Express Scribe Free Transcription Software

Pros

1. File naming convention makes it easy to locate dictations.
2. Extremely clear dictations.
3. Software is extremely easy to use.

Cons

Although the voice (sound) is extremely clear and easy to understand, I can't quite seem to get it sound like the actual person talking.

Summary

I would highly recommend this software from an ease of use, as well as quality.

Pros

Works seamlessly with Windows based programs and operating systems. Customization of foot pedal makes it easy to work with. No issues with Windows 10, 8, 7, XP or Vista. Love it so much I bought a license. Can adjust playback speed to my typing speed.

Cons

A few needed file extensions that I work with on a daily basis are not supported.

Summary

I use this daily for my transcription work. I LOVE it and would recommend it to anyone looking for a streamlined, very customizable program.

Pros

You can increase/decrease speed as a percentage, not by random steps. So if someone is a slow speaker, you can increase playback speed to 110% or 111% or 112% etc. The reverse if they're a fast speaker. Intonation does not change.
The typing area did not have auto-correct, which is a huge timesaver IMO when doing the first draft. (I used it for academic transcription.) The shortcut keys are very handy. Had to pay for video playback, of course, but the price is minimal ($30 or $40).

Cons

Video could take awhile to load. The biggest con was that playback doesn't automatically jump back a second when you hit play again. This helps hugely with transcribing, because it helps you connect what you just typed with what you're about to type.

Summary

There was no malware as mentioned earlier. Yes, you do have numerous options of other software you can install, and that does get annoying, but that's all I found with extra software.
I did end up returning the software because of the two cons I mentioned. Their site wasn't entirely clear as to where to request a refund, so I think I emailed sales. The refund was complete within about three days. As far as I'm concerned, that's the mark of a professional company. If they could just improve the video loading and include an overlap function, then I think this would be really good software. (And maybe upgrade their website - it doesn't leave the strongest impression.)

Pros

I'm sure it would be great if you want to pay that much for it.

Cons

Nobody wants to pay that much for software that should be free! I've been using the free version, but right in the middle of my work, it has decided that the free version will no longer support my foot pedal. I have to upgrade if I want to keep using it. If you're thinking about installing it, make sure to read all the things that you can NOT do with this anymore.

Pros

there isn't any

Cons

I accidentally selected over an hour of work, hit a key and it's all gone. hit the command z to undo and nothing, there is also no undo from the file menu. Searched the help no undo. I have the paid version. Hate the company hate the product.

Summary

find something else.

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Pros

Effective hot keys for advancing/pausing/rewinding for typing from audio files, which it loads into its own interface
installed easily (the first time)

Cons

I had problems and tried to reinstall. No luck. Then found out NCH, the company that produces it, loaded a huge amount of malware and other hooks into my system. Plus, after the version I had, which I had paid for, became corrupted, I could not reinstall from the company's own free download. It refused to work.
Then came the fun: trying to uninstall the many programs it installed without my permission on my system. Even had a blue screen crash in the process.
Tech support is abysmal...and I'm a paid customer. You pay extra for tech support, other than an email a week or so after you ask your question...and the answer was ridiculous. I asked, what should I do to reinstall the program? (before I found out what a hidden trojan monster it is). The answer I got back a week later: Try reinstalling from your original file...which was the same one the company offers for download, and which didn't work...which I had explained in a very long email to tech support!

Summary

This company has some insidious and unethical business practices. It puts NCH hooks all over your system. I edited my registry until I realized it was in thousands of edits, and I couldn'lt uninstall all of them, but did my best.
I sent them an angry email. I don't expect to hear back.
They took my money and delivered...problems.
Very disappointed. I will never buy anything from NCH again, and recommend you do the same.
A nasty, mean-spirited company.
Tech support virtually less than worthless.
Money well spent for the lesson, but I'll miss the working version I had for awhile...but won't miss the headache it caused me once my system started acting up.
Windows 7 Pro 64 bit system.
I read online that a Windows programmer spent an hour of hard work getting all the NCH bits and pieces out of his computer. He also said, Never again with NCH!

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Pros

Interface is neat

Cons

Keeps asking for payment, despite having downgraded to the free version.

Free version does not allow one to load audio files. It's impossible to transcribe audio that you can't hear.

Summary

Corporate greed has ruined what used to be really good software.

Pros

Easy to use and provides lots of hotkeys and shortcuts to increase the efficiency.

Cons

It ask to pay for any upgrade even after buying the utility.

Pros

-Used to have nice features that made it usable in both free and paid versions

Cons

-Lack of support
-Bugs that cuts the time of the audio. Have seen people reprimanded for this in their work only to find it was the program's fault for the mistake
-Very poor audio quality even in pro version
-Asks to pay for any upgrades or updates after purchasing the program with no access or downloads to previous versions

Summary

I work as a transcription quality controller and always recommend people away from this program. Audio quality is a particular issue with this program. It is extremely poor to the point it distorts it and you're better off even just using the freeware VLC player to boost the sound and get crisp audio.

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