General
      Back to home
      1. Steno Videographer Help Center
      2. General

      Steno Legal Videography: Professional Standards & Technical Guide

      Guidelines for delivering high-quality, professional legal videography—on-site and remote.

      Steno requires its representatives to facilitate a smooth litigation process. This involves setting up on time, capturing high-quality video and audio, conducting legal read-ons and read-offs, meticulously documenting record times and exhibit logs, troubleshooting technical issues as they arise, and ensuring that all files are uploaded promptly.

      Table of Contents


      Professional Standards & Job Expectations

      At Steno, professionalism, punctuality, and technical expertise are essential. Whether working in person or remotely, all representatives must adhere to high standards to ensure seamless legal proceedings.

      Continue reading for general expectations and role-specific guidelines for in-person, remote, and hybrid proceedings.

      General Expectations for All Jobs

      Arrival and Setup Expectations

      • In-Person Jobs: Arrive one (1) hour before the scheduled start time to allow sufficient time for setup.

      • Remote Jobs: Log in 30 minutes before the scheduled start time to test and troubleshoot audio, video, and internet stability.

      Pre-Job Tasks:

      • Time Syncing: Coordinate with the Court Reporter (when applicable) before the proceeding starts.

      • California Compliance: Obtain the Court Reporter’s License Number and state it during the official read-on.

        • The Court Reporter's license number is only required for the read-on for non-federal proceedings with a court venue in California.

      Dress Code

      As a legal videographer, you should be as non-distracting as possible during the deposition. 

      An essential part of this is dressing professionally, which involves attire suitable for a courtroom or other professional environment. For example, casual T-shirts without collars, graphic tees, and similar apparel, as well as hoodies, exercise clothing, and shorts, are not acceptable.

      ⏱️ Time Synchronization with the Court Reporter

      Always sync time using an atomic clock (e.g., time.gov) before the deposition begins to ensure accurate timestamps.

      1. State the exact time, including seconds

        1. Example: “The time is now 06:18:25, 26, 27, 28, 29.”

        2. Count out five seconds aloud to allow for verification.

      2. If the Court Reporter’s time differs by 3 seconds or less, proceed normally.

      3. If the time difference exceeds 3 seconds, both parties should sync using an atomic clock, ensuring the correct time zone is selected.

      Special Case – Steno Machines Without Seconds Display:

      • Some machines only record HH:MM (no seconds).

      • In these cases, sync by stating the exact moment the minute changes.

      Video & Audio Standards

      • Framing Requirements: Ensure a properly framed and well-lit video of the deponent.

        • In-Person: Capture the deponent from the top of the table to just above the head.

        • Remote: Capture from the chest to just above the head.

          • In Zoom, ensure you "spotlight" the witness/deponent to ensure a recording of only the witness.

      Remote Framing Sample


      (Example of remote framing)

      unnamed (1)

      (Example of in-person framing)

      • Audio Quality: Maintain clear, professional-grade audio throughout the proceeding.

      • Legal Requirements: Conduct Steno’s legal read-on and read-off as mandated.

      Worksheet & File Submission

      These guidelines apply to all job types and remoteness.

      Video Worksheet

      Submitting Your Materials

      Job-Specific Technical Requirements

      The technical requirements and responsibilities for Steno videographers are tailored to the specific context of each proceeding, whether in-person, remote, or hybrid.

      The following section outlines comprehensive expectations for each job type, detailing the necessary equipment, setup procedures, and submission guidelines.

      🆘 For complex technical issues, contact Steno's Technical Support Team at:

      📞 888-404-0390

      In-Person Jobs

      Technical & Recording Requirements

      • Timecode Burn-In: Ensure the timecode is burned into the video recording.

      • Audio Recording: You must capture the audio of everyone in the room.

      Fully Remote Jobs

      Zoom Technical & Recording Requirements

      • Zoom account requirements: Maintain an active Zoom account and ensure the Zoom desktop app is updated regularly.

      📝 Please note: A paid Zoom account is not required.

      • Claim Zoom Host when you join the remote meeting room.

        • Use the host key provided in the booking email to claim host controls.Zoom Host Key_Assignment Email

      • Assist with Technical Issues
        • As participants join the remote meeting room, confirm that their camera and audio work as expected and that they can see and hear other participants.
        • If you need assistance troubleshooting any tech issues, call our Steno Tech Line at (888) 404-0390.
      • Manage Zoom Participants
      • Exhibit Handling & Video Submission
      • Video Submission Requirements

        • Steno Zoom Links (e.g., remote links that contain the word steno in the URL)

          • Do not submit any video files, including backup recordings, to Steno unless specifically requested.

        • Non-Steno Meeting Links

          • Screen recording is required, and media files must be submitted. 

      ⛔️ Invoices that include a media or transfer fee for remote jobs conducted on a Steno link will be subject to dispute. ⛔️

      Hybrid Jobs (In-Person with Remote Participants)

      • Bring at least one (1) laptop (unless otherwise specified).

      • If you have received equipment from Steno, you must bring this kit to the location.

      • Ensure smooth communication between in-person and remote participants.

      To learn more about the specifics related to hybrid jobs, please visit our 'Hybrid Job Guide for Legal Videographers' article.


      Back to the top

      Related Articles