5 Ways Speech Recognition Programs Can Let You Down

Computer-based transcription, commonly known as speech recognition technology has been a focus of interest in the transcription industry since its emergence. Although the development in voice recognition programs gained huge public attention in the initial few years, the technology has failed to impress due to its inability to demonstrate the level of quality, accuracy, and consistency the professional industry demands.

Experts believe that human transcription is a more accurate and comprehensive approach than computer-based transcription, and thus will continue to lead the industry for years to come. To understand it better, let’s take a look at the limitations of computer-based transcription that make it far less ineffective than manual transcription.

1.     Inability to Interpret

Voice recognition programs lack the ability to understand the context of the language to interpret the content in its true sense. With limited decoding capabilities, these programs may lead to errors causing confusion and misinterpretation of facts. For example, the program may not always differentiate between ‘there’ and ‘their’. Similar problems may arise when the verbal content contains slang, acronyms, or technical words which may lead to incorrect documentation of the audio-visual content.

2.     Unnecessary Costs and Efforts

You may think that an automated transcription can speed up your documentation process, but it isn’t true of speech recognition systems. In reality, it may take more time than you expected. You might need to spend considerable time and effort to review and edit the document before using it.

Besides this, speech recognition programs may also require you to adapt your speech pattern, pace, and tone. For example, if you speak too fast or indistinctly, it may increase the chances of errors. Getting used to the system’s requirements may be difficult and can take some time and effort.

3.     Difficulty in Understanding Different Accents and Speech Styles

Speech recognition programs may have problems with accents. Although some programs may get accustomed to your accent over time, you will have to talk consistently and clearly all the time. Even if there is a slight change in the style, say when you have a cold or throat problem, the system may fail to deliver accuracy.

4.     Background Noise and Interference

Speech recognition programs may not work if there is a background noise or interruption in the environment. The program may not differentiate between the noise, the voice of other people, or any other interruptions which may lead to confusion and errors. If you are working in a busy or noisy environment, you may almost always get inconsistent or unreliable results.

5.     Lack of Details

Transcription may sometimes require additional details to provide context of the conversation. Speech recognition tools lack the capacity to add supplementary details which may result in incomplete information leading to misunderstandings and confusion.

When transcribing your content, it is always a good idea to hire a professional transcription service to ensure accurate documentation. If you are looking to hire a transcription service in Canada, contact us at 1-905-290-1546 to book our services today! Media Transcription