What types of stenography machines are used in court today?
Broadly speaking, court reporters use a variety of specialized equipment to capture and transcribe spoken words accurately and quickly.
The stenotype machine, also known as the stenograph, is a specialized keyboard with only 22 keys, used by court reporters and transcriptionists. The modern stenograph features two rows of consonant keys on each side and four vowel keys (A, O, E, and U) in the center front. A bar across the top is used to type numbers.
The transcript produced by the stenograph may appear incomprehensible to laymen, but it makes perfect sense to those trained in shorthand writing. The keys on the left are used to type the first letter of a syllable, while the keys on the right provide the last letter. Vowel keys, of course, represent the vowels.
Stenographers often press multiple keys simultaneously, a technique known as “chording,” to create syllables. For example, a word with three syllables, regardless of its length, can be typed in just three strokes. In contrast, typing the same word with a standard keyboard would require many more keystrokes.
You might wonder how stenographers type certain letters since the English alphabet has 26 letters but the stenograph has only 22 keys. Stenographers spell out syllables phonetically. For instance, the stenotype machine lacks the letter M, so to type a syllable starting or ending with M, the stenographer presses P and H together to capture the correct phonetic sound. Similarly, for the letter N, they use T, P, and H simultaneously. Although this might seem confusing, for a trained stenographer, the final transcription is clear and complete.
Stenotype Machines
This is the primary tool of a court reporter. Unlike a regular keyboard, a stenotype machine’s keyboard has fewer keys and is designed to allow court reporters to press multiple keys at the same time to denote whole phrases, words, or sounds, a process known as “chording”. This allows court reporters to type much faster than they could on a standard keyboard.
Stenograph Diamante & Luminex II
Stenograph is arguably the most well-known manufacturer of stenotype machines. They’ve been in the business for over 80 years and their machines are widely used in the industry. The Diamante and the Luminex II are among their most popular models. Both models are designed for speed, precision, and comfort, with features such as an adjustable touch, lightweight design, and a high-resolution color display.
ProCAT Xpression
ProCAT is another respected name in the court reporting industry. Their stenotype machine, the Impression, is designed for speed and accuracy, featuring a low-force, low-travel keyboard, and Bluetooth connectivity for wireless real-time translation.
Stenovations LightSpeed Writer
Stenovations is known for its LightSpeed keyboard, which is a versatile machine that can be used both as a stenotype machine and a regular keyboard. It’s designed to be highly customizable, allowing users to adjust key tension, depth, and tilt for maximum comfort.
Stenomasks
A stenomask is a hand-held mask with a microphone inside. As the court reporter speaks into the microphone, voice recognition software transcribes their words into text. This method, known as voice writing, is an alternative to using a stenotype machine.
Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) Software
This software works in tandem with the stenotype machine. As the court reporter types in stenographic code, the CAT software translates this code into readable text in real-time. This software also allows for editing and formatting of the transcript. CAT software translates the shorthand notes from the stenotype machine into readable text. This software allows court reporters to edit and finalize transcripts efficiently. Some popular CAT software includes Eclipse, Case CATalyst, and DigitalCAT.
Stenograph CATalyst Software
CATalyst, developed by Stenograph, is a widely used Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) software designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of court reporters. This software offers a range of features that streamline the transcription process, making it an invaluable tool for legal professionals.
One of the key features of CATalyst is its real-time translation capability, which converts stenographic notes into readable text instantly. This feature is crucial for providing immediate transcripts during legal proceedings. The software also includes AccelerWriter, which suggests the most likely next words or phrases based on previous entries, and AudioSync, which synchronizes audio recordings with stenographic notes for easy verification.
PowerDefine simplifies the addition of new dictionary entries, while CaseViewNet allows legal professionals to view live transcripts on their devices, supporting both remote and in-person access. EZ Speakers tags different speakers during transcription, ensuring clarity in the final document. RapidRefresh updates the entire transcript consistently when changes are made, and Intelligent Brief It helps manage shorthand abbreviations efficiently.
Additional features like TeamViewer integration allow for remote technical support, and Transcript Manager provides tools for organizing and managing transcripts effectively. Together, these features make CATalyst an essential software for court reporters, enhancing their ability to deliver accurate and timely transcripts.
Eclipse CAT Software
While Advantage Software is better known for its Eclipse CAT software, they also offer a stenotype machine known as the Passport Touch. This machine is designed with an emphasis on ergonomics, featuring adjustable key tension and depth, and compatibility with their widely-used software.
Stenovations digitalCAT Software
DigitalCAT, developed by Stenovations, is a robust Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) software designed to enhance the efficiency and accuracy of court reporters. This powerful tool offers a variety of features that facilitate seamless transcription and improve overall workflow.
DigitalCAT provides real-time translation, enabling stenographic notes to be instantly converted into readable text. This feature is essential for court reporters who need to provide immediate access to transcripts during legal proceedings. The software supports remote and in-person reporting, making it versatile for different legal environments.
One standout feature of digitalCAT is its integration with audio synchronization. This allows court reporters to link audio recordings directly with their notes, making it easier to verify and correct transcripts. The software’s advanced editing tools also streamline the process of refining transcripts, ensuring they are accurate and comprehensive.
Additionally, digitalCAT offers robust dictionary management, allowing reporters to customize and expand their dictionaries easily. This helps in maintaining accuracy and consistency across different cases and types of legal terminology. The software also supports various output formats, making it convenient to deliver transcripts according to client specifications.
Digital Audio Recording Equipment
While not a substitute for a court reporter, this equipment is often used as a backup to capture all spoken words. Court reporters may later reference these recordings to ensure the accuracy of their transcripts.
Realtime Translation Equipment
In some cases, court reporters provide real-time translation of their stenographic notes for the benefit of attorneys, judges, or individuals with hearing impairments. This can be displayed on computer monitors or specialized devices in the courtroom.
Remember, choosing a stenotype machine is a very personal decision. What works best for one court reporter might not work as well for another. It’s important to consider factors such as the feel of the keys, the layout of the keyboard, the weight of the machine, and its compatibility with your preferred CAT software. Most court reporting schools will provide guidance on selecting a stenotype machine that suits your needs and preferences.
