What’s the difference between the software CaseViewNet and having a CaseViewNet license?
CaseViewNet is a free realtime-viewing software created by Stenograph. You can write to CaseViewNet from Case CATalyst and all other CAT software via serial cables, StenoCast, and the Live Deposition router (without Rapid Refresh functionality). Exception: You currently cannot write to CaseViewNet from Case CATalyst with a traditional router without purchasing the CaseViewNet license (further details provided below).
What is Rapid Refresh?
Rapid Refresh is breakthrough technology that updates your client’s computer screen with all the editing changes you make to the transcript instantaneously. This is available only to Case CATalyst users by purchasing a CaseViewNet license to unlock this functionality.
Note: CaseViewNet has full refresh features when sending realtime via the traditional router and the LiveDeposition router (with a purchased license from Stenograph).
Does other realtime-viewing software have the refresh functionality?
CAT systems outputting to the Bridge protocol can take advantage of refresh features, however, it is not quite the same as Stenograph’s Rapid Refresh. The Bridge refresh features physically rewrite the entire transcript to refl ect the changes made instead of instantly making the change (as with Rapid Refresh). Therefore, it can be a slow process (if you are currently writing to page 205 but making changes on page 10). Because of this fact, some reporters choose to use the refresh feature only during breaks.
Do I have to purchase a license from Stenograph to use CaseViewNet?
No, you do not have to purchase a license from Stenograph to use the CaseViewNet software. Without purchasing the yearly license, CaseViewNet will function as it normally would, without any of your edits being refl ected on the realtime transcript viewed by counsel. Purchasing the CaseViewNet license unlocks the functionality of Rapid Refresh and allows you to output your realtime feed wirelessly to PCs via a traditional router. It also unlocks the ability to output your realtime feed to iPads.
Do I have to purchase realtime-viewing software manufactured by my CAT vendor?
No, you do not have to purchase the realtime-viewing software manufactured by your CAT vendor. There are many choices out there, and it can be overwhelming! The free realtime-viewing software (CaseViewNet and Bridge) will work with all CAT systems (outputting to CaseViewNet protocol or Bridge protocol). All CAT software will output to LiveNote or Summation. Some courtrooms have specifi c requirements that make it diffi cult to use your first selection in realtime-viewing software. Maybe you don’t have the additional funds to purchase additional software (or functionality) at this time. Maybe you’re just looking for all the good free stuff for the time being.
However, if you have the choice of what realtime-viewing software to use, you may want to consider staying with the software your CAT vendor manufactures: for Stenograph, that means CaseViewNet; for Eclipse, Bridge; for StenoCat, TrialBook; and for ProCAT, Denoto. Your CAT vendor has specifically created this realtime-viewing software for you and your setup, and you may want to take that into consideration.
What is the difference between a traditional router and a router that has special firmware loaded on it?
As discussed in a previous article, a traditional router is a piece of hardware that allows you to create a Local Area Network (LAN) or a Wide Area Network (WAN). You can purchase a router from your CAT vendor or any electronic store right off the shelf. When you create a LAN, you do not have Internet access; when you create a WAN, you do have Internet access. The router allows computers to communicate with each other wirelessly using a LAN or a WAN.
LiveDeposition has a router called LocalNet. The physical router is similar to what you would purchase from your CAT vendor or electronic store right off the shelf. However, LiveDeposition’s router has special fi rmware (or software) preloaded onto its router that allows it to function like a traditional router but also allows it to complete other special tasks. Specifi cally, LiveDeposition’s LocalNet router allows you to output your realtime feed to CaseViewNet or Bridge wirelessly (through a LAN or WAN) without purchasing a special license from your specifi c CAT vendor and without having to update your software. LiveDeposition charges $199 for a yearly license fee to use its particular router.
