DIGITAL VOICE RECORDER PRODUCT INFORMATION RESOURCE GUIDE Publication: Version 1.0 May 2003 This document was written to provide answers to many common questions that individuals may have about the Sony digital voice recorders. Although the devices are small in size, they are powerful personal as well as effective business tools with many capabilities if used in the proper manner. The Guide is divided into sections to make it easy to obtain the answers to each subject area.
INTRODUCTION The Digital Voice Recorder is a relatively new device having matured from a simple 15 second low quality recording to a sophisticated PC connectable business tool with hours of recording capability. This exciting device brought many new features and functions which are not available with analog (cassette based) products. Long Recording Time: the largest recommended length of a standard business cassette is 45 minutes per side.
Voice To Print: dictation can be automatically converted into text using a high quality software such as Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred from Scansoft, Inc. These are just a few of the many things that can be done with the new exciting digital voice recorder products which are available from Sony.
ICD-MS515 and ICD-MS515VTP Memory Stick Digital Voice Recorder USB Connectivity or Memory Stick Record Time (8 MB Memory Stick): 64 min SP, 171 min. LP ICD-ST10 and ICD-ST10VTP PC Compatible with USB Connectivity Stereo Recording Mode Record Time: 41 min ST, 125 min SP, 334 min LP ICD-P17 PC Compatible with USB Connectivity Record Time: 278 min. 5 Files ICD-B17 Record Time: 300 min 2 Files ICD-B7 Record Time: 150 min.
NEW FOR 2003 Digital Voice Editor Software 2.1: One common software for all PC connected models Having a separate voice editor software for each model made it difficult to learn the operation of the PC connectivity function when different digital recorder models were being used. In some office situations, authors used different Sony recorders, which required the office administration staff to learn the various voice editor software versions. The look and operation of each version was slightly different .
New PC Connected Model : ICD-P17 278 Minutes of Recording Time: more than enough time to record a full day of classes or notes. Overwrite Function on the ICD-P17 This professional dictation feature found on higher priced models allows the user to listen through the last correct word of the recording in playback and then press the Record button. All the dictation from that point is automatically erased and replaced with the new dictation.
Hi / Med / Low Microphone Sensitivity: Adjust the microphone sensitivity according to the situation ?? Low for Dictation ?? Med for small meetings and hands free operation ?? High for conferences and lectures Transcription Kit FS-85USB with USB Connected Foot Control Includes MDR-U10M Stereo Type Chin Band style listening device and Digital Voice Editor SW 2.1 -Transcribe dictation in .dvf, .msv, .
SECTION A: Specifications Note: Specifications are subject to change. ICD-B7 HWD: 4-1/7” x 1-3/4” x 5/9” (105.3 x 44.5 x 14 mm) Weight: 2.4oz (68 grams) Recording Time: up to 150 minutes File Folders: 2 Maximum # of Messages: 198 Battery Life: Record-10 hours Play-8 hours Flash Memory Size: 8MB CODEC: TRC (Triple Rate Codec) Speaker Size: 1-1/4” (32mm) Sampling Frequency: 8KHz Power Output: 150mW ICD-B17 HWD: 4-1/7” x 1-3/4” x 5/9” (105.3 x 44.5 x 14 mm) Weight: 2.
ICD-ST10 HWD: 4” x 1-5/8” x 5/9” ( 103.6 x 41.5 x 13.3 mm) Weight: 2.54 oz (72 grams) Recording Time: STEREO- 41 min. SP-125 min LP-334 min. File Folders: 5 Maximum # of Messages: up to 495 Battery Life: Record ST-10 hours, SP-12 hours, LP-14.5 hours Playback ST-6.5 hours, SP-7.5 hours, LP-8.5 hours Flash Memory Size: 16MB CODEC: LPEC Speaker Size: 1-1/9” (28mm) Sampling Frequency: ST-44.1kHz, SP-16kHz, LP-8kHz Power Output: 350 mW PC Connectivity: Digital Voice Editor v2.
SECTION B: Controls, Jacks and Connections PRODUCT INFORMATION CHART ICD-B7 ICD-B17 ICD-P17 ICD-ST10 ICD-MS515 O O O O O Jacks & Connections Earphone Jack 3.5mm Stereo Earphone Jack 3.5mm Plug- In Power Microphone Jack 3.5mm Stereo Microphone Jack 3.
the recorder. Stereo Earphone Jack: identified by the green color around the connection indicates that a stereo type listening device can be connected providing stereo sound. Plug-In Power Microphone Jack: allows the use of a battery powered external microphone without inserting the battery in the external mic. This eliminates the concern about not recording because the battery lost power in the external mic or they forgot to insert it.
will be seen on the LCD screen. To start playback at the bookmarked point, press the Jog lever up or down during stop so that the Bookmark indicator flashes 3 times. Then press the Jog lever to play. DIGITAL PITCH CONTROL: speeds up or slows down the playback without the usual distortion associated with speed changes. DIRECTIONAL MIC FUNCTION: available on the ICD-ST10 in the the SP and LP modes, the recording field is narrowed to 45 degrees to either side of the unit when activated.
LCD screen and you will hear some of the dictation repeated over and over again. To erase this dictation press the ERASE button again. If you do not wish to erase the dictation, press the STOP button. To erase all the dictation in a Folder, press the ERASE button and the STOP button at the same time and the phrase ERASE ALL will appear on the LCD screen. Press the ERASE button again and all the dictations in that Folder will be erased.
PRODUCT MENU CHART Model Menu Function Alarm Set Date /Time Cont(inuous) Beep Description Plays a message at a set date and time In play mode will continue to play into the next message ON or OFF Mic Sensitivity Mode Choose between Record Overwrite or Record Add functions ON or OFF Sets the microphone sensitivity ST, SP or LP Display Easy Search DPC VOR Format New Folder Elapsed Time, Remaining Time, Recording Date, Recording Time, CODEC or Message Name, Time Counter ON or OFF ON or OFF and % + / ON o
CONT ON/OFF: in the OFF setting, the playback will stop at the end of the recording. In the ON setting, during playback, the recordings will continue to play from the current recording to the next without interruption. EASY SEARCH ON/OFF: With the Easy Search function in the ON position, when rewinding or fast forwarding in the dictation, each time the user presses the control, the playback advances approximately 10 seconds or rewinds approximately 3 seconds.
When the VOR circuit does not sense a sufficient audio signal, the recorder stops recording and flashes “VOR Pause” on the LCD Screen. It stops and continues recording when the author starts dictating again.
SECTION C: LCD Display Remaining Memory Indicator A-B Repeat Indicator Folder Battery Level Indicator Recording Mode Priority Indicator Display Contents: Remaining Memory Indicator: a series of dashes ( - - - - - ) at the top of the screen. As the amount of recording increases, the number of dashes decreases giving the user a general idea as to how much recording time is available on the device. For a more accurate indicator, use the DISPLAY button and set the unit to show how much recording time remains.
number. The 10 is the total number of messages in the dictation folder. ST / SP / LP: shows the current recording mode the unit is in or the mode the dictation was in when it was recorded H/ M / L: indicates the microphone sensitivity setting- High, Medium, Low Bookmark: shows that a recording has a bookmark A-B Repeat: shows the function is active D. RECORDING MODES (ST/SP/LP) You can select a recording mode from the following: ?? ST: Stereo recording mode (for ICD-ST series only).
except for the DVF (TRC) files. (You can play back the DVF (TRC) file.) When you install both types of the Digital Voice Editor software, you can handle all the compatible file types. DVF file [LPEC: for ICD-ST series] (Digital Voice File/file extension: *.dvf) The DVF file is a sound file format used in recording messages on the Sony IC recorder ICD-ST series equipped with a USB port. The sound data is compressed so that the size of the file is relatively small.
The DVF file has four formats: for ICD-BPx50 series, for ICD-BP100/BPx20 series, for ICD-ST series, and for ICD-P series. MSV(LPEC) file (Memory Stick Voice file/file extension: *.msv) The MSV(LPEC) file is a sound file format used in recording messages on the Memory Stick IC recorder ICD-MS515 and IC recorder ICD-S series. The sound data is compressed so that the size of the file is relatively small.
MP3 file (MP3 file [8/11/16/22/44.1 kHz monaural/stereo]/file extension: *.mp3 ) The MP3 file, short for MPEG-1 Layer 3 (Moving Pictures Expert Group), stores digital audio such as sounds or songs and is known to be used to distribute content over Internet. The file is compressed with little loss in sound quality. You can view the MP3 files in the PC message list in the Digital Voice Editor. An MP3 file displayed in the PC message list can be played back on your computer.
SECTION F: Battery Life and Alternate Power Sources Battery Type and Estimated Life: All the digital voice recorders use “AAA” batteries ESTIMATED BATTERY LIFE IN HOURS (ALKALINE BATTERIES) ICD-B 7 ICD-B17 Record Stereo SP LP Playback Stereo SP LP 10 8 ICD-P17 10 8 10 ICD-ST10 10 12 14.5 8 6.5 7.5 8.5 ICD-MS515 10 12 12 12 AC Adaptors: the only digital recorder that has an DC-in jack for an optional AC adaptor is the ICD-ST10.
Recorder Placement: Dictation: hold the recorder about 4 inches from your mouth. Do not talk directly into the microphone. Hold it in such a manner that the sound passes by the microphone not directly into it. Set the microphone sensitivity on Low. Conference Recording: place the unit on a book, not directly on the surface of the table or the desk. This will eliminate or minimize sound transfer from the hard surface of the table created by any hand movements.
Insert Function: the purpose of this function is to allow the user to insert new dictation in the middle of existing dictation. This is accomplished by playing back recording and pressing the index button at the point the user wishes to insert the dictation. What happens is that one dictation is now shown as two. Then go back to the first part of the dictation and using the “ADD RECORDING” function dictate the material that is to be inserted.
SECTION H: Digital Voice Editor Software Versions: v.2.12 GUI Layout: TOOL BAR: a series of choices for the user to select to activate functions of the digital voice editor including set-up and saving to PC options. RECORDER FILE FOLDERS: shows the available file folders of the digital recorder for the user to choose from. FOLDER CONTENT INFORMATION: provides detailed information on each dictation.
TOOL BAR: a series of choices for the user to select to activate functions of the digital voice editor including set-up and saving dictated files to PC options. RECORDER FILE FOLDERS: shows the available file folders of the digital recorder for the user to choose from. FOLDER CONTENT INFORMATION: provides detailed information on each dictation.
OPTIONS DISPLAY “OPTIONS” SELECTION ICD-MS515 RECORDING: File Name: 001_Demo Dict_001_SP_2003_04_09_14_03.msv The contents of the file name are as follows: 001 ………………The number of the file folder on the recorder Demo Dict……….The name of the file folder created by the user 001……………… The number of the recording in the file folder. If there were multiple recordings the next one would be number 002 SP……………..…The recording mode [SP or LP] 2003…………..…The Year the recording was made 04………………..
ICD-P17 RECORDING: File Name: ICD-P17_001_A_001_Stephen Teplansky_2003_04_09_03_52.dvf ICD-P17……………. .the model of the recorder 001………………….…the number of the file folder A………………………the letter of the file folder Stephen Teplansky….the name of the user of the recorder 2003………………..…the year the recording took place 04…………………..…the month the recording took place 09…………………..…the date the recording took place 03………………..……the hour the recording took place [3:00 AM] 52………………..……the minute the recording took place .
SECTION I: Transcoding The purpose of transcoding is to convert the file format from one form to another to allow the dictation to be listened to by others who don’t have the ability to work with the original recording format or used as part of another program such as using the recording in a PowerPoint® slide. Sony uses two (2) different CODECs and file extensions CODECS: LPEC: Long Term Predicted Excitation Coding [Sony proprietary] TRC: Triple Rate Codec [Generic Industry Standard] FILE EXTENSIONS: .
If using the Sony FS-85USB Transcription Hardware / Software kit, there is no need to convert the files from the format of dictation created on a Sony digital Voice Recorder. No matter which file format, .msv or .dvf, the software allows it to be listened to without conversion. In order to allow dictation recorded on the digital voice recorders to be transcribed by other transcription softwares it may be necessary to convert the files to a .wav format.
Batch Conversion: The Digital voice Editor software v2.1 provides the capability of converting multiple files from one format to another in a few easy steps. #1 Launch the DVE 2.
SECTION K: Voice to Print Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred voice to print software: the ICD-MS515 and ICD-ST10 are compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred voice to print software. If the user has installed the Dragon software, by highlighting one of the individual dictations and then clicking the mouse on this icon, the voice to print process will be activated converting the dictation into text.
Headset Microphones Sony headset microphones such as the DR-115DP with boom mic or the DR-140UP with flexible pipe microphone are excellent accessories for someone who creates a large volume of dictation which will be converted into text with Dragon NaturallySpeaking software. The mics have both a 3.5 mm microphone plug and 3.5mm earphone plug which connect to the corresponding jacks on the recorders. Playback is heard through the headset for convenience.
SECTION L: E-mail (audible) A special function of the digital voice recorder is the ability to record and e-mail dictation to others to listen. This can be a very affective business tool providing the ability to record a meeting or notes and then share the actual recording with others. The process is accomplished by: (1) launching the Digital Voice Editor (2) highlight the document(s) [up to a maximum of 10] (3) click the mouse on the icon which looks like a postage envelope.
SECTION N: PC Requirements and Compatibility PC Connected Models: ICD-P17, ICD-ST10, ICD-ST10VTP, ICD-MS515, ICD-MS515VTP IBM PC/AT or compatible Operating Systems: Microsoft Windows® 98, 2000,ME, XP CPU: 266MHz Pentium® II processor or higher RAM: 64 MB or more Hard Disk Space: 70 MB or more CD-ROM Drive USB Port Sound Board Display: High Color (16 bit) or more and 800 x 480 dots or more SECTION O: Recorder Set-Up In order to obtain the best results from your digital voice recorder it’s important to take t
Display Mode: Choose from one of the following: (1) Recording Time: shows the time the recording was made (2) Recorded Date: shows the Y/M/D the recording was made (3) Remaining Time: In Play: shows the remaining recording time of the dictation you are listening to. In Record: shows the remaining recording time on the unit DPC: sets the Digital Pitch Control in a percentage value range of +100% or -50% in increments of 10%.
SECTION Q: Transcription Depending on the application, some or all of the recordings may be manually transcribed or automatically turned into text. Voice to print (voice to text) is certainly a growing technology, but many users still prefer to transcribe the dictation in the traditional fashion of using a foot control and hearing the words through a chin band style listening device.
AUDIO FUNCTIONS: This section allows you to control the basic playback options including: Volume Control DPC (Digital Pitch Control) -50% to +100% To return to normal click on the NORM button Divide & Combine: This function is used when connected through the USB cable and allows you to divide a message into two parts on the digital voice recorder or combine two messages into one message.
ABC Icon: This is the automatic link to Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred Voice to Print Software. After the Dragon Software has been installed, a dictation can be automatically converted into text. The user highlights a dictation that is either on the recorder side of the GUI or on the PC hard disk drive and then clicks on the ABC icon. The dictation will be automatically converted to a standard .wav file and loaded into the Dragon NaturallySpeaking software and converted into text.
PLAYBACK SLIDER Shows in a linear fashion where the playback is in relation to the entire length of the recording. The HH/MM/SS on the lower part of the slider changes according to the length of the document. You can manually move the slider using the mouse. Note that when you reposition the slider the time counter in the CURRENT DICTATION INFORMAT ION section of the Player Pane adjusts accordingly.
SECTION S: Glossary TERM DEFINITION BATCH CONVERSION CODEC COMPRESSED FILE DIVIDE DPC DVE DVF FILE FLASH MEMORY FOLDER GUI HDD LPEC MODE MOVE MSV OVERWRITE SAMPLING FREQUENCY TRANSCODE TRANSFER TIME UPLOADING USB ability to convert more than one file from one format to another in one step VOR VTP WAV Compression Decompression a file format that is smaller in size the ability to take one dictation and divide it into two or more parts Digital Pitch Control- plays back at a faster or slower rate without d
