Segments can be added, split or removed with simple mouse manipulations in the signal editor. Any portion of the signal can be selected, zoomed and played, and playback can be paused or restarted with a single keystroke. We found it was important to show the current position in the signal during playback with a moving cursor, because it allows the user to have a better temporal comprehension of the signal. This prevented from launching a completely independent program for playing the sound and was the main motivation for the socket control described in section 3.1.2. Transcription editor Each segment boundary defined in the signal editor appears as a graphical mark in the text editor.
Text typed in between too marks belongs to the segment.
Cursor position between sound viewer and text editor are synchronized, so the local segment can always be easily played. The transcription of the signal is edited locally, but it is possible to let a transcriber work on a part of a signal and register his work on the server at the end of the transcription session. Transcription of non European languages will be possible, as Tk manages display of Unicode characters since version 8.1. Other existing transcription tools rely on the Emacs text editor, which is completely free, widespread, very flexible, and supports internationalization. One might want to allow using Emacs as an alternative text editor for skilled users.