A Buyers Guide to Dictaphones and Digital Voice Recorders

August 4th, 2008

Dictaphones or Digital Voice Recorders (DVRs) are ideal for recording voice memos, interviews, conferences, meetings and phone conversations. The term Dictaphone is a brand name that refers to the version that uses cassette tapes to record, as opposed to the newer Digital Voice Recorders (DVR) that the save the audio to memory.

Digital Voice Recorder (DVR)

• Use your USB port to save typing time by directly transferring audio files from your DVR to your computer

• With the DVR there is no need to rewind; when you finish recording you simply press the play button to playback immediately

• Each audio file you record to your DVR is automatically saved under a number with a time-and-date stamp

• The DVR usually has between 2 to 5 folders to separate audio for better organization

• Some DVR’s allow you to move messages between folders and split or delete messages

• You won’t cause a distraction during meetings or conferences changing tapes and you won’t miss anything important whilst doing so

• Some DVR’s come with software that automatically converts the voice file to text for easy transcription

• Newer DVR’s have expandable memory and come with external memory cards. Look out for this as it gives you more flexibility with recording time and makes it easier to download audio to your computer

• The DVR is normally powered by 1 or 2 AAA alkaline or rechargeable batteries

Cassette Tape/Dictaphone

• Choose between Mini, Micro or Standard; Mini cassettes (15min per side) hold half of the content of Standard and Micro (30mins per side)

• Cassette Tape Dictaphones can be played on any player that takes the respective size

• With digital you only have a limited amount of space to store recordings (if you have no external memory card) - whereas with a cassette tape Dictaphone you can simply exchange tapes if you run out of room

• Battery life is longer in a Dictaphone than a Digital Voice Recorder

• A Dictaphone is a cheaper alternative

• There is no digital storage on a Dictaphone cassette tape

• Reuse the cassettes - you can buy a machine that automatically erases micro and mini cassettes

• Many come with equipment specifically for recording phone conversations

Desktop or Portable Voice Recorder?

Desktop DVR’s or Dictaphones are generally cheaper and are ideal for recording phone conversations or are used in conjunction with transcription software. There are numerous models of portable Dictaphones varying in size and ability, but are all ideal if you are on the road or need a Dictaphone or DVR for times of inspiration.

Push Button or Thumb Slide Recorders?

Push Button Cassette Recorders usually have the ability to insert dictation but it can be very difficult to find the point you want. With the Thumb slide switch it is much easier to review and control with rewind review capability, rewind, insert, play and stop.

Which Mode?

There are three levels of recording quality and differing recording times. The longer the recording time the lower the quality.

High Quality (HQ) - 43 mins approx.

Short Play (SP) - 65 mins approx.

Long Play (LP) - 121 mins approx.

Advertisers usually display the longest recording time, so keep in mind that the Dictaphone or DVR will record at less than half of that on high quality. This is particularly important for DVR’s, as the higher quality mode uses much more memory and you don’t want to be halfway through a meeting or interview and find you are out of memory.

There are usually two levels of sensitivity available on a Dictaphone or DVR. LOW is the best for dictation, as the microphone tends to be uni-directional in this mode and will focus on your voice. HIGH sensitivity picks up sound in all directions along with unwanted background noise.

Dictaphones and Digital Voice Recorders: Other Features to Consider

• Voice Activate System (VAS) - Dictaphones or DVR’s with VAS will automatically record when they hear your voice (or other sound) without having to push any buttons. Great for when your hands are tied up.

• Alarm - to remind you when to record or a timer that you can set to automatically record between two times

• Tie clip microphone - for hands free recording

• Earphones - for play back when you do not want to disturb others

• Rechargeable batteries and a battery level indicator

• Microphones can either be built in or detachable. If you want your Dictaphone or DVR for a higher quality of recording such as music, then look for one with a microphone jack

• Speakers – most are built in but some models have detachable speakers that can be used for presentations.

• Digital storage - some come with more than others

• Hands free or foot control - keep your hands free for typing or playing an instrument

• Automatic backspace - automatically reverse the desired number of seconds for input or playback

Transcribers and Docking Stations

All digital transcription systems require you to use a foot pedal connected to your computer. This enables you to transcribe files from your Dictaphone or DVR from audio to text by listening and typing a few seconds at a time.

Docking stations make it very easy to download the files you have recorded to your computer. Some docking stations also recharge the batteries on your recorder, which is ideal if your Dictaphone is in high use.

Article by David Haysom. David is the eCommerce Manager for OfficeRocket, http://www.officerocket.co.nz/ . OfficeRocket is an online store that offers a wide range of office supplies to New Zealand businesses at very competitive prices.

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Sony vs. Olympus: Digital Voice Recorders

August 4th, 2008

Digital voice recorders have become increasingly popular over the last few years, as they offer a relatively cheap and reliable alternative to older cassette voice recorders. Digital voice recorders use memory - much like the memory used in your personal pc - to record sound, rather than tape cassettes. Newer recorders tend to have very large memory capacities, despite their small size.

Though there are several brands of digital voice recorders to choose from, two stand out as the most popular at this time: Sony and Olympus. Here we attempt to compare two recording devices, one from each company. Hopefully this information will be helpful in deciding which recorder is more suitable for your needs.

Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder

The DM-20 is a popular new model by Olympus. It has received high marks in the past for it’s large memory capacity (128MB Built-in flash) that provides about 45 hours of voice recording time. In addition, the device is capable of holding 120 minutes of high quality mp3 music. The recorder can hook up to both a mac or pc, so there isn’t much of a compatibility issue in uploading/ downloading songs or voice recordings. Physically, the device is really quite sharp (picture below), and is relatively light - 3 oz. This is good news for anyone who travels; it can be easily placed in a pocket or hand bag. The device also has some nice features that make it even more attractive, such as reminder alarms (work much like your alarm clock), different play and play-back modes, files may be saved in WMA or DSS format, and an external microphone. The main draw back to the device is the lack of an on/ off switch - something that should certainly be there. You are forced to hold down the hold button for some time before the device will shut down. Other than this, however, the device is well worth your attention. It currently sells for $180 - $270 dollars, so shop around.

Olympus DM-20 Digital Voice Recorder

Sony’s answer to the DM-20 is the ICD-MS515 memory stick digital voice recorder. This device uses removable Memory Stick Media that is very similar to the smart flash cards used in digital cameras and other devices. The ICD-MS515 comes with a relatively small 8mb memory stick that holds about 170 minutes of recording. This is much smaller than the capacity of the DM-20, but it is possible to simply upgrade to larger memory sticks. Some of the nice features of this device are the built-in microphone, the ability to work with Voice To Print Software (allows the conversion of voice recording to text), usb connectivity, and a voice e-mail system (allowing you to send audible voice mail). The device is also very light, weighing slightly less than 3 oz. It’s proportions are very similar to that of the Olympus DM-20. Besides the low memory capacity (which can be upgraded at an additional cost), this a very solid and competitive device. It currently sells for around $200.

Bradley James is a senior editor at SciNet.cc, a website containing many helpful consumer electronics review articles. For more information on digital voice recorders, please visit our digital voice recorder webpage.

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Digital Voice Recorders

August 4th, 2008

Digital voice recorders are recorders that enable digital recording of voices. They are used mostly by doctors, lawyers, businessmen, and other busy people who do not have time to record and store data immediately. Digital voice records are ideal for recording the minutes of meetings, without the fuss of tapes and other equipment.

Digital voice recorders are much more advanced than audio tape recorders. They can store a large amount of data. Functions like organizing, editing and playing are also much more advanced.

Some of the most popular digital voice recorders are the Olympus DS-330 Digital Voice Recorder, Olympus WS-200S Digital Voice Recorder, Sony ICDSX25VTP Digital Voice Recorder, Olympus DM-10 Digital Voice Recorder, and Panasonic RRUS380 Digital Voice Recorder. Apart from recording, these voice recorders can perform other functions such as direct PC link, easy search options, more recording modes, fast and slow playback modes, index marking, digital voice-up function, advanced digital voice-operated recording, digital pitch control, stereo sound effects, voice activation, removable memory cards, attractive LCD display, music download features, and USB compatibility; they also come with special software for voice editing. The downloaded files can also be archived, transferred, transcribed, or e-mailed in WAV format.

Digital voice recorders have a recording time in the range of nine hours to thirty-six hours or more. Some also have a built-in memo recorder. They come in very slim, sleek, and attractive designs and are extremely easy to operate. Most of them function on AAA batteries which may last for ten hours or more. Other accessories may include a telephone-connection adaptor, external microphone and earpiece, patch-cord for PC connection, and required software. Most of them are compatible with Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP and almost any digital voice or music player. Prices of digital voice recorders start from $100, and the price may go beyond $600 depending upon the model and the options available.

Recorders provides detailed information on Recorders, DVD Recorders, Digital Video Recorders, Digital Voice Recorders and more. Recorders is affiliated with Stereo Speakers.

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The Music Player and Voice Recorder of Nokia N96

August 4th, 2008

A mobile is no more used for the sole purpose of taking calls or sending and receiving messages. All the latest mobile handsets are now-a-days equipped with all possible features that are essential for entertainment.

A Nokia N96 handset is just the perfect entertainment device especially for those who are keener about getting the perfect video recording and viewing experience. This phone is contains the latest technology of mobile videos.

As this has become a proven fact that internet, TV and video are three of the most commonly used modes of entertainment of today’s world, the Nokia N96 model that comes with a large and crystal clear display and a wide range of video watching options has gained extreme popularity among the customers of all generations.

This particular handset contains some of the highest speed connections which are empowered by the “Nokia Video Center”. Nokia N96 supports almost all types of video formats like the Flash, Windows media video and MPEG-4. This makes things easier for the viewers.

This is even easier to transfer the video clippings to the friends’ with Nokia N96. This has been possible by the usage of the USB 2.0 connectivity and the HSDPA support function of the set. It also supports the WLAN technology.

It has a huge memory that is capable enough to store video recordings of up to 40 hours. If you are not satisfied with the storage space then the option of updating it with microSD cards is also available in Nokia N96. This adds up another 24 GB memory to the phone. You can also download videos from some of the most well known branded sites like Sony pictures, You tube etc. The inbuilt stereo speakers will enhance your experience of watching videos in the Nokia N96 phone.

If you want to find one of the best Nokia N96 deals then visit Best Mobile Contracts. They offer a comparison of the best mobile phone contracts in the UK from the leading online retailers.

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