InqScribe Version History

Current Release

Latest Version: 2.0.5 (What's new?)

What is Unlicensed Mode?

By default, InqScribe runs in unlicensed mode. In this mode, everything works, with these exceptions.

You can't save documents.
You can't export transcripts. (Copy and paste still work.)
You can't export subtitled movies.
You can't print transcripts.

You can use InqScribe in unlicensed mode for as long as you want.

Reference Movies for Analog Transcription

If you are working with an external source (such as an analog audio tape, or a VCR), it can be handy to have a reference movie in InqScribe that matches the length of your source. Reference movies are simply blank movies that can keep InqScribe's clock running along with your external source. Simply load a reference movie of the appropriate length into InqScribe, simultaneously press play on your external source and play in InqScribe, and InqScribe timecodes will keep pace with your external source.

Here are some reference movies for 30, 60, 90, and 120 minute durations. Note that each movie is very small, about 5k. (You may need to right-click the links to download the movies.)

Demo/Test Files

Here are some public domain files for you try InqScribe out.

Declaration of Independence. This is an audio recording of the Declaration of Independence by Jim Caldwell (more info). Download both the MP3 file and the InqScribe file and place them in the same folder, then open the InqScribe file. The InqScribe file demonstrates how you can create subtitles.

Windows: Right-click the file to save the file to your hard disk.
Mac: Ctrl-click on the file to save the file to your hard disk.

InqScribe Version History

2.0.5

The Foot Pedal wizard now removes any prior shortcuts that involve the pedal. This fixes the case where you could accidentally generate multiple copies of the same shortcuts by running the wizard again and again (3736, 5362).
The problem where InqScribe does not properly remember shortcuts that use non-keyboard input (foot pedals, gamepads, etc.) has been fixed (9653).
InqScribe better handles situations in which commands are issued in the middle of cue or review (1891, 5363).
If you search for something using the Find dialog and it's not found, InqScribe now keeps the dialog open so you can try another search string right away. (Remember you can hit ESC if you want to dismiss the dialog quickly.) Also, failed searches, as well as most message dialogs, no longer trigger a system beep (8313).
The Find dialog now maps return to the default Find Next button even when typing in the Find or Replace fields. Use alt-Return to enter a new line in the field. The fields are also larger to make it more obvious that they support multiline values (9618).
Reel names in time codes are now parsed more strictly. The reel name can only be separated from the time code by spaces. Also, reel names are only recognized within bracketed time codes. With unbracketed time codes, we can't tell if the word prior to a time code is a reel name or just a normal word (9779).
Added support for 23.98 fps and 59.94 fps (9781).

2.0.4

Menu shortcut for Replace & Find Again fixed on Windows (9539)
The slider used to adjust parameters on some shortcuts is visible again on Windows (6686)
Bug reports now contain more InqScribe-specific information by default (4393)

2.0.3

NTSC Non-drop frame time codes are now calculated properly. (6481)
Fixed error that prevented license validation for some users. (6576)
When jumping to a new time in a Windows Media Player-controlled video, the video image is now updated immediately. (Previously, you had to play the video to force an update.) (9028)
NTSC drop frame time codes are now more accurate and match (within 1 frame) content with burned-in DF time code. (8713)
Windows Media Player-based video is no longer offset down and to the right. (8959)
Unicode-based QuickTime subtitles are now generated correctly on Intel-based Macs. (8059)
Dashes may now be included in media reel names, as long as they are not the last character in the name. (7465)
Cancelling a print job no longer crashes InqScribe. (5365)
File names with non-Western unicode entries (e.g. Asian languages) are now displayed properly above the video area. (6726)

2.0.2

Windows users who have installed certain East Asian language packs like Chinese Simplified can register valid licenses again.
InqScribe is much better about handling malformed WAV files.

2.0.1

Fixed a screen layout issue for users with smaller monitors (800 x 600 or less).

2.0

Lots of new features and bug fixes. This version has its own what's new page.

1.5.2

AERA courtesy evaluation code removed. Request personalized evaluation licenses instead. (If you were using the courtesy code, feel free to request a personal evaluation license.)
Changed default ctrl-tab to simple Skipback instead of Skipback Toggle Combination. (This won't change existing shortcuts; existing users will need to reset to defaults to see the change.)
Trying to import a file that's already open in another application no longer triggers a nil exception error.
The "Color Time Code" preference check box is now respected, instead of assuming it's always turned on.
"Color Time Code", "Recognize Unbracketed Time Codes", and "Omit Frames" can now be turned on or off on a per-window basis via the Transcript menu. The preferences for these options remain; the preferences determine the initial value of the options when a document window opens.
Fixed "twitchy scrolling" on Windows, which was triggered by a bug in the colorize time code routine. Note that colorizing time codes on Windows does produce a single, brief flicker. If this is annoying, turn off the Colorize Time Code preference.
In the Find dialog, "Start at Top" now turns itself off after the first found instance, enabling repeated use of "Find Next" to move through the transcript.
Fixed video refresh problem for Windows Media.
Fixed file extension bug on Windows.
Fixed bug where files on Windows were sometimes saved as ".mov" instead of ".inqscr".
Fixed bug where opening QuickTime movies that referred to unavailable movies led to repeated error dialogs.
Fixed cases on Mac OS X where we failed to scroll the current transcript selection into view when asked.
Go to Time... dialog now respects the window's Omit Frames setting.
Tweaked several menu items to better match users' expectations, given their OS.

1.5.1

Added Windows-specific screen shots to the User’s Guide.
Fixed bug where certain media types opened using Windows Media Player would disable the play button.

1.5

Version 1.5 is a significant new release with many new features and bug fixes. Please see the New Features page for more information.

1.0.2

The encoding of imported text can now be specified, instead of assuming it is UTF-8.
Text may be exported using one of several encodings, instead of always using UTF-8.
When exporting subtitles, InqScribe now checks the transcript for duplicate time codes and out of order time codes, and prompts the user to fix these problems.
Added language support for exported subtitles. You may now associate one of over one hundred languages with exported subtitles.
Added Unicode support for exported subtitles. This greatly improves cross-platform reliability and properly supports non-Roman character sets.
More informative errors when exporting subtitles.
Improved InqScribe's ability to find linked media files when InqScribe documents are shared.
Better feedback when the Find command fails to find anything.
Exported movies on Windows now default to the .mov extension instead of .moov.
Exporting self-contained subtitled movies on Windows now works properly.
Improved support for handling locked InqScribe files.
More informative errors when exporting subtitles.
Improved undo support.

1.0.1

Fixed incompatibility with Mac OS X 10.2 (Jaguar).
Define Media button moved into media display region.
User can now double click media icon and title to open the Define Media dialog.
Clicking directly on the QuickTime movie to control it (one click pauses, double-click plays) now properly updates the remote buttons and respects the current play rate and direction.
Shortcuts are now listed below the remote buttons for convenience.
Changing media types from a defined file to "tape" no longer confuses the Display Size submenu.
Fixed font used for some buttons on Windows.

1.0

Win: better error recovery when listening for second instances of the application.
Option to strip time codes in the export text dialog is now disabled when not applicable.
Minor language editing.

1.0fc2

Win: Increased size of slider handles.
Win: avoid launching multiple instances of InqScribe.
Fixed remaining outdated references to "MediaScribe."
Fixed links in offline documentation.
Fixed links in splash dialogs.
Double buffered volume level graphic.
Replace All now works properly (and is much faster).
Added documentation clarifying time code formats and allowing recognition of unbracketed time codes. (By default, unbracketed time codes are ignored to avoid false positives on times of day.)
InqScribe now recognizes negative time codes.
Fixed window resizing bug that made the transcript disappear.
Toggling play while playing backwards now highlights the right buttons.
Fixed control tab order in dialogs that needed it.

1.0fc1

Win: Dialog button order is now more consistent with Windows users' expectations.
Win: Multiple keyboard shortcuts now load properly.
InqScribe preferences are now stored within an InqScribe folder in the preferences location. Note that this change will reset beta testers' preferences (including registration codes) to default values.
Initial check for updates now occurs one week after first run.
Win: You can now drop media files into the main window to quickly associate them with the transcript.
Tips have been updated.
Win: higher quality file and document icons are now used in several places.
Win: Added accelerator keys to some dialogs for Windows users.
Several minor bug fixes.

1.0b21

The "ms_debug" debugging file no longer appears. Messages are now logged in a system-specific way; see the Troubleshooting page for details.
Web pages linked to from the Help menu now exist.
Added a "Check for Updates" menu item to make it more obvious how to do this. (InqScribe normally checks once a week unless you disable it.)
We now provide more precise startup messages for unlicensed users and evaluation license users.
InqScribe will offer to access documentation online if local copies can't be found.
License management is easier now; there is a new Registration Status window for managing one or more licenses.
On Windows, menu items and window controls have been tweaked to better conform to Windows standards.
Subtitling now works on Windows.
There are now new settings in the Export Subtitled... dialog, allowing for much better control over placement and appearance of subtitles.
General dialog look and feel has been cleaned up a bit.
Several bugs and inconsistencies have been fixed.

1.0b20

Beta expiration no longer triggers prematurely for certain international date formats.

1.0b19

First public beta release.
Extends the beta software expiration date beyond March 31. (The 1.0 release will not have an expiration date.)
Complete documentation and better links to online support from withiin the application itself.
We've debuted the InqScribe web site at www.inqscribe.com.
Improved feedback when loading media files, particularly if an error occurs.
Better support for finding defined media files when InqScribe documents are shared between Mac and Windows users.
"Save changes before quitting" dialog now does what it's supposed to do.
Mac users can now hold down option when selecting File > Open... to try to open any file. (This allows Mac users to open files with very long file names that have been created by Windows users.)