[studiorecorder] Press Release on the New Olympus Machines
- From: "Mary Emerson" <maryemerson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Studio Recorder" <studiorecorder@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 7 Jan 2007 06:48:46 -0800
Jeremiah,
Here is the press release I found after doing a google search; at this point,
the machines are so new and haven't been released yet, so there don't appear to
be any technical details. I even looked for a manual on the Olympus America
site, and it's not there yet.
Three New Digital Audio Recorders for Note-Taking at Work, and Podcasts, Audio
Books and Music at Play
CENTER VALLEY, Pa., January 4, 2007 ? Olympus unveils three new DS-Series
digital voice recorders that bridge the gap between work and play. In addition
to capturing audio of meetings, interviews and other critical information
expected of digital recorders, the new Olympus DS-30, DS-40 and DS-50 are
optimized
for downloading, listening to and creating podcasts. The new recorders' high
sound quality is also great for listening to audio books and music, making
them the all-in-one audio device.
Software included with the devices makes downloading podcasts easy, and the
podcasts' contents are updated automatically each time the audio recorder is
connected to or "synchronized" with a computer. Podcasts and other audio
content can be downloaded from any Web site. The new voice recorders are also
specifically designed to work with Audible.com, a leading online provider of
audio books and other spoken entertainment and information.
?Olympus has done a fantastic job designing the new DS-Series, in particular
the voice guidance feature will have great appeal to both commuters and the
visually impaired community. This functionality is a great asset to anyone that
relies upon Audible for its audio programming,? said Chia-Lin Simmons,
vice president Strategic Alliances, Audible, Inc. ?We are confident that the
combination of Audible?s vast audio selection with Olympus, the technology
leader in digital voice recording, will be well received.?
The voice recorders are also distinguished by a number of premium features,
including:
The highest sound quality in the Olympus line-up with the new XSHQ Remarkable
Stereo Sound Quality mode. The new DS-Series devices can record and play audio
content up to 44.1 kilohertz (kHz), which is equal to the sound quality of most
CDs.
A convenient removable stereo microphone for recording high-quality digital
audio.
A "Voice Guidance" function that talks, confirming which settings have been
selected and helping visually challenged users to navigate the device.
Built-in memory from 256MB to 512MB to one gigabyte that enables amazingly long
recording times ranging up to 275 hours.
"PC Link" enables the recorders to connect to a PC via the included USB cable
for quick downloading of audio files to and from a computer. "Our DS-Series
voice recorders have been used for years by professionals such as doctors and
lawyers to capture audio throughout their workday," said Andy Flagg, director,
Sales and Marketing, Olympus Imaging America Inc. "These new devices have moved
from the hospital and courtroom into their personal lives. With stereo
headphones and up to one gigabyte memory, the new devices are optimal for
holding virtual libraries of music, audio books and podcasts, as well as the
traditional voice recordings."
Intelligent & Stylish Design
These DS-Series recorders are sleek road warriors that can go anywhere to
capture audio for podcasts and interviews. As podcasters join the ranks of
lawyers,
doctors and other professionals who use voice recorders, they can rest assured
that they will have what it takes to get the job done. The new DS-Series
have microphones that can detach from their bodies and attach to a remote
controller (an optional accessory) to allow podcasters to clip the DS-Series'
microphone onto a shirt or tie and record in high fidelity at the flip of a
switch. Recording in this unobtrusive manner with the recorder tucked away
in a pocket helps to keep an interviewee at ease, which in turn can lead to
more entertaining and informative podcasts.
Designed for optimal ergonomics with a high attention to detail, the recorders
feature a speaker for audio playback on the back, buttons for recording and
playback on the side, and easy-to-use arrow pads and buttons to navigate menus
on the front. Olympus even created a power on/off sliding switch so users
wouldn't accidentally turn it on. Coated in a sleek metallic exterior for
durability, all three models come with large, easy-to-read high-contrast LCD
screens that display file information, recording time and settings. The DS-30
features a silver casing with an amber backlight LCD screen. The DS-40 features
a dark silver casing with a white backlight LCD screen. The DS-50 features a
blue casing with a white backlight LCD screen.
Voice Confirmation and Instruction Manual
The three new devices offer a voice confirmation function that can be turned on
or off. When turned on, the function enables the devices to speak, helping
users to navigate the folders and various set-up options. The pleasant
automated voice guides users through the onscreen menus for setting date, time
and
other menu selecting modes. It also confirms by stating the folder name as the
user moves from one folder to another. This enables visually challenged
users to easily move through the device's menus, folders and set-up options. An
instruction manual will also be available to users as an audio file. Much
like any audio book, this option enables users to listen to the instruction
manual for quick and easy use.
Music Recording and Playback
Both MP3 and WMA (Windows Media Audio) files can be downloaded and played back
on the device. This provides users with extreme flexibility, enabling them
to use one device for recording meetings / lectures for work or school, while
also enjoying music and audio books for fun.
Timer Recording Mode
A Timer Recording mode is available for instances when a recording needs to
begin at a specific time. It works by setting a beginning time to start
recording
and an end time to stop recording. This feature is valuable for those who do
not want to call attention to the fact that they're making a recording by
pushing the record button, or when timing is essential to capture the
recording.
Variable Speed Playback
Users of the new DS-Series digital recorders will appreciate the control
provided by the variable speed playback settings. After capture, the slow
playback
option allows recordings to be listened to efficiently with playback that is up
to 50 percent slower than real time, and fast playback that is up to 50
percent faster than real time. Slow playback helps to eliminate the need for
users to listen to the same recording multiple times to hear what was said,
and with fast playback they can skip ahead to the essential sections - a real
benefit for transcribing dictation.
Long Lasting Power
The DS-Series digital voice recorders have up to 32 hours of continuous
operation made possible by the long battery life of two AAA batteries. An AC
power
supply is also available. The DS-Series digital voice recorders also feature a
one-year warranty.
Availability
The DS-30, DS-40 and DS-50 will be available in January 2007. Accessories
include stereo microphone, USB Cable, stereo earphones, a DSS Player Version
7 Software CD-ROM and two AAA-alkaline batteries. DS-50 additionally includes a
remote control and carrying case.
U.S. Pricing
DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street Price: $149.99 (U.S.)
DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street Price: $199.99 (U.S.)
DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street Price: $249.99 (U.S.)
Review units and high-resolution images of the DS-Series Digital Voice
Recorders are available from Mullen Public Relations. Contact Jeff Hluchyj,
(978)
468-8939 or Jeff.Hluchyj@xxxxxxxxxxx For more information contact Jennifer
Lyons, public relations manager, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 484-896-5350,
Jennifer.Lyons@xxxxxxxxxxx, Olympus Imaging America Inc., 3500 Corporate
Parkway, Center Valley, Pennsylvania 18034, or the Olympus Web site:
http://www.olympusamerica.com.
Mary Emerson
E-mail:
maryemerson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Podcast web site:
http://www.emerson.libsyn.com
Podcast feed:
emerson.libsyn.com/rss
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