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Audio/Video Localization
FAQ for Dynamic audio & video localization services
Here you will find answers to common questions about our language translation services.
What steps are involved in translating audio and video?
How do you determine the cost for localizing audio/video?
What does all that audio/video terminology mean?
Are there different types of recording for video (instead of just audio)?
What if my video has subtitles?
What steps are involved in translating audio and video?
- First, we need a complete script. If you have one, great. If you don’t, no problem; our transcriptionists can create a timed script from your audio or video files.
- Once we have the script, we create the language translation. A professional linguist translates the material into their native language, then a second linguist reviews and verifies the translation. Any script instructions, time codes, etc., are kept intact for use by the narrator during the recording process.
- Next, we arrange for the Voice Talent to narrate your script. A Sound Engineer manages the recording to create a digital audio file.
- To complete the project, the Sound Engineer does post-production editing (i.e., removing breaths, adjusting sound levels, etc.). Sometimes post-production requires a second session with the voice talent. If the project includes video, the post-production work can be more extensive, and can include image manipulation, insertion of subtitles, etc.
How do you determine the cost for localizing audio/video?
As each project for translating audio/video is unique and has various complexities, it can be difficult to give an exact price up front. Typically, we will give you a range of costs, which vary according to a number of factors including:
- Script preparation (transcription, time codes, pronunciation guidelines)
Transcription is charged by the hour. On average it takes one hour to transcribe 6-10 minutes of recording, thus, a 90-minute recording will take 9-15 hours to transcribe (divide 90 by 10, then divide 90 by 6). If you provide a complete script (with time codes and pronunciation guidelines), there wll be no script preparation charge. - Language translation and review of original script
Translation and Independent Review are charged according to word count. The exact word count won't be available until after transcription is complete. Typically, people speak about 100-200 words per minute; the average is about 135 wpm. The nature of the content will dictate the speed of the speech. - Voice talent (number of narrators per language; how much content each person will record)
Voice Talent is charged by the hour. The local talent market drives the hourly cost, which is based on experience, background and training, voice recognition, and competition. We will give you a range of costs, and provide sample recordings and hourly rates —you will select the voice talent you want, so you can consider both sound and budget. - Studio rental and Sound Engineer labor
Cost depends on which studio you use and how much time is needed. We can only estimate the final cost, but on average, it takes about one hour to record 10 minutes. Our voice talent will gladly travel to any studio you choose. Many clients have relationships with sound studios; however, if you don't, we can make those arrangements for you. We have worked with many studios in the Puget Sound area, or we can make arrangements in any location you prefer. - Target language Director (if needed)
Complex projects, especially video or projects with character interaction, should include a bi-lingual Director who can work with the Sound Engineer and other studio technical staff, but can also understand the recording in order to facilitate a smooth process. The Director will be able to hear timing problems and pronunciation issues, and will ensure those issues are dealt with on the spot. That can save you a lot of money in avoiding a second recording session for post-production cleanups. - Project management
Depending on the complexity of your project, we may determine that the project management will require an above average number of hours. If so, we will clearly note that in your cost estimate prior to beginning the project.
What does all that audio/video terminology mean?
For an audio/video translation project, you may hear a lot of new words - though your Project Manager will do their best to make sure you understand everything. Here are some basic definitions:
- Audio File Types
WAV, AIFF - Uncompressed files; the highest quality. Typically recordings are done as WAV or AIFF files and then compressed. File sizes are often large - about 5MB per minute of audio.
MP3 - Compressed, but good quality. More manageable files sizes - about 500KB per minute of audio.
GSM, VOX, WE - Highly compressed files, relatively low quality. The advantage is low file size - about 50KB per minute of audio. - Studio - Recording Terms
- Specs - technical specifications
- Loop/line - segments in a script
- Marker - indications in recording that correspond to points or loops
- Punch - where you resume afer recording stopped
- Pick-up - any re-recording
- Pro tools - any high-end recording hardware/software - Studio - Post-production
Editing - Includes removing breaths, fixing punches, fade-ins and fade-outs, adjusting levels, normalizing files, cutting each loop in a file, numbering files, applying effects or filters, etc.
Mixing - Putting together recorded audio with music or sound effects. - Video Terminology
Video File Types - Quick time movies (.mov), AVI (.avi) or Windows media video (.wmv).
Codec - Algorithm for compression (for MP4, MP2, DV video files).
Frame Rate - Number of frames per second.
Time Code - Time reference on both video and audio, to assure syncronization.
Are there different types of recording for video (instead of just audio)?
There are four types of recording options for video localization:
- Voiceover (speaker off camera)
The original audio recording is replaced by narrator voice(s) off camera. You can have a good quality localized video using this method, as long as the translation is timed to match the images. - UN-style Voiceover (speaker on camera)
Typically, a video of the speaker plays in a small box in the corner, with the original audio playing at low volume. The viewer can see that someone in the video scene is speaking, but the person in the inset is speaking over them. As long as the translation is timed, the video localization quality can be very good, but it will take longer to record than an off-camera voiceover, as the narrator must also be filmed. - On the Fly
This option records video while simultaneously interpreting the text. It’s the least expensive option, with the shortest recording time (the time it takes to play the source audio file). When setting quality expectations, the cost-effective nature of this recording option may be a factor. - Dubbing/Lip-Sync
Dubbing can produce the highest quality localized video. It's also the most expensive and takes the longest time to record. An off-camera voice speaks as the on-camera character is speaking - and to avoid distraction, it's critical that the timing of the translation be perfect. It's recommended that, in addition to a director, the translator attend the recording sessions, so that on-the-spot edits can be done to adapt the text to the timing limitations.
What if my video has subtitles?
No problem. We can translate and place the subtitles. For the most cost- effective approach, before the script is translated, make sure you know which subtitles you want translated, so they can be a part of that process.
How do I get started?
It’s easy! Contact Dynamic and talk with a translation Project Manager. Our PMs are trained to make the process as smooth as possible for you. To get started, we’ll need to see what materials you already have – a script, a completed source language recording or video, a storyboard, etc. We’ll ask you the right questions, in order to put together some estimated pricing. Learn more