Question about digital sound files
Posted By: RT on 2005-10-10
In Reply to:
Hi everyone,
I am totally new to medical transcription and have a question. In doing transcription digitally, what are the most common sound file formats? I am about to take a test (both written & verbal) for a company and they sent me my test files as .wav files. The files are hard to understand at best (the guy sounds like he's talking into a tin can ) and I am wondering why they didn't send them to me in a clearer form such as MP3. I am about to ask this same question to the person sending me the test but I thought I'd ask it here too. Is the .wav format the most common form of sound file for MT's? And if so, what's the best program to listen to these files in? I have Windows Media player, Real Player and WinAmp on my computer. Are there programs that MT's use to better hear these files? I hate to sound like a total dummy here but I'm new to this and when I went to school several years ago for MT, we only did tapes--not digital! If anyone can give me some info here, I'd really appreciate it!
Best,
RT
Complete Discussion Below:  marks the location of current message within thread
The messages you are viewing
are archived/old.
To view latest messages and participate in discussions, select
the boards given in left menu
Other related messages found in our database
Conversion program for digital sound files - sm
A long time ago I saw a listing regarding a program that would convert sound files, ex. dss to wav; etc. I need to convert a .dvf file to .wav. Any ideas?
Converting voice files to digital files
I have a Voice Solutions dictation system that will happily convert DS4000 voice files to digital when they are downloaded (wave files). However, it will not recognize any other files for conversion. I had a physician download .WAM files from his DS-30 and my dictation system would not convert it. Anyone have any suggestions? I would greatly appreciate any input.
Thanks!!!
I use DVI and I download digital files via FTP
and then transcribe using a foot pedal connected to my computer. There is also a transcribe station similar to a C-phone that can be used to access the system directly.
Ask the company what equipment you'll use and then if they don't answer your questions google DVI.
I only accept digital files.
I don't have time to courier tapes. I use Express Scribe to play back files. Doc upload to a commercial, secure website. Completed documents are uploaded to the same website to be downloaded by the docs. (I pay $30/month for this.) No software/licenses for the docs to buy but they do provide their own digital recorders, which I have found to work best since they take better care of things they have to pay for.
There are several websites available that offer FTP stores space (some FTP knowledge is required by the office staff) as well as other sites that allow for "drop and drag" upload/downloads. Some bill a flat fee per month, some bill according to the bandwidth used.
What is the best player for digital files?
I have used Express Scribe for years but ever since I restored my computer it will not play .dss files any more. I have downloaded every codec out there, etc. I have Gearplayer also but cannot stand it. What does everyone else use? Thanks
playing digital files
I use Start/Stop.
Recommendatios for a TASP for digital files
I am thinking about getting my own clients and have only been able to Google 3 TASPs. DocShuttle, Medikin, and idigital. Are there others?
My digital voice player converts files to be --sm
able to be played. it sounds like your voice player does not. Maybe either you or she needs to save the file as a wav file first, prior to playing. either that, or try downloading the express scribe player, which is free, and try to play it with that. If that plays, then it is your voice player which is not compatible with the files she is sending you. good luck.
Looking for Software to Organize Digital Voice Files
Anyone know of good software that can take my digital voice files and organize them so I can keep track of which worker is working on which doctor, keep an eye on turnaround time, etc. -- instead of making endless folders on the computer myself. Voice files are separate from the typed reports, which are done in Word. Thank you.
Dave
Any way to transfer microcasettes to digital voice files? (sm)
I'll be using a subcontractor and rather than picking up and delivering tapes, is there a way for me to transfer dictation from tapes to voice files that she can transcribe using express scribe?
Do they make such a machine?
Sound files
I thought it was just me but my group sometimes uses hand held recorders and you are so right--it may be a simple word but it just doesn't always come through clear and I feel like a fool leaving a blank when I've done this job for 30+ years. The comment about a tin can is SO appropriate! I use Express Scribe and MOST of the time the dictation is fairly clear--although (guess I'm old fashioned) you can't beat the clarity of a Dictaphone tape player. It is always clear as a bell and I really HATE to sell mine; however, no one seems to use the tapes much anymore. Such is progress--even if it isn't really better at all!
Doc trying to go digital and having a heck of a time/can't open files. Please see message.
I am working with a doctor's office who has an Olympus recorder (I think it's the W-10). She has been trying to send me a sound file. She sent a sound file that was left in the recorder from about a year ago to see if it would work and it opened up just fine for me with my transcription player (Philips Executive SpeechMike kit).
Since that time, she has tried to send many more test dictations that she just recorded herself to try and I am unable to open up any of them. She says that when she downloads the sound file from the recorder to her computer it is a WAV file, but as soon as she tries to email it to me, it changes to a VAL file extension.
This is quite frustrating for both of us and I am trying to find any reason at all that this is not working (since it did work on the first dictation that someone else had recorded previously but won't work since on anything else). This makes me think it might be something she is doing while recording? Is anyone able to tell me anything she might be doing wrong that might be causing this problem? Or any suggestions on anything else we can do?
I did download the voice software that came with her recorder. I am able to play the files there, but not on my Philips transcription player, which I need to do to transcribe the files. As I said before, the first file she sent did play on my transcription player, but none of the files she sent since then will work. I would greatly appreciate any help or suggestions you might have at all. Thank you. 
I am looking for recommendations for a FTP site to retrieve digital voice files. sm
Can you tell me what site you use, how much it costs, etc.? Any info appreciated!
Sound files wanted
Does anyone have any sound files they could share, good and bad quality, that I could let someone listen to so they can see what they're getting into if they decide to do MT? I'd let her listen to mine, but we save nothing; as soon as the job is typed, the sound file is gone. Any websites that have practice type files? Thanks for any suggestions.
AWESOME - does it work with sound files???
I love It thanks!
I currently type for a doctor who dictates with a digital handheld and sends the files via e-mail fo
and wanted to be able to call me with his dictations. What would be the best and cheapest way for me to go so that he can do his dictations without the handheld unit?? I don't want to invest in a lot because he does not forget very often. This is the first time in three months. Thanks for any suggestions you may have.
Absolute worst quality sound files in my
20 year career, the worst ESL dictators (and I currently do about 95% ESL), horrible management, system not user friendly, technical support a joke, ..... I wouldn't wish this company on my worst enemy. Don't know anything about the other company, though several recent posts about them don't have anything good to say.
Try Switch. I can convert sound files. I love it. It has
p
I had a call-in sytem that used sound files (wasted money)
I spent several hundred dollars trying to clean up voice files, both with an expensive external sound card system and very expensive computer speakers with a pod for a headset. I finally ditched the system and purchased a call-in system accessed by a C-phone. Be weery of those sound files. The clear ones do go overseas while us Americans get the worst of the batch.
Great program called "Switch" can convert sound files into
p
Try Switch program. Converts sound files. Can get free demo.
p
Express Scribe is GREAT for downloading sound files for testing for different companies!
Express Scribe Transcription Playback Software
This software works as a transcriber that downloads into your computer and allows you to receive files and use your footpedal. I have used it a lot when applying for jobs and testing, especially because I can then use my footpedal and not my keyboard to advance the sound files. This is a free download too, so use it if you have to. I highly recommend it.....
This is the link for the site to download it for free -
http://www.nch.com.au/scribe/
I do tapes and digital. And I was told if I'm not logged into the digital system, they assume I&
BUT she wants me logged into the system by 9:30 a.m. So I'm confused too. I've decided that I may come back to her and just say I'm not going to do the tapes anymore. I hate the tapes anyway. The voice quality is horrible, it fades in and out. It takes me twice as long to transcribe their tapes than the digital.
Filezilla is the software used to transfer files to an FTP server where the files "reside".
.
Did you save files in .rtf format? The files need to be
as a Word document or it won't count them. Could be the problem.
Most companies do no use their only files (HIPAA). They use files provided by other companies, serv
If you can get through the test files, then the sound quality on the actual company files is better. And, the dictation is never as bad as the test files, plus you have QA to help with hard blanks.
Has anyone disconnected the internal sound card and replace with another sound card?
I am having problems with my sound on one of my computers. Several different ExText program have been on it so I don't think it is the program and the sound is just now as clear as on my other computer. Has anyone switched (disconnected the internal sound care and replaced) to a new sound card? Did it make a difference.
Everyone on this board is so knowledgeable, I really appreciate you. You have helped me many times.
You do sound FAT, but you don't sound RICh.
Go live in Iraq or something.
Digital
I am brain dead also, since I've been away from the "job" due to husband's illness. I do not see any replies on here. Please forward any good info to my E-mail. Appreciate it. Turn your back around here and technology changes, zap!
Going digital
Hi,
I read your post and was wondering if I could get in this thread? I don't have my own accts yet, I work for a small national and a large national. However, I am seriously thinking about getting my own accts. Before I go looking, I thought it would be good idea to have a digital system in mind and ready to set up.
One idea that I have seen that I found really interesting was in the Transcription Gear Catalog. There is a 2 page spread about their idigital system. This is a toll free dictation ASP, very similar to what the nationals have, I would think. With this system, you pay for the minutes that you will use during the month. Has anyone else used this type of system? Any thoughts about it?
digital
I have two different setups for digital. I have an internet based call in system, which allows me to set up Transcriptionist to receive the work directly to their systems using Express scribe and I also have a doctor who uses a handheld digital recorder that he uploads in the evenings and sends the work to me through Magic Vortex......There are several great companies for you to check out. RTKING, JAY VANCE, START STOP TRANSCRIPTION are a few good places to start with. There are also other options for sending and receiving work, such as FTP sites, Hypersend, Magic Vortex and many more.
Going Digital
I switched to my 5 accounts to digital using Jay Vance with Vance Digital in March. I absolutely LOVE it! Wish I would have done this 5 years ago! e-mail me with any questions.
digital sm
How on earth do you print to the docs? Do you both have to have the same WP program and do you supply them with a printer? The offices I worked with were too lazy to even take the tape out of the tape recorder, "not their job" so I gave up on asking them to do "anything at all" as they were so lazy. By the way, thanks for sharing, not too many are willing to do this; would rather play their hand close to their chest. You are a wonder! Thank you!
digital
I'm doing digital for my client and it's wonderful--no more traffic jams. They use Olympus handheld dictation devices. We use hushmail to upload the dictation and transcribed reports so they are encrypted and HIPPA compliant. It's fairly inexpensive -- I believe $30 a year. One nice thing about that you can be anyway to pick up your files as long as you have internet access. I've often taken my laptop with me on vacation to cover emergency work. Not that I want to work on vacation, but it makes the client feel better knowing you can access the work.
If you want to go digital this is what I did
Purchased DocShuttle Admin ($300) and DocShuttle Client for myself ($99), had doctor purchase DocShuttle Dictator ($99) and an Olympus recorder ($129). Rented FTP site (about $45/yr). Set up DocShuttle so once dictator docks the recorder, it takes file from recorder and erases recorder, imports into DocShuttle, goes to ftp site, posts new dictation, pulls off old. You may want to go to Bytescribe's site though and see if the program they have for doing it by email would work for you. If you are the only MT and they are the only client, then do it by email. Email me if you need any further clarifications.
digital
i went with transcriptiongear.com and have been very happy. you can email me with questions.
for those new to digital...
FTP stands for file transfer protocol. An FTP program transfers files (uploads and downloads) from a virtual warehouse on the Internet, called an FTP site. FTP sites are rented by size. FTP programs are free or cost a fee. You can post ANYTHING to an FTP site. You can put your's kid's first grade picture there. You can put your resume there. You can put your back up data from your Quicken there. You can put a love letter there. You can put a .wav file there. You can put a MSWord document there. You can create folders there. You can password protect your ftp site and some software allows encryption, different levels of user permissions, etc. Once it is there, anyone who has the password to your FTP site can then go and pull it off. i.e. TRANSFER the FILE. So if your doctor dictates on a digital recorder, downloads the voice file into his PC, then uploads the .wav file to the FTP site, you can go to the FTP site, download the .wav file, transcribe it, post a .doc back to the FTP site wherein your doc can then go to the FTP site, pull the .doc off. Voila!
Going Digital
Hello
My doctors use Olympus recorders. One doctor does well with the DS-10. The other uses the DS-330 (No longer in production). The DS-330 has the advantage of overwriting. For instance, if the doctor makes a mistake, he can back up and record over what he has already taped; however, this was a disadvantage for my other doctor, who taped over his entire morning of dictation by accident by hitting a wrong button. It depends on the doctor. With the DS-10, you cannot tape over anything. If you are sending the audio files over e-mail, you should consider first encrypting the file for confidentiality reasons before sending. I use e-mail, because it is free, and it was easiest to train the office staff to use. There is a free software program, ZipGenius that will encrypt your files. Yes it is free. When getting a handheld, you want to consider the types of files also. A .dss file is much smaller than a .wav file or a mp3 file. That is also why I went to Olympus recorders, because they record in .dss format, which makes for much faster upload and download times. If you have other questions, please e-mail me. Also as one poster has already said, the express scribe software is great and free as well. I bought the recorders. They have already paid for themselves in gas and time.
Lynn
You would have go go digital
If you are doing digital for a national you already have the foot pedal if not then you will need to get one that would transcribe the type of files that will be sent to you, wav or dds. I don't do digital just the tapes but from what I have read you would need to get an FTP set up going so that you can transfer the documents and then if you have your pedal, you should be set to go. So just send out flyers/brochures giving your experience and stating what you will provide and go for it. But you will be a little limited since you only are available for digital and don't pick up and deliver back printed material. You might be able to do overflow for some local large clinics. Some might require a C-phone to dial into their equipment. Good luck.
Digital
I have a couple of accounts that I go daily and pick up tapes/deliver. One of the docs wants to start sending me dictation via computer but does not know how to go about it. I must admit I have no clue. Can anybody point me in the right direction? Thanks in advance.
digital
 What about encryption when sending through an email?
Digital
Hello,
I need help from anyone that can write in and give me suggestions. I was just approached by a physician that has 4 in a group and they want to go digital and have me do their transcription. This would be a great opportunity as I have just lost 4 of my accounts to outsourcing to India, so I need all the help. They need to know how this can be set up. Do they need a FTP site and do I need one? What kind of system do they need and all the basics. I am sure the easiest and cheap way to do this over the internet the better, as you know physicians-HAHAH. Also if Patty is on any information from you would be appreciated. I have this weekend to work on this and give them a proposal on Monday with the costs. I know what to charge by line as I am an IC already; I just need help on the way to get me the files and for them to send. I presently do tapes and pick up still. 
Thanks Everyone in Advance!!
digital
Hi Luvdigital,
I just posted on board. I was approached to do a large 5 DR. account, but want the easiest and cheapest way to do this digital way. I have some questions as your way sounds easy. 1. Do you have the software on both of computers, the one Dr sends and yours? 2. Do you send just by email or to a FTP site and can you send to FTP after? 3. What is this DDS Player? 4. Do I need a foot pedal, what kind? I have to make up a proposal this weekend, so info is needed ASAP! Thanks again for your help. I would love to land this account as I have lost 4 accounts to outsourcing to India and need this badly, so the easiest and cheapest would work and I not very computer sassy, so easy is great for me.
Thanks,
Mary Lou
digital
Thanks everyone that wrote in with suggestions about going digital. I have a few questions about the brand of digital recorder. I researched the Olympus, but do you recommend the ones that have editing capabilities or not, as I am unsure what this really means. Any other types that your Docs use would be helpful.
Thanks!!
digital
I think you misread me. I am landing the account. The Drs are paying for it all. I just need to know what recorders are the best and cheapest. I also need to know what wav pedal is compatible with Olympus. They are paying for the FTP sites. They just wanted me to research everything and give them the prices. Sorry if I confused anyone.
If there is not a way for them to go digital
I would at least seriously look into a way to have a delivery service - I used one myself 10 years ago....... most areas have them - they send the tapes in a locked pouch and you sign for it when you receive it and visaversa if you have to print out work and deliver..... it can be compliant - you just need to secure the information - these companies are bonded.... time on the road is costing you money big time lady!!
Going digital
Do some research here.
Going digital, again.
http://www.transcriptiongear.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=CTGY&Store_Code=T&Category_Code=DIGITAL-TOP
Sorry, the link didn't post. The tricks are to get your doctor(s) to give up their old recorder(s) and learn to use the new one(s) and also having office staff able to download the recorders reliably and retrieve/print the reports/notes, etc...You will love the convenience, but if you're in-house it still won't help locate patient charts (LOL)
going digital
I also want to go digital, but don't know the first thing to do. I also have 2 doctors that I am picking up and delivering tapes for. Thank you so much.
digital...me too!
Can you please email information about how to go digital cheaply??? Thanks!
Digital...
Why don't you investigate going digital and cut down your overhead ever further? No gas, no paper, no ink...etc. Worth some thought.
|
