Realtime University Realtime Voice Writing Courses
Which Speech Engine is Right for You?
It is important to reiterate that IBM ViaVoice and/or Dragon NaturallySpeaking must be purchased separately from Nuance.com (see Prerequisite links below) as we do not sell speech engine software at this time. The biggest difference between ViaVoice and Dragon, essentially, is that Dragon does not meet the drop-down speed (how quickly the text appears after you dictate) standards set by the CART and captioning industries. So, if either of those services are something that you think you may want to provide as a realtime voice writer then ViaVoice is your only option at this point in time. Otherwise, Bettye (RU master instructor) recommends Dragon because of its powerful out-of-the-box accuracy and because it will be supported by Nuance indefinitely, whereas ViaVoice will not be updated for the Windows Vista operating system (although it works beautifully on XP which Microsoft will support that through 2014, so no worries for many years yet). Bottom line, if you want to do court reporting only, choose Dragon NaturallySpeaking. If you do, or think that in the future you may want to, provide CART and/or broadcast captioning services, then your only option is IBM ViaVoice.
Platinum Access
This is one of the offerings that are unique to Realtime University. The Platinum Access package allows a member to repeat the courses and access the Back Office (members only area) for an entire year! The courses generally run from one day to two weeks in length, so the Platinum Access is a major asset for students who want to perfect their knowledge of the course topics. Most members choose the Platinum Access package to allow themselves the time, instructor interaction, and Back Office access that they need to fully comprehend and expertly apply the course material in a working environment. All the courses listed below include the Silver Access package which allows members to repeat a course a second time (the next time it is offered only). Unless you are very familiar with the course material and a high-level realtime voice writer already, we highly recommend purchasing the Platinum Access. If you do not purchase it with your initial order you can purchase it within 30 days of starting your first course for the regular prices. For example; the regular Platinum Access price for Course 1 is $300, but the special pricing below offers it for only an additional $100. Another example is the Combo Package for all three courses wherein the regular price for Platinum Access the three courses would total $900, but in the special pricing below it can be added for just $100 to cover all three courses.
Building Upon a Solid Foundation
The courses are designed to work together in that each course is built upon the specifics in the preceding course material. To guarantee the integrity of every member's grasp of the course material for class participation it is required that the courses be successfully completed in sequential order -- Course 1, then Course 2, then Course 3. Because we are committed to the success of our members, no exceptions will be made for skipping a course before attending an advanced course.
Some Things Sold Separately
Each course requires certain prerequisites for course participation -- software, hardware, books, etc. -- that are not included with the purchase of the course and, therefore, must be purchased separately from their respective dealers. Please check each course's prerequisites to ensure that you have the necessary resources before your classes begin (links to each prerequisite item are provided).
Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster
Some packages (below) include the Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster software. The book and software are required for Course 2, but since some people already own it the courses can be purchased without it being included in the cost. Notice that some of the combination packages include, for a very discounted price, the Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster software set (by Bettye Keyes, CCR, CSR, CVR, RVR). Both are required for Course 2. Voice Writing Method and SpeedMaster are normally sold for $295 (through our sites and NVRA), but are available in some of the packages below for only an additional $100!
Realtime University Member Terms and Conditions
Course Descriptions and Prerequisites:
Course 1: Speech Recognition Engine (SRE) Basics
Course 2: Voice Writing Theory
Course 3: Computer-Aided Transcription (CAT) with Total EclipseVox
Course 1 (SRE) is Ideal for all voice writers who want to bring themselves to realtime readiness with their speech engine (Dragon NaturallySpeaking or IBM ViaVoice). It is alo the ideal course to take if one is merely exploring the possibilities of becoming a realtime voice writer. The reason being that it is the simplest of courses and one can achieve dictation speeds up to 150 words per minute with 95% accuracy within weeks (individual results may vary) of learning and practicing the course material. (Speech engine not included in the training prices. See course prerequisites for details on how to purchase either ViaVoice or Dragon.)
Realtime standards cannot be met by simply taking Course 1 (SRE). To reach realtime standards one must employ a voice writing theory that harnesses the full power of a speech engine using special dictation techniques along with a word processor or computer-aided transcription (CAT) program. This training is provided in Course 2 (Theory) and Course 3 (CAT).
COURSE 1 PREREQUISITES - Dragon NaturallySpeaking:
+ Dictation microphone -- speech silencer (sold separately) OR open-mic headset (included with Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred 9).
COURSE 1 PREREQUISITES - IBM ViaVoice:
+ Dictation microphone -- speech silencer (sold separately) OR open-mic headset (included with IBM ViaVoice® Pro USB Edition, v 10).
+ Andrea USB Sound Pod (sold separately or is included with purchase of IBM ViaVoice® Pro USB Edition, Release 10.)
Course 1 Regular Price: $399 (See below for special pricing.)
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Course 2 (Theory) is based upon the methods and "theory" of leading realtime voice writer Bettye Keyes, CCR, CSR, CVR, RVR. in her groundbreaking book Voice Writing Method (book) and SpeedMaster speed-building software* (required for class activities and homework). This course is perfect for voice writers who do not yet own any computer-aided transcription (CAT) software, already own Total EclipseVox, and/or who own a CAT system other than Total EclipseVox. In other words, this training is essential for everyone who wishes to achieve realtime certification readiness.
COURSE 2 PREREQUISITES - Dragon NaturallySpeaking:
+ Successful completion of Course 1 (SRE) for Dragon NaturallySpeaking®.
+ Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster software ($295 value, not included except in certain packages below.) Purchase separately
at full price, or benefit from significant cost savings when purchased as part of the special combo packages offered below.
COURSE 2 PREREQUISITES - IBM ViaVoice:
+ Successful completion of Course 1 (SRE) for IBM ViaVoice.
+ Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster software ($295 value, not included except in certain packages below.) Purchase separately
at full price, or benefit from significant cost savings when purchased as part of the special combo packages offered below.
Course 2 Current Price: $349 (See special combo pricing below.) The $349 price does not include Platinum Access. Course 2 is regularly $449 without Platinum Access. If Course 2 is purchased separately from Course 1 at a later time then the Combo prices will not apply. In this case you would also need to purchase the Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster speed-building software package separately at the regular price for $295. If you are serious about achieving realtime standards it is advised that you not purchase Course 1 separately, but rather the Courses 1 & 2 Combo package (below) to save hundreds of dollars and expedite your training experience.
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Course 3 (CAT) is designed exclusively for court reporters who use Advantage Software's Total EclipseVox CAT system. If you already own or are in the process of purchasing Total EclipseVox computer-aided transcription (CAT) software for court reporting, this training is essential! Bettye's work as one of the first certified Realtime Verbatim Reporters (RVRs) and close association with the founders at Advantage Software, Inc. (the developers of Eclipse) give her a remarkable perspective on how to use this CAT system on the job. She has owned/operated successful court reporting firms, lectured around the world on voice writing, authored several books and training resources, and learned to make a phenomenal six-figure income as a court reporter. She is sought after by leading court reporting colleges and government agencies for her expertise on the subject of realtime voice writing. Having her as one of your personal mentors as you learn to use Total EclipseVox puts you at a distinct advantage in the world of realtime. If realtime speed and accuracy, and the lifestyle it can bring, is your ultimate goal, then Course 3 is a must-have addition to the SRE and Theory training.
COURSE 3 PREREQUISITES - Dragon NaturallySpeaking:
+ Successful completion of Courses 1 & 2 for Dragon NaturallySpeaking
+ Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster software ($295 value, not included except in certain packages below.) Purchase separately
at full price, or benefit from significant cost savings when purchased as part of the special combo packages offered below.
+ How to Do Realtime Voice Writing with Total EclipseVox: Dragon NaturallySpeaking® edition. (Not included. Purchase below. See details.)
+ Total EclipseVox and compatible computer, speech silencer, etc. (Not included. Sold separately.)
COURSE 3 PREREQUISITES - IBM ViaVoice:
+ Successful completion of Courses 1 & 2 for IBM ViaVoice
+ Voice Writing Method book and SpeedMaster software ($295 value, not included except in certain packages below.) Purchase separately
at full price, or benefit from significant cost savings when purchased as part of the special combo packages offered below.
+ How to Do Realtime Voice Writing with Total EclipseVox: IBM ViaVoice edition. (Not included. Sold separately below. See kit details.)
+ Total EclipseVox and compatible computer, speech silencer, etc. (Not included. Sold separately.)
How to Enroll...
(By enrolling in any course, you are agreeing to the Realtime University Member Terms and Conditions. In order to complete the registration process for your enrollment, you must fill out and submit the Member Enrollment Form. Prices and special packages may change or discontinue without notice at the sole discretion of Realtime University, LLC.)
Step 1 > Identify the training program (below) that best suits your needs.
Step 3 > You'll automatically be taken to the "Choose Your Speech Engine" page. Select your speech engine.
Step 4 > You'll then be taken to a product purchase page. Select the product(s) that you want on the Purchase page by clicking the "Purchase" link next to it.
Step 5 > Complete the PayPal payment process. (No PayPal account required.)
Step 6 > You'll automatically be taken to the "First Steps" web page after completing the payment process. Carefully review the information (links) on this page to ensure course readiness.
Step 7 > If we have not already corresponded, then please send us a personal email or call us to introduce yourself!
Admissions@RealtimeUniversity.com or call us at 310.492.5371 Office
Training Products and Prices...
COURSE 1:
Course 1:
$199 / Reg. $399 / Save $200
Course 1 with Platinum Access:
$299 / Reg. $599 / Save $300
COURSE 1 & 2 COMBO PACKAGE:
Course 1&2 Combo:
$399 / Reg. $849 / Save $450
Course 1&2 Combo with Platinum Access:
$499 / Reg. $1,188 / Save $698
Course 1&2 Combo with Voice Writing Method / SpeedMaster (no Platinum Access)
$499** / Reg. $1,148 / Save $649
Course 1&2 Combo with Voice Writing Method / SpeedMaster and Platinum Access:
$599** / Reg. $1,443 / Save $844
COURSE 3:
Successful completion of Course 1 and Course 2 are prerequisites for attending Course 3 (no exceptions). If you wish to take Course 3 and have not already purchased Course 1 and Course 2, then you would get the best prices possible by purchasing one of the Course 1, 2, 3 Combo Packages below.
Course 3:
$499 / Reg. $999 / Save $500
Course 3 with Platinum Access:
$599 / Reg. $1,399 / Save $800
COURSE 1, 2, 3 (ALL) COMBO PACKAGE:
Combo Package Courses 1-2-3 (All courses):
$999** / Reg. $2,147 / Save $1,148
Combo Package Courses 1-2-3 (All courses) with Platinum Access:
$1,099** / Reg. $3,047 / Save $2,048
Combo Package Courses 1-2-3 (All courses) with Voice Writing Method/SpeedMaster:
$1,099** / Reg. $3,047 / Save $2,048
Combo Package Courses 1-2-3 (All courses) with Voice Writing Method and Platinum Access:
$1,199** / Reg. $3,342 / Save $2,143
Combo Package Courses 1-2-3 (All courses) with Voice Writing Method,SpeedMaster, Platinum Access, and HTDRVW-DNS:
$1,499** / Reg. $3837 / Save $2,338 (See note below on HTDRVW-DNS.)
IMPORTANT COURSE 3 INFORMATION: A prerequisite for course participation is the training materials and files (CD-ROM), "How to do Realtime Voice Writing with Total EclipseVox" for either Dragon NaturallySpeaking or IBM ViaVoice (HTDRVW-DNS or HTDRVW-VV)". If you do not already have these training materials, then you will need to add it to your Course 3 order through a combo bundle above or the Add-On package below. If you are not absolutely sure if you already have these materials or not, please contact our offices. Click here to see training kit details: Admissions@RealtimeUniversity.com or Phone: 877.519.5671 (Toll Free)
Add-On price to one of the other Course 3 training packages listed above.
$299** / Reg. $495 / Save $196
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* Dates are subject to change without notice. Changing the class/course schedule is a last resort and happens rarely. However, in the event that a change is required every effort will be made to notify members as soon as possible. Any rescheduling will also be announced promptly. Click here to read "Realtime University Member Terms and Conditions."
** Shipping & Handling costs will added to the above price(s).
All prices listed are subject to change without notice at the sole discretion of the Realtime University, LLC.
