Timecode-synced transcripts: why else?

Simon Says transcripts are timecode-synced with your audio/video file.

There's no point having transcripts if the timecodes do not align to the actual audio or video file. This is especially true for teams in media and production.

Simon Says easily synchronizes media files and their transcripts to frame-level accuracy. Here's how:

Sync timecodes: easily set the start timecode and fps in Simon Says.

What is timecode?

Timecode is a reference system for frames in a video and allows you to find exact points, quickly and easily. It allows programs, editors, and teams to all communicate clearly.

The start of file's timecode often begins where the last recording ended. It is rarely ever 00:00:00:00 (HH:MM:SS:FF).

Synchronized timecodes are pivotal in professional video.

For transcripts to align, you need to know two aspects: the start timecode and the framerate. Here's how to set this in Simon Says:

Set timecode in Simon Says

Option 1: We can do this auto-magically

For some file formats and codecs, we automatically read the timecode track in the file when you upload it and this is part of why we recommend uploading your original files. We then set the start timecode and frame rate of the transcript to match. If we were able to read the timecode track, you will see the info inputted in the timecode modal. (The timecode modal can be found by clicking the clock icon on the transcript screen.)

Option 2: You can set it yourself.

If your file doesn't have a readable timecode track, it is easy to set the info yourself:

a. click the clock icon on the transcript screen.

Click the click icon to show the timecode/frame rate modal.

b. enter the frame rate and the start timecode.

Tinmecode modal: enter the frame rate and the start timecode.

That's all! You will see the timecode of the rows adjust to match the new timecode.

Once you set the start timecode, you will see the time of all the rows adjust. Note: the first row starts when audio is first heard. If the audio starts 15 seconds into a file, the time of the first row will be 15 seconds after the start timecode.

And when you export the transcript, such as to your editing program or Microsoft Word, the document will have the correct timecode and frame rate.

Microsoft Word document example showing the correct timecode and frame rate.

Simon Says is dedicated to media and production industries and solving the frustrations so you can focus on more important work. To get started with 15 mins of free credit, sign up to Simon Says at https://www.simonsaysai.com

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