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CD Audio file (.cda)

These files are standard recordings onto CD, and are generally the file type of music files bought no CD. Most transcription recorders will not record CDA but if you are having a professional recording made of a conference or series of lectures, for example, you may well find yourself with CDA files. Most transcription software will not work with CDA format. There are a number of ways to convert CDA files but these can be expensive and/or time consuming. VAs specialising in digital transcription will probably be able to work with these files but you may be charged a surcharge for the time taken in converting them to a useable format. There are a variety of converters available, but one that I have used successfully, and that provides a trial version, is Easy CD Ripper. It can be found at http://www.8to32.com/

Conclusions

You will probably have only a limited range of file types available, depending on your recording equipment, but any equipment should provide you with a range of options depending on your needs. If you have the opportunity it is always a good idea to make a test recording with the settings that you think will be right. Then play it back, or send it to your VA to play back, in order to check that the sound quality is acceptable.
Finally, I would just like to say that this information is based on my understanding and experience. I cannot absolutely guarantee its accuracy but would be very interested to hear of any errors and happy to correct them. Similarly if you feel that there is an important area I have not covered, please let me know and I will do my best to incorporate it.

Anne Gerrish

www.penguinofficeservices.co.uk

www.penguin-transcription.co.uk

Dr Anne Gerrish has many years experience in a wide variety of roles including provision of secretarial services, PA work, project management, administration, academic and business report writing, editing and proof reading and recruitment. She has worked for a range of companies and institutions from SMEs to multinational businesses and has been running Penguin Office Services for about three years.