Transcribers who use Express Scribe and Start Stop

[Marsha Mees]

If you use both, could you please tell me is there a big difference in sound quality?

Start Stop is not cheap and I don't want to buy it if it's not any better than Express Scribe.

Thanks!

[Jennie Ann]

I have experience with both, and I own both. ExpressScribe is a FREE download. StartStop Universal and StartStop PowerPlay as a package costs a couple of C-notes.

StartStop PowerPlay can play DVDs or video digital files. ExpressScribe and StartStop Universal can only play audio files.

You can purchase StartStop Universal without purchasing the StartStop PowerPlay.

You can purchase StartStop University and/or StartStop PowerPlay without buying "their" foot pedal.

To my ear, ExpressScribe has a better audio quality.

There are also other software programs that I have heard people like, though I have not used them. One is called Transcription Buddy. Some folks say the audio quality and hot key capabilities are nifty.

Also, the Infinity foot pedal works on both StartStop and ExpressScribe. If you need to purchase one, there are some bargains on eBay and elsewhere for about 60 bucks.

HTH!

[Marsha Mees]

Thank you so much!

You've been a great help. I appreciate it.

I use Express Scribe but was told that Start Stop would be better to transcribe what I'm transcribing but when I saw the prices, yikees!!

Can I ask you, what type of headset do you use?

I'll check out Transcription Buddy. I also use The Recorder Player.

I just think the quality of what I'm transcribing is $&%! LOL

Marsha

[Jennie Ann]

I use the the over-the-ear Sony headset, professional series. There is a music store in my area called Chuck Levin's, and they are the largest music store on the East Coast, so they say.

They have a couple dozen brands of headsets. I have always used the Sony brand, but I thought I would experiment in the store with the other models. I ended up liking my Sonys the best. The way they fit on my head, they don't squeeze at all, and they seem to block out room noise for me.

Headsets are an individual preference. Some of my transcription buddies like the in-ear headsets. The over-the-head model, like I have, is not comfortable for them.

I have a couple friends who swear by the Bose noise-caneling headphones. I tried them at the Bose store and didn't like them one bit. When I put them on, it sounded as if I could hear an ocean inside a seashell before I turned on the audio. LOL!

Yep, I'm a Sony gal! :-)

[Mary K. Levy]

I use a program called Gearplayer by www.transcriptiongear.com, and it is not cheap, but it is great. The program is updated for free and technical support is always available to help with problems. It also has been upgraded so it plays DVD formats in addition to all the other file formats used for recordings. The sound quality is good, and I love using it. I don't use ExpressScribe at all since I got Gearplayer, but I keep it on my computer in case I need it for some reason.

[Jennie Ann]

Mary, what features do you like about Transcription Gear Gearplayer, as compared to ExpressScribe?

I did not know about the DVD capability, and so now this has my interest.

I don't like the audio quality of StartStop, but I need the PowerPlay for DVDs. However, it sometimes freezes on me, which is EXTREMELY ANNOYING. I called tech support, but the only thing they seemed to offer me was an upgrade.

Do you use a foot pedal or hot keys with the Gearplayer?

As you can see, I love this kind of talk! :-)

[Marsha Mees]

I've had the same earset for years, they're Sony too MDR-U10M I was curious about the noise cancelling ones. Thank you for the info.

By the way, I did download Transcription Buddy. The sound quality was MUCH better than Express Scribe, now if only one of the parties didn't mumble, LOL The one thing I'm having to fiddle with is the rewind after I release the pedal . . . .I don't use hot keys.

I like this kind of talk too. It's interesting to see what everyone uses and what they like and don't like.

[Jennie Ann]

Well, you have sold me. I am going to purchase it today. That's great to know. Every little bit helps in this racket.

I am doing a webinar right now that sounds like the speakers are on the Space Shuttle in outer space. What a joke! I cannot hear it well enough to ascertain if the words are plural or singular sometimes.

[Mary K. Levy]

I use an Infinity pedal, and I like all the features of Gearplayer. I have not used the DVD capability yet, but I am sure the sound quality will be just as good as the playback sound is now. As to headsets, I also have a nice set of noise cancelling headphones, a set of headphones with microphone, and the stereo Spectra headset, which I use all the time usually. I have tried the noise cancelling works better only for noise around me, not clarifying the sound from the audio file. My headset with the microphone is good, too, but my head gets tired of having a headset on sometimes. My Spectra hangs under my chin, thus, it is much easier to wear.