CRR Certified Realtime Reporter key terms

A keyboard device with a limited number of keys that a court reporter presses in combinations to record spoken words phonetically, producing shorthand notes that software later translates into English.

A single simultaneous press of one or more stenotype keys, which the machine records as one unit representing a sound, syllable, word, or phrase.

The specific sequence of strokes a reporter uses to write a given word or phrase in machine shorthand; the software looks up this pattern to produce text.

A shortened stenotype outline, often a single stroke, assigned to a whole word or phrase so the reporter can write it faster than spelling it out.

Writing two or more words with one combined stroke or a short stroke sequence, saving keystrokes and boosting speed while keeping the translated text readable.

A situation where two different words or phrases share the same steno outline, so the translation dictionary can only produce one of them.

A stroke or stroke sequence that matches no entry in the dictionary, so the software outputs raw steno symbols instead of English words.

Text in a realtime feed that appears as raw steno rather than English because the software could not match the strokes to a dictionary entry.

The file of entries that maps steno outlines to English words, phrases, and punctuation; the software consults it continuously to convert strokes into readable text.

A topic-specific dictionary built for one assignment that adds names, technical terms, and unusual words to the reporter's base dictionary so coverage stays accurate.

The reporter's main cumulative dictionary of outlines and definitions, refined over time and used as the starting point for every assignment.

A software command that changes every occurrence of a given steno outline or English word throughout a dictionary at once, useful for fixing a recurring error.

A word that sounds the same as another but is spelled differently and means something else, requiring distinct steno outlines so the translation comes out correctly.

Writing a word one letter at a time using individual letter strokes, typically for names or terms that have no established outline in the dictionary.

The row of keys across the top of the stenotype that, combined with other keys, produces digits and numerical expressions in the translated text.

Computer-aided transcription software that receives strokes from the stenotype, translates them through dictionaries, and displays the resulting text for editing and realtime output.

Converting steno strokes into English text and displaying it on a screen within moments of the words being spoken.

A dedicated steno stroke or stroke pair that inserts a comma, period, question mark, or other mark so punctuation appears without separate typing.

A label inserted in the text to identify who is speaking, such as Q for question or A for answer, keeping a realtime feed clear for readers.

An assistant who reviews and corrects the reporter's translated notes, fixing mistranslates, punctuation, and formatting before the transcript is finalized and delivered.

Reading through translated text to catch errors in spelling, punctuation, word boundaries, and speaker labels before the document is delivered to the client.

The separation between words in translated text; a missing or extra space can merge or split words and change the meaning seen in a realtime feed.

The system of rules and conventions a reporter learns for deciding how to write sounds, words, and phrases on the stenotype machine.

Recording every spoken word exactly as said, including repetitions, false starts, and filler, without editing, summarizing, or cleaning up the language.

The share of strokes in a feed that fail to translate into English, a key quality indicator; low values show the dictionary and writing are working well.

The standard measure of realtime writing speed, counting words produced per minute; certification exams require sustained high rates with high accuracy.

The rate at which a reporter presses key combinations; it differs from words per minute because one stroke can produce several words.

The live stream of translated text sent from the reporter's computer to a viewer's screen or device while a proceeding is under way.

The connection established between the reporter's computer and a remote display, attorney laptop, or captioning service for delivering realtime text.

A device or software utility that links stenotype or CAT output to a network so realtime text can be shared with other locations.

The delay between a word being spoken and its translated text appearing on the viewer's screen; lower values make the feed easier to follow.

The percentage of strokes or words lost in transmission during a realtime feed, which should stay near zero so the text remains complete.

The data capacity of the network connection carrying a realtime feed; too little capacity causes lag, delays, or lost text.

Communication Access Realtime Translation: a service providing a live word-for-word text feed to a person who is deaf or hard of hearing, often in classrooms and meetings.

Producing live text of spoken audio for broadcast or online video, usually written on a stenotype and delivered with minimal delay to viewers.

Delivering a realtime feed to viewers who are not in the same room as the reporter, which relies on stable network connections and backup arrangements.

A secondary internet or data path used when the primary link fails, keeping a realtime feed flowing without interruption during a proceeding.

The percentage of words in a realtime feed that are translated correctly, used to judge quality; certification exams typically require a very high threshold.