We often hear clients getting mixed up between time stamps and time codes; using them interchangeably, thinking one is the other.
And while they are very similar, the thing that sets the pair apart is that time stamps are rough time markers like [00:03:15], whereas time codes are exact labels for exact moments, such as [00:02:18:14].
Now, there are situations and industries where one is more common and the service you choose impacts your cost and timeframe too.
So, keep reading to find out more.
What are time stamps?
These are rough time markers, usually showing up as simple times like this: [00:03:15]. Time stamps are normal and expected in transcription and identify which part of the audio aligns with specific text.
Generally speaking, they are used to identify when a certain event occurred and can include the year and date. However, in a transcription setting, they are typically just used for the hours, minutes and seconds — the elapsed time within the recording.
What are time codes?
Time codes are exact labels that tell you the precise moment something happens in audio or video. This looks like [00:02:18:14] — note that the frames are included too.
Where are they used?
Time stamps are common in interviews, meetings, podcasts or research transcripts.
They are usually used for clients, so they have an idea of where they are up to in the transcript when they read it.
Whereas time codes are used in:
- Film
- TV
- Subtitling: Required for regulatory broadcast and streaming delivery in the UK
- Post-production
- Audio description cueing
- And more!
It’s best suited for when everything must line up exactly with the video.
Timeframe and budgets
Simply put, time stamps take less effort and are therefore quicker to produce because you just need the time marker.
However, time-coded files require precise syncing and quality assurance to ensure their accuracy.
Therefore, time codes cost more and take longer to complete. It’s good to know this to set expectations.
Do transcription services offer time stamps and time codes?
Obviously, we can’t speak for everyone.
But the team here at TauRho Transcribes does offer both time stamps and time codes as separate services but they can be easily added onto other services too, such as affordable verbatim transcription.
We can tailor time stamps and time codes to suit your methodology, editing process or qualitative analysis needs, including pagination formats or software-ready layouts.
Conclusion
Hopefully this provided helpful in understanding the difference between time stamps and time codes — despite the similarities — so you don’t make the easy mistake of confusing them going forward.
Contact us for a free quote today or to learn more about time stamps vs. time codes.
