Hi Judy, I would also add that the Olympus software is pretty horrible to use as well, so don't get too excited about its automatic podcasting stuff, because it will probably be inaccessible, if I know anything about Olympus. All the best -- Computer Room Services: the long cane for blind computer users. Telephone Low-call: 08452 606 277 International: +44(0)1438 742286, Fax: +44(0)1438 759589 mobile: +44(0)7956 334938, Email: mailto:Steve@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx Web site: http://www.comproom.co.uk <http://www.comproom.co.uk/> _____ From: studiorecorder-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:studiorecorder-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of Judy W Sent: 07 January 2007 15:43 To: studiorecorder@xxxxxxxxxxxxx Subject: [studiorecorder] Re: Press Release on the New Olympus Machines I have an olympus recorder and I installed the software interface. Winamp and RealPlayer started skipping. I know this is not supposed to happen, but when I had an audio tech disable the software the problem went away. Olympus support denied any knowledge of the problem. I realize others have not encountered this, but this is just a warning to be careful. Judy -----Original Message----- From: studiorecorder-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:studiorecorder-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of Mary Emerson Sent: Sunday, January 07, 2007 8:49 AM To: Studio Recorder Subject: [studiorecorder] Press Release on the New Olympus Machines 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