FAQ - Synchron Video Transcript AutoSync

Frequently Asked Questions:

I have my MPEG-1, how do I get started?
Below is a demo of SyncUploader. SyncUploader can be used if you already have your media in the desired digital format (i.e. MPEG-1.)
   Demo: Getting Started with SyncUploader
   Demo: Sending in a Job
   Demo: Retrieving Finished Synchronized Transcripts

How do I get my synchronized transcript into TrialDirector?
The Universal ASCII text file will load into TrialDirector. You can follow the procedure in this pdf to do the import:

How do I make an AutoRun CD or DVD?
You can burn a CD that will automatically run the synchronized deposition in Synchronizer. This is useful
if you are giving the synchronized deposition to a customer who doesn't already have trial presentation
software. Follow these instructions to make using the synchronized media as easy as putting in the CD/DVD and closing the tray.
Instructions: How to make an autorun CD or DVD

How much does Synchron’s software cost?
The SyncUploader software is FREE. The only costs are for transcript synchronization itself.

What are the system requirements?
SyncUploader requires - 1GHz processor, 2MB for the application, high-speed Internet connection.

Can an audio-only recording be synchronized with a transcript?
Yes indeed! Many court reporters record the proceedings with a high quality table microphone and send in their transcript along with the audio from the deposition. Because the audio quality is not as high as with individual lavaliere microphones for each speaker, the audio is good enough to get an approximate synchronization. It is easy for the court reporter to deliver a CD with the synchronized transcript and audio which will auto-play in the Synchronizer for the attorney.

I want to make video clips from depositions using a trial presentation application. Can the synchronized files I get from Synchron be used in Sanction or Trial Director?
Yes. This is one of the primary uses of a synchronized transcript from Synchron.

Where is the synchronization done?
Synchron has a data center with banks of high speed 64-bit CPU speech recognition servers.

How do I send you my files?
If your audio or video deposition has not been encoded, send the tape(s) to Synchron for encoding. Use any overnight parcel carrier. Customers in the Twin Cities may opt to have tapes, CDs or hard drives sent to us by courier. If you plan to send physical media via courier, our office hours are generally M-F, 8 am - 5:30 p.m., but they can be extended if we are notified ahead of time.
Our address is:
Synchron Voice and Video
4915 West 35^th Street, Suite 106
Minneapolis, MN 55416

Include a cover letter in your package that includes your name, company name, shipping address, billing address, phone number and email address. If you would like the files manually proofed, please indicate that in your cover letter.
My video has not been encoded. Can I still send them in for synchronization?
Sure. Just send in your tapes, and ASCII transcript, and we'll take care of the rest. There are two steps that need to take place. First, Synchron will encode your files to MPEG-1 format. Next, the digital video and transcript will be synchronized.

My files are already encoded. Do I have to ship the physical media to you?
Absolutely not. Customers who would like to send their files to us electronically can download the SyncUploader application, which lets you send files over the Internet through a secure encrypted connection.

Do I need to stay connected to the Internet while my files are being synchronized?
No. Once the transcript and media files have been uploaded to Synchron, you can close down the SyncUploader. You will receive an email when the synchronization is complete. You can re-connect at that time and download the finished file(s).

How will I know when a job has finished?
You will receive an email when the synchronization is complete. If SyncUploader is running you will be able to see the status of "Joined" for the job.

How are completed jobs delivered back to me?
If you sent in your work via SyncUploader, your finished files will be downloaded automatically by SyncUploader as soon as they are complete. (load the software and click on the "Open Delivered Folder" button on the lower right corner of the window.) If you physically sent in your media you will be sent via courier/overnight the finished work. Video is delivered on DVD-ROM (as MPEG-1 System files) unless otherwise specified. Alternate media are CD-ROM, and Hard Drive. Occasionally VHS tapes will be returned in a separate ground shipment to minimize shipping cost without slowing return of your encoded/synchronized work.

How can I correct the occasional AutoSync error?
The Synchronizer is a great tool for proofing. Proofing is greatly accelerated because you are automatically advanced to the next line that the AutoSync system was uncertain of. Hence, you skip over large portions of the file which are already synchronized accurately.

If I manually proof the synchronized transcript in the Synchronizer, can I still use the revised files in another trial presentation application?
Yes. Once the synchronized transcript has been proofed, you can save it in any of the supported formats.

How will I be billed?
Invoices are sent out bi-weekly to regular customers. One-time or occasional customers are generally billed on completion of the job. Payment can be made by check or credit card.