🔉 How to Convert Audio to Text - FREE & No Time Limits

Kevin Stratvert
27 May 202105:10

TLDRIn this informative video, Kevin demonstrates how to convert audio files into text using the built-in Windows 10 dictation tool and a virtual audio cable from VB Audio Software. The process is straightforward: launch the dictation tool with the Windows logo key and 'H', speak or play an audio file, and the tool will transcribe the audio into text. The virtual audio cable is used to feed pre-recorded audio into the dictation tool, making it ideal for transcribing video files or podcasts. The tool performs well, providing a readable transcript with minor punctuation and word inaccuracies. This free and unlimited method is a valuable tool for anyone looking to convert speech to text.

Takeaways

  • 🔧 Convert audio to text using Windows 10's dictation tool and a virtual audio cable.
  • 💡 The dictation tool is activated by pressing the Windows logo key and the 'H' key together.
  • 🎤 To start dictation, click on the microphone icon and speak into the microphone.
  • 🔊 For transcribing pre-recorded audio or video, a virtual audio cable is required.
  • 🌐 Download a virtual audio cable from VB Audio Software's website for free.
  • 🔄 Set up the virtual audio cable in Windows sound settings to redirect sound output to input.
  • 🔄 Change the output device to 'cable input' and the input device to 'cable output' in sound settings.
  • 🎥 Use the dictation tool to transcribe audio from video players, podcasts, or sound recordings.
  • 📝 The dictation tool will transcribe spoken words into text in real-time.
  • 👍 The transcription is generally accurate but may miss punctuation and some words.
  • 🔄 After transcription, restore sound settings to default if needed.

Q & A

  • What is the purpose of the video presented by Kevin?

    -The purpose of the video is to demonstrate how to convert audio into text using the Windows 10 dictation tool and a virtual audio cable, which is free and has no time limits.

  • How can you access the dictation tool on Windows 10?

    -You can access the dictation tool by pressing the Windows logo key on your keyboard together with the H key.

  • What is the dictation tool's functionality when it comes to live audio?

    -The dictation tool works well with live audio, transcribing spoken words in real-time as they are spoken.

  • Why do we need a virtual audio cable in addition to the dictation tool?

    -A virtual audio cable is needed to take the output from a pre-recorded audio or video file and feed it into the dictation tool for transcription.

  • Which company provides the virtual audio cable software that Kevin recommends?

    -VB Audio Software provides the virtual audio cable software that Kevin recommends and it's completely free to download.

  • How do you set up the virtual audio cable on your computer?

    -You set up the virtual audio cable by changing the output and input device settings in the sound settings on your computer to use the virtual cable.

  • What happens when you switch the output device to 'cable input' and the input device to 'cable output'?

    -Switching the output to 'cable input' and the input to 'cable output' allows the sound output from applications like video players or podcasts to be fed into the dictation tool as if it were coming from a microphone.

  • How does the dictation tool handle transcribing pre-recorded audio or video content?

    -The dictation tool listens to the audio from the virtual audio cable and transcribes it into text, turning the talk track into a readable transcript.

  • What are some limitations of the dictation tool when transcribing audio content?

    -The dictation tool might miss some punctuation and occasionally transcribe a few words incorrectly, but the resulting transcript is generally readable and understandable.

  • How can you ensure the best results when using the dictation tool for transcription?

    -To ensure the best results, you should speak clearly and at a moderate pace. After transcription, review and edit the text for any missed punctuation or errors.

  • What is the final step after transcribing the audio content using the dictation tool?

    -The final step is to stop the dictation tool by clicking on the microphone icon once you have finished transcribing the audio content.

Outlines

00:00

😀 Introduction to Audio-to-Text Conversion

Kevin introduces the video's purpose, which is to demonstrate how to convert audio into text using a free tool included with Windows 10, the dictation tool, and a virtual audio cable. He assures viewers that the process will be explained step by step, is compatible with major languages, and has no time limits.

🔍 How to Use the Windows Dictation Tool

Kevin explains how to launch the Windows dictation tool by using the Windows logo key and the H key. He demonstrates how the tool works by speaking into it and showing the transcribed text. He notes that it works well with live audio but also mentions the need for a virtual audio cable for transcribing pre-recorded audio or video files.

📡 Using a Virtual Audio Cable for Audio Input

To transcribe pre-recorded audio, Kevin introduces the concept of a virtual audio cable, recommending one made by VB Audio Software. He provides a link for downloading the software and explains how to install it. Once installed, he guides viewers through the process of configuring their computer's sound settings to use the virtual audio cable as both an input and output device.

🎥 Converting Video and Audio Files into Text

With the sound settings configured, Kevin demonstrates how to use the Windows dictation tool to transcribe a YouTube video. He opens the video, starts playback, activates the dictation tool, and shows how it transcribes the video's audio into text in real-time. He mentions that while the transcription may not be perfect, it is quite readable and can be easily understood.

📝 Final Thoughts and Engagement

Kevin concludes the video by inviting viewers to share their success in transcribing files in the comments and encourages them to subscribe for future videos. He thanks viewers for watching and expresses his hope to see them again in the next video.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Audio to Text Conversion

Audio to text conversion is the process of turning spoken words from an audio file into written text. In the video, this is the main technique being demonstrated using the Windows 10 dictation tool and a virtual audio cable. It's essential for creating transcripts of spoken content, which can be useful for accessibility, searchability, and record-keeping.

💡Windows 10 Dictation Tool

The Windows 10 Dictation Tool is an application that comes pre-installed with Windows 10. It allows users to convert their spoken words into text. In the video, Kevin uses this tool to transcribe live speech and also to convert pre-recorded audio by routing it through a virtual audio cable.

💡Virtual Audio Cable

A virtual audio cable is a software-based tool that creates a virtual audio device on a computer. It can be used to route audio from one application to another, which is useful when you want to apply audio processing or conversion. In the context of the video, it's used to feed audio from a video or audio file into the dictation tool for transcription.

💡VB Audio Software

VB Audio Software is the company that provides a popular virtual audio cable tool. It's mentioned in the video as the preferred choice for creating a virtual audio routing solution. This software is instrumental in the process of converting pre-recorded audio files into text using the Windows dictation tool.

💡Live Audio Transcription

Live audio transcription refers to the real-time conversion of spoken words into text as they are being spoken. In the video, Kevin demonstrates how the dictation tool can transcribe his live speech as he speaks into the microphone, which is a useful feature for immediate transcription needs.

💡Pre-recorded Audio File

A pre-recorded audio file is an audio recording that has been made in advance and is not being created live. The video discusses how to transcribe such files using the combination of the Windows dictation tool and a virtual audio cable, which is a valuable method for creating transcripts from existing audio content.

💡Sound Settings

Sound settings on a computer allow users to configure how audio is processed and output. In the video, Kevin guides viewers through changing sound settings to route audio through the virtual audio cable, which is a critical step in the audio-to-text conversion process.

💡YouTuber

A YouTuber is a content creator who publishes videos on the YouTube platform. In the script, Kevin Stratvert is mentioned as a favorite YouTuber from whose video Kevin wants to create a transcript, demonstrating the practical application of audio-to-text conversion for content creators.

💡Transcript

A transcript is a written version of spoken dialogue or commentary. In the context of the video, creating a transcript from an audio or video source is the ultimate goal. Transcripts are important for making content more accessible and searchable.

💡Notepad

Notepad is a simple text-editing program that comes with Windows operating systems. In the video, Kevin uses Notepad as the text field where the transcribed text from the dictation tool will be visible. It's a basic program that serves the purpose of showing the transcription results.

💡Microphone Icon

The microphone icon in the Windows 10 Dictation Tool is a graphical interface element used to start and stop the dictation process. When clicked, it activates the tool's listening mode, allowing it to capture and transcribe spoken words. In the video, Kevin uses this icon to control the transcription of live and pre-recorded audio.

Highlights

Kevin demonstrates how to convert audio into text using Windows 10 tools.

The process involves using a dictation tool and a virtual audio cable.

The dictation tool is accessible by pressing the Windows logo key and H.

The tool transcribes live audio into text.

For pre-recorded audio, a virtual audio cable is required.

VB Audio Software provides a free virtual audio cable.

The virtual audio cable allows sound output to be fed into the dictation tool.

Sound settings must be adjusted to use the virtual audio cable.

Output device should be set to 'cable input' and input device to 'cable output'.

After transcription, sound settings can be restored to default.

Kevin shows how to transcribe a YouTube video using the dictation tool.

The dictation tool can transcribe video talk tracks into text.

The transcription might miss punctuation and some words.

The final transcript is readable and understandable.

Kevin invites viewers to comment on their success with the transcription method.

Encourages viewers to subscribe for more similar content.

Kevin concludes the tutorial and hopes to see viewers next time.

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