a simple PC laptop with MS Word and BWP for
> transcription.
> I think the ZFR100 records in ZAX format or MARF format and must be copied
> and  converted to MP3 in a computer after it is recorded.  Although it has a
> Time code generator it does not record a LTC time code track which is what a
> lot of  (old school) transcription houses specify.
>
> ---Courtney

The Zoom h2 records mp3 at any kb depth. Small files, and you can
record for days on a 2g card.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

> I have been SCREWING with this TC transcription thing for
> years....literall years.  Doing some of the inital "figuring it out"
> for CBS 60 MIN years ago...large two track cassette machine...then
> smaller cassette machines...then MD...now mp3!  But always with the
> Yea, I know it is a lot of $$$...but if it saves headaches, cables,
> attenuator pads, forgetting to roll, etc, then it is probaby worth
> it.
>
> cleve

Hi Cleve,
Sadly, its not worth it for people like me until clients are willing
to pay to offset the cost somewhat. Like you, I've "fought" the
transcriptions wars and while I'll happily do them for interviews,
I've resisted transcriptions of B-roll etc. Why on earth would you
want a transcription of something when you don't know what the shot
looks like or even where the camera is pointed? It's laziness on the
producer's part...I wish they would LOOK AT THE FOOTAGE. But (back to
reality) if I start wishing the list gets long...
A second note: Unfortunately, I think the auto-trigger on the Zoom
will be continually fooled by the TC channel into continuously
recording.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

On Mar 19, 10:18 am, soundsteve <uptheh....TakeThisOut@oco.net> wrote:
> > I have been SCREWING with this TC transcription thing for
> > years....literall years.  Doing some of the inital "figuring it out"
> > for CBS 60 MIN years ago...large two track cassette machine...then
> > smaller cassette machines...then MD...now mp3!  But always with the
> > Yea, I know it is a lot of $$$...but if it saves headaches, cables,
> > attenuator pads, forgetting to roll, etc, then it is probaby worth
> > it.
>
> > cleve
>
> Hi Cleve,
>   Sadly, its not worth it for people like me until clients are willing
> to pay to offset the cost somewhat.  Like you, I've "fought" the
> transcriptions wars and while I'll happily do them for interviews,
> I've resisted transcriptions of B-roll etc.  Why on earth would you
> want a transcription of something when you don't know what the shot
> looks like or even where the camera is pointed?  It's laziness on the
> producer's part...I wish they would LOOK AT THE FOOTAGE.  But (back to
> reality) if I start wishing the list gets long...
>   A second note:  Unfortunately, I think the auto-trigger on the Zoom
> will be continually fooled by the TC channel into continuously
> recording.

I have a Microtrack which is fed one channel mono mix from the mixer
and TC via a Comtek from the camera. It fits in the front pouch of
the bag no problem. There should never be a need for b-roll
transcription, but if it is a walk and talk interview and the producer
asks for it , than it is not a big deal.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

"cmassey" <cleve.RemoveThis@dallassound.tv> wrote in message
news:9e0c039a-c87c-491b-b94c-973dae90f08a@13g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...

> Yea, I know it is a lot of $$$...but if it saves headaches, cables,
> attenuator pads, forgetting to roll, etc, then it is probaby worth
> it.
>
> cleve

Exactly why I use my 744t for transcription and backup....absolutely nothing
to think about nor forget to do and I KNOW I have a master quality
recording. When they say transcription I say it's a done deal without having
to sweat or change my work flow.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

"MitchB4610" <mitchb4610 DeleteThis @aol.com> wrote in message
news:2053afcd-7c68-43f5-a0f2-ec6ef908981d@8g2000hsu.googlegroups.com...
> On Mar 18, 4:45 pm, mixalo... DeleteThis @aol.com wrote:
>> Hello all,
>> Has anyone come up with a transcription system that can be attached
>> directly to the camera(video) to automatically record audio and
>> timecode when the camera rolls? I am trying to eliminate a timecode
>> wireless hop back to me for my transcription backup in those roll/
>> record timecode video situations. I am aware of the Zaxcom option but
>> it is too expensive.
>>
>> Thank you for your help.
>> Mike
>
> I'm just thinking out loud here.... But....
> The Zoom H2 has an auto trigger record function that is initiated when
> the unit "sees" audio. Would it be possible to setup the video camera
> to output audio only when recording. It weighs nothing, has an
> internal TC tod stamp in BWF format.

Putting a prosumer recorder on a camera without supervision is a recipe for
spending a bad night in a hotel room "dubbing" transcription from the camera
via the headphone output!
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

On Mar 19, 8:53 am, "Charles Tomaras" <toma....DeleteThis@tomaras.com> wrote:
> "MitchB4610" <mitchb4....DeleteThis@aol.com> wrote in message
>
> news:2053afcd-7c68-43f5-a0f2-ec6ef908981d@8g2000hsu.googlegroups.com...
>
>
>
> > On Mar 18, 4:45 pm, mixalo....DeleteThis@aol.com wrote:
> >> Hello all,
> >> Has anyone come up with a transcription system that can be attached
> >> directly to the camera(video) to automatically record audio and
> >> timecode when the camera rolls? I am trying to eliminate a timecode
> >> wireless hop back to me for my transcription backup in those roll/
> >> record timecode video situations. I am aware of the Zaxcom option but
> >> it is too expensive.
>
> >> Thank you for your help.
> >> Mike
>
> > I'm just thinking out loud here.... But....
> > The Zoom H2 has an auto trigger record function that is initiated when
> > the unit "sees" audio. Would it be possible to setup the video camera
> > to output audio only when recording. It weighs nothing, has an
> > internal TC tod stamp in BWF format.
>
> Putting a prosumer recorder on a camera without supervision is a recipe for
> spending a bad night in a hotel room "dubbing" transcription from the camera
> via the headphone output!


Word to that.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

As always, Charles has good points. Especially the recorder on the
camera. I thought long and hard about a 702T or 744T for just the
reason Charles has his in his bag, ready to go, for whatever purpose.
But I still have to haul the bag around on my shoulder, many hours in
a day, so the size and weight are a deal killer to me. It is however,
an investment for the future in a high quality recorder.

It is primarily the size and weight that make the ZRF100 attractive to
me, for the stated purpose of transcription or emergency backup or if
we are lucky, the gathering of sound on our own sans video camera!!!
Yes, you do have to use the Zax software to get it to a format you can
use, but such is the idea of using Courtney's product to manipulate
the files. Only once have I been asked to copy the stuff to the
producers computer at lunch, and with my Edirol R-09 that is a snap.
But at nite, or during wrap it would be no problem to convert and
upload.

Thankfully the two transcription houses I deal with have totally
embraced the time stamped TC in mp3! They did ask me to send a short
file to make sure all was well, but since then, it has not been a
problem. They still accept TC on an audio track, but yes, they like
the time stamped files to make their work easier. And it makes my
work easier not having to deal with the TC.

I can't see being able to charge much for the transcription recorder
in the world I work in. It is more that to have it makes my life
easier, and my dealings with clients simplier. And at the end of the
day, that and a paycheck are very important.

cleve
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

>"soundsteve" <upthehill DeleteThis @oco.net> wrote in message
>news:492cc5ce-ddd7-4192-a31f-0adfbe6f630b@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> Why on earth would you
>want a transcription of something when you don't know what the shot
>looks like or even where the camera is pointed?

Often a writer can use the transcription for background information and it
can also be used for track that is covered by other B-Roll.
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

On Mar 19, 5:18 pm, "Charles Tomaras" <toma... DeleteThis @tomaras.com> wrote:
> >"soundsteve" <uptheh... DeleteThis @oco.net> wrote in message
> >news:492cc5ce-ddd7-4192-a31f-0adfbe6f630b@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups.com...
> > Why on earth would you
> >want a transcription of something when you don't know what the shot
> >looks like or even where the camera is pointed?
>
> Often a writer can use the transcription for background information and it
> can also be used for track that is covered by other B-Roll.

Time stamped TC on an mp3 should probably work well... But what do you
do when you start recording & then camera decides to stop rolling and
soon after resumes rolling without letting you know? This assuming
you're recording manually as opposed to triggering your recorder with
incoming TC...

~
Serge
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording 

On Mar 19, 10:24 pm, Sergio Sanmiguel <soundsorce....DeleteThis@gmail.com> wrote:
> On Mar 19, 5:18 pm, "Charles Tomaras" <toma....DeleteThis@tomaras.com> wrote:
>
> > >"soundsteve" <uptheh....DeleteThis@oco.net> wrote in message
> > >news:492cc5ce-ddd7-4192-a31f-0adfbe6f630b@t54g2000hsg.googlegroups.com....
> > > Why on earth would you
> > >want a transcription of something when you don't know what the shot
> > >looks like or even where the camera is pointed?
>
> > Often a writer can use the transcription for background information and it
> > can also be used for track that is covered by other B-Roll.
>
> Time stamped TC on an mp3 should probably work well... But what do you
> do when you start recording & then camera decides to stop rolling and
> soon after resumes rolling without letting you know? This assuming
> you're recording manually as opposed to triggering your recorder with
> incoming TC...
>
> ~
> Serge

BTW, I'm just back from a History Channel's shoot where the Zoom HD
was used for interviews as well as for B-roll (TC on one channel &
program on the other) and I must say it performed like a champ. Only
thing I noticed is that its a bit of a power hog. I went trough 6
Procell AA an a 12 hour day...
~
S
 >> Stay informed about: Auto transcription recording