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Dictation software anyone?

by maiko2299
28 replies
I thought it would be nice to talk the content out on the screen rather than type it out.
Is there a software program that works well for this? (Dictation)

I don't know for me one of the most time consuming things is typing out content. I find myself constantly re-reading, re-typing spell checking. What should probably take me 15 minutes to do takes me over 45 minutes to do.

The problem for me the content gets, Lost in translation, it also seems like that going from brain to the keys I lose my train of thought easily. Next thing I know I have a crappy article sitting in front of me and I have to rewrite the damb thing.(So fustrating!)

My thought is if I use a dictation program that works well, I'll be able to produce content easily, the quality and the quantity will be above average and my sales; Lets put it this way I may just make a few sales!;-)



Please help me if you can and I'll stay tuned in to read your thoughts!
Thank you for your time. Yes please don't say OUTSOURCE IT! I'd rather not
atleast for right now thank you.
#dictation #software
  • Profile picture of the author Jose Delgado
    There's the speech recognition software that is packed with vista.

    Also, there is one that i can't remember the name right now but you can google it.

    I'll try to remember and come back.
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  • Profile picture of the author debra
    Originally Posted by maiko2299 View Post

    I thought it would be nice to talk the content out on the screen rather than type it out.
    Is there a software program that works well for this? (Dictation)

    I don't know for me one of the most time consuming things is typing out content. I find myself constantly re-reading, re-typing spell checking. What should probably take me 15 minutes to do takes me over 45 minutes to do.

    The problem for me the content gets, Lost in translation, it also seems like that going from brain to the keys I lose my train of thought easily. Next thing I know I have a crappy article sitting in front of me and I have to rewrite the damb thing.(So fustrating!)

    My thought is if I use a dictation program that works well, I'll be able to produce content easily, the quality and the quantity will be above average and my sales; Lets put it this way I may just make a few sales!;-)



    Please help me if you can and I'll stay tuned in to read your thoughts!
    Thank you for your time. Yes please don't say OUTSOURCE IT! I'd rather not
    atleast for right now thank you.
    Hummm....

    You could check out "Dragon Naturally Speaking".

    I believe that they still have a trial version.
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    • Profile picture of the author Jose Delgado
      Originally Posted by debra View Post

      Hummm....

      You could check out "Dragon Naturally Speaking".

      I believe that they still have a trial version.
      Yeah that is the one I was actually talking about.
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      • Profile picture of the author purple
        Dragon naturally Speaking is the one most people have seen/heard of and is wonderful for dictation. I have a friend who demonstrates it at computer conventions and it really has come a long way since they first created it. I like to read chemistry books to it and it does a great job.
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      • Profile picture of the author Simon_Sezs
        I have it (the law version) and use it on a regular basis. It is good. BUT, understand that to use it, you have to train it to get used to your voice (something that can take a couple months of using it daily) and train yourself to talk clearly (you wouldn't believe how often us humans slur).

        It is not 100% accurate. However, you can spit out articles like crazy once you get it done. It is, in my opinion one of the best ways to make one article 2-3 articles without the use of spinners (which don't work btw).
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        • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
          Maiko,

          I recently picked up a copy of Dragon NatSpeak 9 on sale. It is actually pretty good, but it does need some training. I've found that on short articles it about halves the time, but you do need to do some correction on it.

          I hear version 10 is supposed to be even more accurate, but I'll probably wait and see if I can get 9 working the way I want. It does make some mistakes - and the first few times you use it, it's pretty frustrating. But, give it a chance, make sure you go through a few training scripts (included) and it should improve.

          My vote is still out on it, but it does save my hands and arms from typing and for long projects, I've actually found that I'm not so mentally fatigued afterwards, so there is that.

          If you get NatSpeak 9 at Amazon it's only about $60, so it's not a huge investment - it's at the very least worth that. I didn't have much luck with it on other applications, but for word processing it does get the job done.

          Hope that helps!

          - CS
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          • Profile picture of the author sylviad
            Does this software actually convert your dictation into text? That's something I'd definitely like to get my hands on.

            I have tried the audio system that comes with Windows XP, but it only records your voice, it doesn't translate it to text. It's the same - you have to train it to recognize your speech. I speak very clearly yet it did stumble across some phrases. My suspicion is that if you have an accent this dictation software you're seeking might not be able to properly recognize your speech.

            Just something to consider.

            Sylvia

            PS: I just found the Dragon Naturally Speaking software - that looks impressive and the price isn't bad if you go with the standard, rather than preferred or other versions. Here's the link if you want to check it out: http://www.nuance.com/naturallyspeak...se/default.asp
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            • Profile picture of the author tommygadget
              I have the new Dragon Naturally Speaking and it is simply incredible. It types as fast as I can talk, way faster than my typing which is pretty good.

              TomG.
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            • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
              Hi Sylvia!

              NatSpeak 10 is supposed to support accents. I love the little test they have on their site where you have to "race" NatSpeak. I type fast and I still failed miserably. This was probably the main reason I decided to buy it.

              Now if I could only find the link to that again - lol. If I do, I'll post it here.

              Edit - Here it is! http://www.nuance.com/talk/

              For those looking to transcribe MP3's, CD's and other audio files, this version is supposed to make it a lot easier (and cheaper).

              CS
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              • Profile picture of the author maiko2299
                Wow thanks you guys rock, and that is why I like this forum!
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              • Profile picture of the author sylviad
                Originally Posted by CSwrite View Post

                Hi Sylvia!

                NatSpeak 10 is supposed to support accents. I love the little test they have on their site where you have to "race" NatSpeak. I type fast and I still failed miserably. This was probably the main reason I decided to buy it.

                Now if I could only find the link to that again - lol. If I do, I'll post it here.

                Edit - Here it is! Dragon Naturally Speaking Talk Page

                For those looking to transcribe MP3's, CD's and other audio files, this version is supposed to make it a lot easier (and cheaper).

                CS
                Accent is not an issue for me, but I am impressed with the little demo at your link. Interesting that it can differentiate between two uses of the same-sounding word bear/bare. Cool!

                This software would be great for my laptop, where I seem to make more typos than on my main computer.

                As a writer, I can have tons of fun and be phenomenally creative if I didn't have to type it all (even at my 90 wpm :p)

                Sylvia
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                • Profile picture of the author TinkBD
                  DNS 10 was just released.

                  They are offering a 50% off special thru September.

                  Here is a link:

                  Shopping Cart -

                  NOT an affiliate link, just a loooong, ugly URL!

                  Tink
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                  • Profile picture of the author maiko2299
                    I am actually trying out a free version of NaturallySpeaking right now to write this post! It is awesome. If you have a microphone and would like to try it you can download it by clicking here Nuance - Dragon NaturallySpeaking Standard 9 - Free Trial.

                    And now that I have tried it I think I'll have to buy it. Thanks to You Tink It looks like, Ill get it %50 off... Thank you!
                    Believe it or not right now I am speaking into a microphone and everything I am saying is being written in this post. This is so cool.
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                    • Profile picture of the author ctutt
                      I just got Naturally Speaking 10 but it won't install. Their support sucks. It's only during business hours Eastern time weekdays and they want to charge me $9.95 for tech support to fix their program which won't install. I tried everything on their knowledge base but nothing worked. I'm pretty frustrated right now. I've wasted a lot of time. I do get one free phone call. After that it's $19.95 per call plus long distance? I don't know if area code 407 is toll free or not.

                      When I call them tomorrow and burn some more precious time, I will return my product. They say it takes 6 to 8 weeks for a RMA credit. I think that sucks too!

                      Well, I'm sorry if my attitude is a little cloudy right now but I thought you all might like to know my experience.

                      Charles
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              • Profile picture of the author Alan Petersen
                Originally Posted by CSwrite View Post


                For those looking to transcribe MP3's, CD's and other audio files, this version is supposed to make it a lot easier (and cheaper).

                CS
                Hmmm...that got my attention. Paying to transcribe my MP3 audios per pop--really adds up. I didn't realize the new version addresses this.
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                • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
                  Originally Posted by Alan Petersen View Post

                  Hmmm...that got my attention. Paying to transcribe my MP3 audios per pop--really adds up. I didn't realize the new version addresses this.
                  Hi Alan,

                  I saw a quick thing on that (think it was from Pogue on the NYTimes). You can have it search through a directory of MP3 files and it will go through and transcribe them for you. I believe this feature is only on the preferred, or premier one (whatever they call it). It's a little more expensive, but when compared to what you would pay out for transcription, it's nil. I'd probably train the software a bit at first, just to cut down on errors, but from what I've heard, it's really accurate.

                  It just figures I got v.9 just days before 10 was released. Sigh...

                  Cary
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                  • Profile picture of the author Shannon Herod
                    I actually use Dragon NaturallySpeaking to do all my typing.

                    I love it and could probably not live without it.

                    I'm actually a very bad at typing, and it takes me for ever to type anything.

                    I have not upgraded to version 10 yet, but plan on doing so before the month ends. I am very curious to see if this can actually get any better.

                    Version 9 actually has an option to do transcriptions, but the only bad thing is it ends up one big long paragraph that is not readable.

                    Either I'm doing something wrong, or it does not translate punctuation marks.

                    I know whenever I am using Dragon NaturallySpeaking I speak out the punctuation marks whenever I want them.

                    Shannon
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                    • Profile picture of the author testaccount1234567
                      Hmm I never thought of using dictation to write ebooks, could possibly be a very effecient way of getting things done.

                      Thanks for the idea
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                • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
                  Does someone know whether or not DNS work with Vista?

                  I have recently switched to Vista and would like to churn out articles like crazy with this DNS!

                  sO does it work with vista?

                  -Lakshay
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                  WARNING EXPLICIT: This is ugly... and this is the distilled truth


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                  • Profile picture of the author CSwrite
                    Originally Posted by lakshaybehl View Post

                    Does someone know whether or not DNS work with Vista?

                    I have recently switched to Vista and would like to churn out articles like crazy with this DNS!

                    sO does it work with vista?

                    -Lakshay

                    Lakshay, as far as I know, it works just fine with Vista.

                    I found the link to Pogue's Review as well as the video version he did. He gets more into the transcription end, as well as the awesome new word macros.

                    I'll probably wait to upgrade until v.11 comes out, but 10 looks to be really awesome.

                    As far as speed goes, it takes about 1-2 minutes off my total time to write an article, but then I still have to edit it. I'm going to try to do some more training to see if I can't get it a little more accurate. You'd think after doing v/o's and podcasts as long as I have I'd learn to speak a little clearer

                    Cary
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                    • Profile picture of the author lakshaybehl
                      Originally Posted by CSwrite View Post

                      Lakshay, as far as I know, it works just fine with Vista.

                      I found the link to Pogue's Review as well as the video version he did. He gets more into the transcription end, as well as the awesome new word macros.

                      I'll probably wait to upgrade until v.11 comes out, but 10 looks to be really awesome.

                      As far as speed goes, it takes about 1-2 minutes off my total time to write an article, but then I still have to edit it. I'm going to try to do some more training to see if I can't get it a little more accurate. You'd think after doing v/o's and podcasts as long as I have I'd learn to speak a little clearer

                      Cary

                      Awesome Cary!

                      I'm getting it today.... or maybe next week, cuzthis week I will be going off to the North East for holidaying...

                      But seriously it seems to be cool!

                      How much time does it take to get adjusted to your voice and style of speaking?

                      -Lakshay
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                      WARNING EXPLICIT: This is ugly... and this is the distilled truth


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                    • Profile picture of the author David Chambless
                      I've used Dragon since ver. 3 and am currently using 9.5 preferred. What they've been able to get this program to do is amazing.

                      Just ordered v. 10 preferred. Can't wait to get it.

                      I always get the preferred edition because it supports digital recorders. Use your recorder, plug into your computer and watch Dragon transcribe the recording. As a copywriter, this is very, very handy.

                      DNS is the preferred dictation program in the disabled community. My son has CP, and can type slowly with one hand. DNS allows him to run every program on his computer, as well as "write", post to MY space and send emails. All without touching his keyboard except to start DNS.

                      Nuance now has a custom dictation program wherein a data recording program is downloaded into DNS, and after it records so much of your vocal patterns, it sends it to Nuance who will build a custom vocab for you.

                      Get it and commit to use it for 30 days. You'll wonder how you ever got along without DNS.

                      David
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