2024 Guide: Choosing & Using Transcription Players

How do I transcribe using a transcription player?

A transcription player is a tool for typing text while listening to audio.

The need for transcription is increasing recently, for tasks such as meeting minutes, interviews, and transcribing video content.

That's where an audio player specifically designed for transcription comes in handy.

By using a transcription player, you can transcribe much more efficiently than with a regular player app like Windows Media Player.

Furthermore, this article will also introduce other tools to streamline transcription, such as AI transcription services.

Why not try transcribing using convenient tools, starting with a transcription player?

What is a Transcription Player?

A transcription player is an application that makes transcription work much easier.

First, let's explain what features a transcription player has.

Features of a Transcription Player

A transcription player is an audio playback application specialized for transcribing audio files.

When transcribing, you listen to audio from meetings or interviews and type the text using a keyboard.

This task can also be done with a regular player app like "Windows Media Player" and a standard editor (text editing app) like "Notepad" or "Word."

However, with such regular apps, you need to switch between software every time you pause the audio or rewind to listen again.

In contrast, transcription players have features for operations like:

• Play
• Stop
• Rewind
• Fast forward

which can be performed using keyboard shortcuts, allowing you to smoothly proceed with transcription work without switching screens between the text editor and the audio player.

*Some transcription players have a built-in text editor, while others are designed to be used in conjunction with other editors.

Transcription Players are Available for Free Download

Some transcription player apps are freeware, so you can use them for free.

In addition to freeware, there are also paid apps. For example, "Express Scribe," which is introduced in this article, allows you to import proprietary audio file formats from IC recorders and supports corporate use when you purchase the paid version, making it even more convenient.

A Transcription Player is Merely an Auxiliary Tool

However, a transcription player is merely an app to "assist" with typing text using a keyboard.

Since you still need to manually transcribe while listening to the audio, it requires a significant amount of effort and time.

If you:

• Don't have time for transcription
• Find manual transcription too cumbersome
• Have an approaching transcription deadline

In such cases, it's highly recommended to consider using an "AI transcription tool" that transcribes everything automatically.

Top 3 Recommended Transcription Players + More

What transcription apps are recommended?

Here are 3 recommended player apps for transcribing by typing on a keyboard.

We will also explain "Tape Okoshi Player," an app that was a standard until recently but is now difficult to obtain as of 2024.

1. Okoshiyasu2

Okoshiyasu2 is a transcription player app for Windows.

It's a classic and widely used transcription player for Windows. Although the latest version was released in 2009, making it a relatively old app, it is still used for transcription work today.

Especially since "Tape Okoshi Player," which is explained below, ceased public distribution in 2023, Okoshiyasu2 has become a valuable option for an easy-to-use transcription player app on Windows.

The following operations are possible via keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys):

• Play
• Stop
• Rewind
• Fast forward

Additionally, it includes features to make audio easier to hear, such as:

• Pitch change
• Playback speed change
• Volume adjustment
• Equalizer by frequency

It supports audio files only, including:

• wav
• mp3
• wma
• ogg

It supports these four formats.

Since the final version of this software was released during the era when Windows XP was still in use, it has an old-fashioned interface. However, it continues to be widely used and loved as a "mature" software that is stable and free of bugs in a good way.

However, since the author's official website may not be accessible, you need to download it from the freeware introduction site "Mado no Mori".

As Windows transcription player apps have become rare, it's recommended to download it sooner rather than later.

Okoshiyasu2

2. Express Scribe

Express Scribe is a transcription player app developed for professional use.

It has Windows and Mac versions, both of which are free for personal use.

There is also a paid version, which must be purchased for corporate use.

Like Okoshiyasu2, it has essential transcription player app features such as keyboard shortcuts (hotkeys) for operations and playback speed adjustment, and it can also play videos in addition to audio.

Furthermore, it supports proprietary formats from IC recorders like SONY and OLYMPUS, and allows operation with foot pedals, incorporating meticulously designed features unique to a player used by transcription professionals.

As it is a commercial application, it is also recommended for companies where it might be difficult to introduce freeware for work.

Since the vendor, NCH Software, is an Australian company, payments will be processed in Australian dollars.

Since one purchase allows installation on only one computer, if you want to use it on both Windows and Mac, you will need to purchase each separately.

Express Scribe

3. CasualTranscriber

CasualTranscriber is a free transcription player app for Mac.

The developer, Yasuhiro Imao, is an associate professor (as of 2024) at Osaka University and a linguist.

As expected from software created by someone deeply knowledgeable about language, it balances ease of use with rich features.

Like Okoshiyasu2 and Express Scribe, it includes basic functions such as keyboard shortcuts for play, stop, rewind, fast forward, volume adjustment, and playback speed adjustment.

Furthermore, it has many convenient built-in features such as:

• Operating YouTube videos
• Extracting and saving selected audio/video
• Simple waveform display

Although basic, it also has a function that links with Mac's built-in speech recognition, so it can be used as a simple AI transcription player.

*However, processing long audio takes time, so for serious AI transcription, a specialized service is recommended.

If you are a Mac user looking to transcribe by typing, you can't go wrong with CasualTranscriber.

CasualTranscriber

[Discontinued] Tape Okoshi Player

"Tape Okoshi Player" was a classic and widely used transcription player app, but its public distribution ended in 2023.

It was a transcription player app for Windows, featuring basic functions like shortcut key operations, pitch, and playback speed adjustments, similar to other apps.

It was loved by many because its design was newer and its operation more refined than Okoshiyasu2, another Windows app, but it is now difficult to download.

The reason for its discontinuation was the bankruptcy of the development company.

The developer, "Asuka 21," was a company primarily engaged in transcription and tape transcription services, and as part of that, they distributed this app for free. However, their bankruptcy was reported in October 2023 ("(株)アスカ２１など２社／破産手続き開始決定　＜東京＞"), and the app became unavailable for download around the same time.

It was highly regarded as a user-friendly app, so its discontinuation is truly regrettable.

For Even Greater Efficiency, AI Transcription is Also Recommended

Up to this point, we have introduced transcription players for manual transcription by typing on a keyboard.

In fact, in this era of 2024, there is a much faster and easier way to transcribe.

That is "AI Transcription".

What is AI Transcription?

AI transcription is a service where you simply upload audio or video files, and a dedicated speech recognition AI automatically transcribes them.

Traditional keyboard-based transcription, no matter how smooth, took more than twice the length of the audio file.

In contrast, AI transcription completes automatically in about the same time as the audio file for longer recordings, or just a few minutes for shorter ones.

Of course, you can step away from your computer while it's processing.

Using an AI transcription service makes it possible for anyone to perform highly accurate transcriptions easily.

For AI Transcription, "Mojiokoshi-san" is Recommended

If you're new to AI transcription services, "Mojiokoshi-san" is highly recommended.

"Mojiokoshi-san"'s latest AI is highly capable, allowing for professional-level accuracy in transcription.

Moreover, its two types of speech recognition AI have distinct features:

PerfectVoice: Transcribes long audio in about 10 minutes, supports 100 languages.
AmiVoice: Features speaker diarization (transcribes per speaker), completes transcription in about the same time as the audio file.

You can choose the one that best suits your needs.

You can experience actual transcription for up to 1 minute for free and without login. So, if you're unsure about transcription methods, why not try "Mojiokoshi-san" first?

Transcription Players are Still Useful for AI Transcription

Even when using AI transcription services like "Mojiokoshi-san," the transcription player apps introduced in this article can still be useful.

This is particularly true when you want to manually correct text that has been automatically transcribed by AI.

When cross-referencing audio and text, the keyboard shortcut function of transcription player apps is very convenient.

Since apps like "Tape Okoshi Player" can suddenly become unavailable, it's recommended to download a transcription player early, even if you plan to use an AI transcription service.

Why Not Try Using Transcription Players and AI Transcription Services Conveniently?

In conclusion, if you're going to transcribe using a transcription player, you should choose:

• Windows: Okoshiyasu2
• Mac: CasualTranscriber
• Corporate use (licensed): Express Scribe

And, as a method unique to the rapidly developing AI era of 2024, using an AI transcription service is also highly recommended.

AI transcription services, including "Mojiokoshi-san," can be used for free, so why not give AI transcription a try?

■ AI transcription service "Mr. Transscription"

"Mr. Transcription" is an online transcription tool that can be used from zero initial cost and 1,000 yen per month (* free version available).

• Supports more than 20 file formats such as audio, video, and images
• Can be used from both PC and smartphone
• Supports technical terms such as medical care, IT, and long-term care
• Supports creation of subtitle files and speaker separation
• Supports transcription in approximately 100 languages ​​including English, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, German, French, Italian, etc.

To use it, just upload the audio file from the site. Transcription text is available in seconds to tens of minutes.
You can use it for free if you transcribe it for up to 10 minutes, so please try it once.

It is "Mr. Transcription" who can easily transcribe from audio, video, and images. Transcription allows you to transcribe for up to 10 minutes for free. You can copy, download, search, delete, etc. the transcribed text. You can also create subtitle files, which is ideal for transcription of interview videos.

HP: mojiokoshi3.com
Email: mojiokoshi3.com@gmail.com