Since 1987

SmartCAT General Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is SmartCAT compatible with Windows 7?
Yes! SmartCAT is fully compatible with Windows 7.
Is SmartCAT compatible with the Diamante Writer?
Yes! SmartCAT is compatible with the Diamante writer.
Is SmartCAT compatible with Realtime Coach?
Yes! SmartCAT is compatible with Realtime Coach.
Is SmartCAT compatible with Bridge?
Yes! SmartCAT is compatible with Bridge.
What about the service?
When you buy SmartCAT, you also get 24/7 access to devoted, friendly technicians, every single day of the year. Many people choose us because they love the service so much. We will take as much time as you need to get you up and running exactly how you want, and be there afterwards for anything you need.
Is SmartCAT compatible with an Apple Mac?
SmartCAT does not intrinsically work with the built-in Mac operating system. There are options, however. You can use Mac's built-in Boot Camp software to install Windows on your Mac, or purchase a third-party program called Parallels to do the same. Boot Camp is included with the price of the Mac, while Parallels is often easier to work with. Our technical service helpdesk can assist you with whatever you choose to do.
I'm a Court Reporting student. What can you do for me?
We can offer you stellar student software at a competitive price! We also offer ongoing technical support to be sure your experience with our software is successful and enjoyable. Plus, we offer something others don't: all of the money you spend on renting the student software, you can apply toward the purchase of our Professional version!
Can I do CART with SmartCAT?
Absolutely! Quite a few of our customers regularly perform Computer-Aided Realtime Translation services using SmartCAT. An increasing number are even doing remote CART, through a web service such as StreamText.
What if something bad happens and I lose my SmartCAT job?
You won't. SmartCAT uses two independent backup systems to make sure that you will always be able to recover a job, and our whip-smart technical support staff have other tricks up their sleeves, besides. Your jobs are safe!
Does SmartCAT automatically translate my untranslates? Does it have Artificial Intelligence?
SmartCAT is designed to be fast and simple, just as its predecessor TurboCAT was. Though we have added modern features that many people requested, our focus is still on producing transcripts quickly and easily, and thus does not enter much into the domain of complicated (and often difficult-to-use) Artificial Intelligence features.
Does the first version of SmartCAT work on Window Vista or Windows 7?
SmartCAT will most likely run at a fundamental level, though it may not run even as well as it might on an older system. You will certainly be missing all of the fixes and improvements that come with using the current version. We strongly recommend against taking this path.
Does your software accommodate other languages? Spanish? If so, do I need to purchase a third party program?
Yes, SmartCAT will function with other languages, using whatever function or program you use to accomodate your language in Windows.
Can I load the software on more than one computer? How cumbersome is it to move the license?
You can install SmartCAT on any number of computers, but the cost of SmartCAT includes one permanent license. You can add a "companion code" to your service contract for a small fee. We do not recommend you move the permanent license between computers, as this may cause corruption in your license.
Does a manual come with your program? Is that an extra charge?
Yes it does! SmartCAT's manual is copied to your computer when you install the program. You can also purchase a printed manual for a small fee.
Do I get a CD with your software?
We offer SmartCAT as a download right from our website, as it is the fastest and most effective way to get you your software. You can request we put it on a CD and send it to you, for the cost of shipping.
Can I use Microsoft Word with your program?
You can use SmartCAT to easily turn your transcript into a format that you can use with Microsoft Word.
How much is maintenance after the first year?
$595. This, of course, includes all the same 'goodies' that came with your first year's contract:
  • Five-star 24/7/365 technical support / customer service
  • Full access to all of our website features, including training videos, the scopist list, and our webinar videos
  • All SmartCAT updates
  • Discounts on our NCRA-approved Group Trainings
  • Access to our other Training Tools, such as our live weekly webinars and personalized 'walkthroughs' with tech support
  • Replacement Keys/Disks
  • Companion Codes (see above)
  • Well-Developed and Tested Software
  • Hardware Certification
  • Ongoing Technician Development
Is there a discount for many systems?
For site license pricing and details, please contact our sales department.
How hard is your program to learn?
"Hard" is a very subjective term, and there are a lot of variables involved in that answer for each individual. We do strive to keep SmartCAT as simple and easy to use as its predecessor TurboCAT, and always structure our updates around what our users have asked us to include or change.
What writers are you compatible with?
The only writer SmartCAT doesn't work with is the StenoRAM II. If you would like to know more about SmartCAT and your particular writer, just ask!
Do you offer ongoing education?
We do! We have many resources on our website, as well as live webinars, remote or in-person one-on-one training, and more!