Digital: When using digital the days of audio (analog) tapes that get lost, broken or worn out are gone. Authors no longer wait for a tape pickup or paper report delivery. Digital sound files can be handled and transported like most other computer files via your existing computer network, disk or modem with ease of storage and duplication. Digital dictation files are sent around the nation and in some cases, across the oceans for transcription within seconds. Digital technology also creates better quality recordings. Similar to the comparison between a music tape to a CD. For authors and transcriptionist, moving to digital technology will mean a faster turnaround time. The move to digital is inevitable as very few manufacturers continue to produce the mini, micro or standard cassette size tapes or machines anymore. 

There are many different devices available for capturing digital dictation, most can be narrowed down to one of two methods: hand held or PC based. Both will suit any size organisation. PC based systems can capture client information as well, by entering data on the computer keyboard with this data travelling with the voice file.

Hand held digital recorders are a replacement for the old tape cassette recorders. Some have removable media, others do not. Some operate with a slide switch control and some are push button. Care should be taken when selecting a hand held recorder and consumer research should be done beforehand. For instance, some recorders don't upload sound files to a PC at all. Some create only .wav files, which are too large for efficient transfer,. Hand held devices come as stand-alone units or as part of a PC based system. A stand-alone unit will create sound files that are ready to transport once downloaded into a PC via an USB cable or a docking station. A "PC based system" requires the sound files first be downloaded into a proprietary system, and the resultant digital files may then be transported, again requiring special software and equipment purchases.

PC based/Computer dictation using an USB connected microphone or a connected hand held recorder are the more featured of the two systems. Keyboard entry is available so any information can be visually available for the typist as well as the voice. Voice files are sent instantly across an existing computer network or instantly emailed all by pressing a button. Voice files can be directed to selected typist upon completion.

Wireless dictation. Using a PDA, or Personal Digital Assistants, is considered similar to hand held recorders in that they are portable palm-sized devices, which are now capable of recording voice using our digital dictation software. Recording is in a format that can be totally control by a typist. File formats compressed enough for easy downloading via a wireless network, docking via cradle or emailing. It would be fair to say the main advantage of wireless dictation is the ability to deliver voice files without a physical connection to a computer. PDA's are a fast-evolving group of their own and vary in their capabilities and features.

We offer a choice of two "in your office" demonstrations styles. Either organise a date that suits you or where applicable request a rolling demonstration. Simply book a day and time that suits for our visit and we bring all relevant digital dictation software and hardware products we supply. The rolling demo works in such a way, we have you set us up in one of your office rooms, you simply inform all your relevant staff we will be sitting and waiting to demonstrate the very latest digital dictation systems we have available. This means no time restraints are placed on your staff. Author and typist can come and go at their own pace. Email sale@abpace.com for our demo pack and video presentations.