Equipment Talk

Equipment that Court Reporters useThese professionals have been trained to use some sophisticated equipment and devices. For example, the use of the shorthand machine, known as a stenography, which they use to record testimonies. It contains several keys that represent certain sounds, words and phrases. The symbols are then translated for use when they are demanded. Sometimes a computer is also connected to this machine, which allows the people inside the court room to see what is being written by the court reporter.The computer translates the symbols in the text automatically. Another device is a hand held microphone mask, in which the journalist speaks every detail of the proceedings. It is then recorded through this device.Court reporting equipment that court reporters or steno-transcriptionist use are unique. The Steno machine consists of 23 keys that represent the alphabet. You must listen to what is being said and write them phonetically, hitting the keys, individually or simultaneously, in order to write the machine shorthand. Keys or key combinations are the words, letters or phrases. The keys of the machine are different from that of typewriters. The person is able to hit multiple keys to represent any word or phrase in a Steno machine. There are several different theories in which the machine can be used. Each reporter or Steno typist must learn these theories very well, so they do not hesitate when writing.The software used is very sophisticated and requires many hours of training to use it. There are several companies that supply them. Most software can cost around $ 5000. The learning curve for using this software is an important consideration when purchasing for one. Most people have to work while learning how to use the software, which usually requires many more hours to complete tasks and numerous calls to the software companies' technical support department at the duration of the learning process. This, of course, is very stressful for the them who must rush things up to get a transcript on time.Steno machines can cost between $ 1,600 and $ 5,200, depending on whether a person wants to buy a Student writer, court writer. The difference between the student writer and court reporter writer is that the student version does not have the capabilities of the court reporter type. As an example: memory, the student type lacks the memory capacity that thetype has. Used equipment can be purchased at a lesser cost, which is always a wise choice for students. Machines require regular maintenance and cleaning, in order to operate smoothly and efficiently for the user. The latest models are computerized versions. The equipment company can provide names of the people who are certified to perform maintenance on them. Reporters and transcriptionists should always have a spare machine with them just in case their court reporting equipment bugs down and they would need to send them for repair or service.If you have the passion for this career and you are confident that you are a good listener and fast typist, then a career as a this may be considered. With the advent of technology, court reporters job would be more demanded.