Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What program do I open an ASCII file in?
A. An ASCII file can be opened and saved in Notepad, WordPad, MS Word, WordPerfect, CaseView, LiveNote, or Summation.
Q. What is Interactive real-time?
A. Interactive real-time is a process in which the court reporter can connect to an attorney's computer using special cables. The attorney must have interactive real-time software installed prior to the deposition. Once the connection is made, the attorney can view the testimony "word for word" in real-time on their computer. It is a rough draft and not yet edited or proofread by the court reporter. You have the draft transcript immediately available for reference.
Q. What does real-time software allow me to do?
A. Review, annotate, Quick Mark, and Auto Mark transcript text as it scrolls by on your computer screen during a deposition, arbitration, or trial. You can also scroll back to the beginning of the day to check what was said or to another day's transcript -- instantly. These are just a few of the many advantages of using real-time software.
Q. Why do I need an E-Transcript?
A. Using an E-Transcript saves you time because it provides you with an interactive keyword index that allows you to spend less time digesting and summarizing transcripts and sent via email for instant delivery, saving you cost of delivery, as well as voluminous documents to keep track of.
Q. Why can't I open an E-Transcript in MS Word?
A. You will need to use the E-Transcript Viewer to open an E-Transcript. You can download the free E-Transcript Viewer for your PC or Mac by going to our "Downloads" tab. You can contact us for a Word or ASCII file to utilize in MS Word.
Q. Can you convert different file formats to an E-Transcript for me?
A. Yes. We can convert most electronic file formats of your transcript to an E-Transcript. Please contact us for more information.
Q. What file formats are available to me?
A. We offer electronic transcripts such as Page-image ASCIIs, AMICUS-formatted ASCIIs, Summation-formatted ASCIIs, E-Transcripts in both PTX and EXE, RTF, HTML, MS Word, and Adobe PDF.
Q. What happens with the transcript after the deposition?
A. Our reporters use computer-aided transcription (CAT), which translates the stenotype notes into English. The text is reviewed for untranslated words, missed punctuation, appropriate spellings, and is corrected -- a process commonly known as "scoping." It is printed, and the reporter proofreads the transcript, as well as performs other verification procedures to ensure the accuracy of the transcript. It takes an average of 2-3 hours per hour of deposition to finalize the transcript. The final transcript then enters into the production process for copying, scanning and attaching exhibits, binding, special formatting, creating electronic versions, and other services as requested. The final transcript can also be delivered in various electronic file formats via e-mail or diskette/CD.
Q. What can I do to help ensure the deposition flows smoothly and that the reporter is able to capture a precise record?
A. Attorneys can provide valuable assistance to the reporter in the following ways:
- Remind the witness to speak clearly and to provide verbal responses.
- Make sure only one person speaks at a time.
- Limit background noise as much as possible.
- Spell out any acronyms that are used.
- Provide the reporter with a list of names, technical terms, and any other case-specific or unusual words.
Q. What is a Rough ASCII, also sometimes known as a Dirty ASCII?
A. Rough ASCII is a deposition transcript that is unedited and uncertified by the court reporter. It is replaced by the edited and certified FINAL when completed.
Q. What is the difference between an MPEG1 and an MPEG2 video?
A. Simply put, an MPEG2, or movie DVD, can be played on any television DVD player just like you would play a movie on video. An MPEG1 file is a requirement for litigation support and trial presentation programs that allow the transcript text to be synchronized with the video.
Q. What is your normal or regular turnaround time for deposition transcripts?
A. Our regular turnaround time is 10 business days from the date of the deposition. You can order your transcript on an expedited basis and receive the transcript as early as the next day or even same day.