Convert CSV to STM

Understanding csv and stm file formats

CSV (Comma-Separated Values) is a widely used plain text format for storing tabular data, where each line represents a row and columns are separated by commas. It is commonly used for data exchange between spreadsheets, databases, and various applications.

STM (Segment Time Marked) is a file format primarily used in speech and language processing. It stores time-aligned segment information, such as speaker turns or annotated speech segments, and is often used in conjunction with audio data for tasks like speech recognition and transcription evaluation.

How to convert csv to stm

Converting a CSV file to an STM file involves mapping the tabular data (such as start time, end time, speaker, and transcript) from the CSV into the STM format, which typically follows this structure:

filename channel speaker start_time end_time  transcript

Each line in the STM file represents a segment with these fields separated by spaces. You may need to preprocess your CSV to match these fields.

Best software or converter for csv to stm

There is no dedicated one-click GUI tool for CSV to STM conversion, but you can use Python with the pandas library for flexible and accurate conversion. Here’s a simple workflow:

1. Install Python and pandas if you haven’t already.
2. Prepare your CSV file with columns matching STM requirements (e.g., filename, channel, speaker, start_time, end_time, transcript).
3. Use a script like the following:

import pandas as pd

df = pd.read_csv('input.csv')
with open('output.stm', 'w') as f:
    for _, row in df.iterrows():
        f.write(f"{row['filename']} {row['channel']} {row['speaker']} {row['start_time']} {row['end_time']}  {row['transcript']}\n")

This script reads your CSV and writes an STM file in the correct format.

Alternative methods

If you prefer a no-code solution, you can use spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets to concatenate columns into the STM format, then export as a text file. However, for large datasets or automation, Python is recommended.

Summary

To convert CSV to STM, use Python and pandas for the most control and accuracy. Ensure your CSV columns match the STM format requirements for a smooth conversion.