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4.1. Capture of transcript


There is considerable variation throughout Australia in the methods used to
capture transcript. Some use is still made of Pitman shorthand writers. Audio
recording of proceedings is common, with transcript then prepared on word
processors from the audio tapes. Computer-aided transcription (CAT) also has
substantial use in some states, with a limited amount of 'real time' CAT (see
below).


Computer-aided transcription (CAT)


   'Computer-Aided-Transcription involves the recording of machine
   shorthand on a special stenotype machine (data writer) which produces
   both shorthand notes and a computer cassette and/or diskette of those
   notes in one operation. The diskette is then fed into a computer which
   translates the notes, by matching the shorthand outlines against the
   reporter's personalised dictionary which has been input into the
   computer. A 30 minute take of shorthand is translated in approximately
   one minute. The full verbatim text in English is then displayed on the
   VDU (visual display unit), ready for any required editing via word
   processing software.'(SA Court Services Department Court Reporting
   Division (1991) p5).

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