STSN - Types of speech-to-Text Services

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Types of
Speech-to-Text Services

Speech-to-text services for providing real-time Communication Access can be divided into three main categories, based on the technology used to process incoming speech. These three types are:

1) Steno machine-based systems, commonly called CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation),

2) Laptop-based speed typing software systems (C-Print and TypeWell),

3) Laptop-based Automatic Speech Recognition software systems (e.g., CaptionMic, iCommunicator).

This table summarizes similarities and differences among these service types.

Steno machine-based Stenography Systems CART (Communication Access Realtime Translation)	Laptop-based Speed Typing Systems TypeWell & C-Print	Automatic Speech Recognition Systems (ASR) e.g., Caption Mic, iCommunicator, Liberated Learning Initiative
Highlights Verbatim, or near-verbatim translation, i.e., word-for-word	Highlights Meaning-for-meaning translation, i.e., "all the meaning in fewer words"	Highlights Communication access usefulness determined by ASR software error rate, reader's error tolerance, skill of speaker, etc.
Personnel Typist who is trained court reporter	Personnel Typist who is trained in specific system - TypeWell - C-Print	Personnel Class instructor who has "trained" the ASR software -OR- Trained "Shadow" speaker
Employer Usually independent contractor	Employer Usually employee of the school/work site May be independent contractor	Employer Usually employee of the school/work site May be independent contractor
Equipment & Software Steno Machine Linking cables Ergonomic table/chair Microphone (remote CART) Internet Access (remote CART) Steno translation software Usually provided by captioner	Equipment & Software Laptop/Notebook Computer Linking device: wireless, cable Ergonomic table/chair Microphone (remote TypeWell or remote C-Print) Internet access (remote TypeWell or remote C-Print) Speed typing software - TypeWell® or C-Print® Usually provided by school/work site if provider is 'employee'; Independent contractors usually provide own equipment	Equipment & Software Proprietary device, such as CaptionMic, iCommunicato, etc. -OR- Computer Linking device: wireless or cable Speech recognition software -IBM ViaVoice® -IBM NetScribe® - Dragon Naturally Speaking® Usually provided by school/work site if provider is 'employee'; Independent contractors usually provide own equipment
Consumer Access Laptop computer TV monitor Large screen projection Internet (remote CART)	Consumer Access Laptop computer TV monitor Large screen projection Internet (remote TypeWell or C-Print)	Consumer Access Laptop computer TV monitor Large-screen projection
Quality Assurance Court reporting training CART Certification available	Quality Assurance Formal system training	Quality Assurance
Hourly Rate Approximately $40 - $100, depending on location	Hourly Rate $12 - $35	Hourly Rate Speaker - $0 "Shadow Speaker" - $12 - $35
Info Link CART	Info Links TypeWell C-Print	Info Links ASR, CaptionMic, iCommunicator, Liberated Learning Initiative

Information provided on the STSN.org website is for informational purposes only. It is not an endorsement of any product or service.