What is realtime?
A CAT system and a realtime system are the same thing but two different modes of use. CAT came before realtime capability, and the term is generally used to mean the steno writing is captured in your steno machine and later translated by the CAT software. In realtime mode your writer is connected to your computer and your CAT system instantaneously translates your writing and shows the translation on your computer or television screen. Besides being an invaluable tool for deaf or hearing-impaired individuals, realtime allows the Court, attorneys, and other participants to read along, search, and review testimony and rulings during the proceedings. Realtime theories, unlike older theories, have been specifically developed to translate accurately using realtime software. StarTran is one of the few realtime theories approved by the National Court Reporters Association.
