The symbols are converted into English words by translation software. Simultaneously, a video camera projects the image of the speaker onto a viewing screen or wall. The captions are inserted into the video signal through an encoder and appear on the screen beneath the speaker. The software used is similar to programs developed for real-time captioning of television programs. This process requires the skills of court reporters who have been trained to use a stenographic keyboard and computer.
Some court reporters offer their services on a volunteer basis, while others work for a fee.
The National Court Reporters Association can provide referrals. Words are transcribed with few errors, after a short delay, and are easily visible to large audiences. The equipment and software are expensive. Many people have begun experimenting with different versions of computer-assisted notetaking. Most methods utilize volunteer typists and rely heavily on abbreviation and summary phrases.