Dictaphones South Africa | Blog

Why do digital dictaphones not come standard with larger memory cards?

2017-10-04T12:21:51+02:00

While larger memory cards are available for digital recorders, storing a lot of information in one place can be like “putting all one’s eggs in one basket”. We supply our clients with the best quality memory cards available for their digital dictaphones, however, they are not infallible and if a card becomes corrupted for whatever reason, it is better to lose a little information rather than a whole lot in one go.
Another point to bear in mind is that in general, dictation and transcription software (like many other kinds of software) works best if it is dealing with smaller files. If you import a very large voice file into the transcription software for processing, you may find that your system struggles and may even momentarily “freeze”.
With these point in mind, we advise our clients to use several smaller memory cards, and to back up their voice files regularly.

Simplifying and improving my dictation and voice recording with compatible accessories
(Accessories to make my life simpler)
Hands free recording
If you use your voice recorder in an environment where you may need your hands free for other operations (for instance a pathology laboratory), a foot-control can be a very useful accessory. With certain Dictaphones, the very foot-control that your transcriptionist or secretary uses for processing your voice files, can be used to control your digital Dictaphone.
Voice activation
In certain circumstances
Voice recognition software
Perhaps you would prefer to not make use of a secretary or transcriptionist, how do you get around the need to type up your documents? Dragon Naturally Speaking voice recognition software can make your life a whole lot easier.
Once Dragon has been trained to your voice and accent, it’s voice to text processing capabilities can offer results that are up to three times faster than regular typing.
Currently, Dragon is only suitable for individual use, and has not yet developed to the point where it can recognise multiple voices in a boardroom environment. Bear in mind, that should it progress to this point, it may need to be trained by each participant in the meeting.
Earphones
Headsets are not just for your secretary, and can be a very useful tool for anyone using a voice recording device.

Analogue (cassette) vs digital

2017-09-14T16:42:21+02:00

The pros and cons. switching to digital. Is it really all its cut out to be?
Are you still using analogue dictation and transcription equipment? Have you been thinking about upgrading to digital, but are not sure if it will work for you?
As digital voice recorders, dictaphones and transcribers become more common, you may feel that you need to upgrade to stay in the game. A big change like this can be scary, especially if you have been using analogue for many years. Fortunately, the transcription software that is available is very user friendly and will take no time at all for you to learn to navigate around. Our sales and support team are always on hand to guide you through it should you become unstuck at any point.
As digital dictation equipment becomes more commonplace, it is becoming more difficult to source spare parts to service and repair the Dictaphones and transcribers. With digital becoming the norm, and widely available, prices have come down, to a point where analogue voice recorders and transcribers have become more expensive than digital
Previously, digital recorders were much more expensive than their analogue counterparts, however, as technology evolves, the prices have dropped to a point where there is not such a vast difference in cost as before. Cassette recorders are still cheaper, however, analogue transcribers have increased drastically in price so the playing field in terms of price has really levelled out.

The advantages of having files recorded digitally makes life much simpler from a logistical point of view. Files can be downloaded by USB cable or docking station, directly to your computer, and can be shared easily via USB, or copied onto a flash drive as back up
Send voice files from a remote location. Given that digitally recorded dictation can be sent electronically to the transcriptionist, as opposed to having to deliver a physical cassette, one is able to work remotely, and as long as you have an internet connection, you are able to send files through to your transcriptionist.

New generation models such as the Philips SpeechAir even have wifi capability and one is able to email the dictation files directly from the device via wifi.

Voice to text – will it work for me?

2017-08-29T09:50:30+02:00

With the advances in technology, has arrived the advent of Speech Recognition software. The thought of being able to speak and have your words automatically converted to text on your PC sounds wonderful, but what are the limitations?

Dragon Naturally Speaking allows you to speak into your microphone, or Dragon compatible recording device and then either automatically transcribes to text as you speak, or when you download from your device to your PC. This increases productivity as it can be up to three times faster than straight typing.

For the software to recognise your speech, you need to “train” it to recognise your voice, accent and inflections. With this in mind, it is understandable
FAQs
I want to use speech recognition software in a boardroom environment. Is this possible?

Note takers vs voice recorders

2017-08-06T13:05:14+02:00

What makes a note taker different from a voice recorder?

Note takers are just what they imply – note takers. Their purpose is to be a simple digital recorder that you can use to record quick notes, thoughts and ideas. To keep costs down, these machines have basic functions such as record and playback.

Interviews

Professional digital Dictaphones are geared towards professionals who need to dictate documents as part of their day to day activities, for instance doctors and lawyers. For these applications, one requires full functionality, including the ability to rewind or go forward in your voice recording, and insert, delete, or edit certain sections.