What is real-time transcription (RT) or CART, and where is it commonly used?

• A. Real-time transcription streams text as spoken language is captured, used in courtrooms and for Deaf/Hard-of-Hearing participants.
• B. A type of summarization used in appellate courts only.
• C. A deprecated method requiring post-processing only.
• D. A system for converting video to text for training.

Answer: (A)

Real-time transcription (RT) or CART is the live conversion of spoken language into visible text as it’s spoken. Trained CART providers use stenography or voice-writing techniques along with software to display a streaming transcript, so text appears almost as fast as the words are spoken. This allows people to read the proceedings in real time and creates an immediate record.

It’s commonly used in courtrooms to support Deaf or Hard-of-Hearing participants and to ensure accessibility during trials and hearings. It’s not a summarization or a post-processing process, and it isn’t about turning video into text for training.