ABC: DIGITAL DICTATION

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While many businesses use analog (tape) based dictation, the benefits of digital are so overwhelming, it is only a matter of time before tapes go the way of the typewriter (still hanging around the office, but not really used). According to Dictaphone®, in 1952 recorded dictation itself was established as "a time saver over handwriting and stenography among attorneys, physicians and other professionals". In fact, it was in 1973 that the first mini-cassette recorder was marketed, making analog dictation the technological equivalent of listening to music on an 8 track tape!

There are several options to capture dictation files, once you have decided to upgrade. They include:

I. TELEPHONIC OR DIAL IN DICTATION

A toll free number is dialed, a pass code punched in and work is dictated into the receiver or speaker of a standard telephone, using the key pad to control the recording functions (play, rewind, insert, etc.). Upon completion of the call, the digital file created is routed through the internet to a secretary, virtual assistant or transcription company. Dial in dictation has many benefits, including:

· no capital expenditure for equipment or software;

· no learning curve for portable recorder or dictation software;

· 24 hour service availability;

· ability to dictate from anywhere there is a phone, including while traveling;

· works as well for single professionals as it does for large corporations.

II. PORTABLE RECORDERS

Portable digital recorders can be located in any electronics or office supply store, catalog or website. They range in price from as little as $50.00 to $500.00 and up. Along with the recorder, software is provided for the transfer of the digital file created by the unit to a computer, generally through a USB cable or a cradle. A user guide and software included with the recorder usually contain instructions and a tutorial.

Dictating is fairly straight forward and quite similar to an analog (tape) recorder. When purchasing a unit, note button size, shape and location. Be certain that the unit is not so small, or button placement so awkward that it is uncomfortable to use. Also be certain that the recorder has all the functions needed. Some less expensive models, for instance, do not have the ability to insert – that quick rewind to go over what you just said to say it better. Research all the model’s functions before you purchase!

Once a digital file is created and uploaded to a PC, it is ready to be sent through a company’s network, direct upload to a transcription service provider or over the internet to a virtual assistant. Many portable software units require the purchase of separate transcription software and equipment (footpedal).

III. DIGITAL DICTATION SOFTWARE

As with many types of software, development of digital dictation applications range from basic to the extremely comprehensive and industry specific. Most dictation software has a free trial period (usually thirty days) and can be downloaded directly from a developer’s website. In a nutshell, digital dictation software turns a computer’s microphone, speakers, mouse and monitor into a dictation machine. Just as with a portable unit, when the file is complete, it is ready for transfer through your company’s network or over the internet to your transcription provider. Should you invest in a portable recorder, PC-based software, or use a transcription service and toll free number? Each situation is unique and requires consideration of many factors, including your company’s needs, size, volume of work and technology comfort level.

Look for Part II of this series: ABC: DIGITAL TRANSCRIPTION

********************************************************** Andrea Cannavina is an EthicsChecked MVA. Her company, LegalTypist, Inc. has been providing virtual legal secretarial and digital transcription services since April of 2001. To learn more visit: http://www.legaltypist.com/. While there, subscribe to The Legal Connection, an e-zine full of how tos, review of products and insights to put the virtual industry to work for you. You may also subscribe by clicking here. **********************************************************

Additional Resources: Digital dictation software: Quickscribe, http://www.quickscribe.com.au/ NCH, http://www.nch.com.au/ Portable Recorders: Olympus, http://www.olympus.com/, Sony, http://www.sony.com/ Virtual Assistance: International Virtual Assistant’s Association (http://www.ivaa.org/)