Start Stop Transcription software

[Novasolutions]

Hi Everyone, I'm a Newbie!!

Just wondered if anyone has used Start Stop?

I like what I see in the read-up of this product, as it is a universal package, without the need to convert files, and for a little extra it also includes software for dvds etc...

Just want to make sure it lives up to it's claims, before I buy....can you Help??

Thanks...

[eXPERT Business Support]

Hello, Novasolutions. I also agree that the Start-Stop system is great. My advice though would be to hold off on purchasing it for now until you absolutely know that you will be needing it. Do you have clients in place that will be requiring you to transcribe DVDs or who specifically are asking you to use that system? Express Scribe is a free transcription software that really supports a lot of different file formats. The Start-Stop system is great and worth it's pretty penny. But if you're just starting out, Express Scribe along with purchasing a foot pedal and a headset (you can get some great deals on eBay or Amazon) will get you started nicely. You can always upgrade and purchase other systems later when business starts pouring in!

[PamH53]

I agree with Patty. Wait and see if you need it first before you spend the money. I use Express Scribe all the time and it works well.

[The Perfect Word]

I agree, too; just stick with Express Scribe, at least for now.

This is just my experience (and that of a friend as well). We both purchased both Start Stop and Universal because of some things they would supposedly do that Express Scribe does not, such as being able to transcribe from online videos (my friend wanted this), inserting time stamps into your transcript that you can customize (me!), and transcribing directly from DVD's (both of us). Neither one of us could get these these things to work correctly. Even with their tech guy on the phone with me doing that thing where they can "take control" of the program from their end, he was baffled. The only thing we could come up with was that there must be something on my computer conflicting with their program, and he said still having Express Scribe on there shouldn't be an issue.

I'm sure some people have used SS wonderfully, but just thought I'd share our experiences. This was probably about two years ago, so there may have been upgrades since then where whatever was causing our issues has been fixed.

I have never found anything better than Express Scribe.

[Novasolutions]

Thanks Ladies, that's great advice. I was only intereted in buying it as it claimed I would need no other program to 'convert' certain documents that other transcription software does not cater for... but I'll give it a go...

I've only ever used BigHand and Winscribe (I think) on a corporate level, so wasn't sure what was best for the VA!

[bridiej]

I love it and actually find I'm using it more than Express Scribe lately.

I purchased Start Stop about 7 years ago, it allows you to transcribe every type of audio file (apart from DS2 at the moment) and that includes several that ES doesn't want to know about.

I recently upgraded to the paid Pro version of ES but still find the same issues with some files, even some .dss it refuses to open.

I'd be lost without Start Stop - it's worth every penny IMHO.