[studiorecorder] Re: Press Release on the New Olympus Machines

  • From: "David Tanner" <David.Tanner@xxxxxxxxxxx>
  • To: "Studio Recorder" <studiorecorder@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>, maryemerson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
  • Date: Mon, 08 Jan 2007 14:49:16 -0600

Ok, here is everything you ever wanted to know and were afraid to ask on the 
DS-50.  I copied this from the Amazon site.  They are indicating approximately 
1 to 2 weeks for delivery.
 
                
                          A Review of the Olympus DS-50 Digital Recorder. 
Record 
                          a full month of sound by remote control. This unit is 
                          made mostly for people who are conference recording. 
                          This is not a dictation recorder. It does well in 
                          meetings and any situation you want to record alot of 
                          people in a room. In addition to capturing stereo 
                          sound from meetings, interviews and other critical 
                          information expected of professional digital 
                          recorders, you can control recording and stop 
                          functions with the included remote control. The 
                          super-high-quality sound is also great for dictation 
* 
                          it's the ideal professional audio device. 
                          Features:
                          275 HOURS 20 MINUTES RECORDING TIME. Enjoy over 275 
                          hours of continuous recording time in LP mode with 
1GB 
                          of internal flash memory. 
                          HIGH-SENSITIVITY DETACHABLE STEREO MICROPHONE. 
Capture 
                          the richness you want with super-high-quality sound. 
                          VOICE GUIDANCE. Ensures seamless operation of various 
                          complex functions. 
                          DSS PLAYER VER.7 SOFTWARE. Supports the automatic 
                          download of Podcast contents.
 
                    Specifications:
                    Stores highly compressed WMA (Windows Media Audio) format 
                    voice messages in integrated flash memory. 
                    ·  Playback and store WMA and MP3 music files. 
                    ·  High-sensitivity detachable stereo microphone included, 
                    offering excellent portability. 
                    ·  Built-in monaural microphone for monaural recording. 
                    ·  Three modes of microphone sensitivity to meet recording 
                    needs. 
                    ·  Several recording modes can be selected including stereo 
                    recording modes ST XQ or ST HQ, and three types of monaural 
                    recording modes including HQ, SP, and LP. 
                    ·  Five voice folders can save up to 200 messages per 
                    folder. Music, Podcast, and Audible folder are also 
                    available. 
                    ·  New, brighter high-contrast monochrome LCD panel with 
                    backlight. 
                    ·  The voice guidance feature gives audio notification of 
                    operating conditions. It ensures seamless operation of 
                    various complex functions. 
                    ·  Built-in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) 
function. 
 
                    ·  Timer Recording and Alarm features enable automatic 
                    recording and playing at a set time. 
                    ·  The Low Cut Filter minimizes air conditioner noise and 
                    other similar noises while recording. 
                    ·  Index mark and temp mark features allow you to quickly 
                    find desired locations. 
                    ·  Variable playback speed can be controlled as preferred. 
                    ·  Choose from four playback functions: Repeat, Skip, Fast, 
                    and Slow. 
                    ·  Noise Cancel Function and Voice Filter Function cut 
noise 
                    and enable clear audio playback. 
                    ·  Can be used as a USB microphone or USB speaker. 
                    ·  Can be utilized as external memory to store pictures, 
                    text data, etc. 
                    ·  An included remote control (RS29) can be attached to the 
                    recorder to control recording and stop functions. 
                    ·  DSS Player Software (included) enables easy archiving, 
                    editing and further processing of recordings. 
                    ·  By registering favorite Podcast programs in DSS Player, 
                    you can download the latest broadcasting content 
                    automatically. New content can be transferred to the 
                    recorder simply by connecting it to a computer. 
                    ·  Compatible with Audible.com files. Store and listen to 
                    audible contents purchased from Audible.com in the 
recorder. 
 
                    ·  The optional AC adapter is available for longer 
                    recording. 
                    ·  Up to 32 hours of continuous operation with two AAA 
                    batteries.
                    Recording Format WMA (Windows Media Audio) Recording Media 
                    Built-in 1GB flash memory Recording Time ST XQ mode: 17 
                    hours 30 minutes
                    ST HQ mode: 35 hours 10 minutes
                    HQ mode: 70 hours 20 minutes
                    SP mode: 138 hours 30 minutes
                    LP mode: 275 hours 20 minutes Card Format N/A Input Level 
                    -70 dBv PC Interface USB LCD Yes LED Yes Folders Messages 
                    5/200 per folder Sampling Frequency STXQ/STHQ/HQ: 44.1 kHz 
                    /SP: 22 kHz /LP: 8kHz Overall Frequency Response STXQ: 
                    50-19000Hz/ STHQ: 50-16000Hz/ HQ: 50-13000Hz/ 
SP:100-8000Hz/ 
                    LP:100-3000Hz LP Mode Yes Voice Activation Available, 
                    Switchable On/Off Demographic Data Input N/A Practical 
                    Maximum Output 250 mW Write Protection Yes Speaker 23 mm 
                    diameter round dynamic speaker Microphone Jack 3.5 mm 
                    mini-jack, impedance 680 Ohm Earphone Jack 3.5 mm 
mini-jack, 
                    impedance 8 Ohm or more Power Supply Rated Voltage: 3V DC
                    Batteries: Two AAA
                    External Power Supply: AC Adapter Batteries Two AAA 
                    batteries External Power Supply Available Battery Life 
                    Approx. 32 hours (using alkaline dry cell battery) Size 
                    3.78"L x 1.48"W x 0.63"D (without protrusions) Weight 
2.58oz 
                    (73.0g) including battery OS Supported Microsoft Windows 
                    2000 Professional/XP
                    Professional,Home Edition CPU Intel Pentium II class 333 
MHz 
                    processor or more RAM 128 MB or more (256MB or more is 
                    recommended) Sound Board Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 
                    100% compatible sound card Video Card and Display 800 x 600 
                    pixels or more, 256 colors or more Removable Drive 2x or 
                    faster CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drive USB Port One free 
                    port Audio Output Speaker or earphone output
                    Package Contents:
 
                    DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder
                    * Stereo microphone 
                    * USB cable
                    * Remote control
                    * Carrying case
                    * Stereo earphones
                    * DSS Player Ver.7 Software
                    * Instruction Manual
                    * Two AAA batteries
 
 
 
 
 
David Tanner
Rehabilitation Program Specialist 3
Assistive Technology Specialist
Assistive Technology Department
MN State Services f/t Blind
Office- 651-642-0795  Cell- 651-270-2233
Skype name: dtat100


>>> maryemerson@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 1/7/2007 8:48 AM >>>

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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