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OLYMPUS MAKES PODCAST
LISTENING AND RECORDING SIMPLE
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’
content is 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 website.
The new voice recorders are also specially
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
at 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, 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.
US Pricing
DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street
Price: $149.99 (US)
DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street
Price: $199.99 (US)
DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street
Price: $249.99 (US)
Canadian Pricing
DS-30 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street
Price: $179.99 (CAD)
DS-40 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street
Price: $239.99 (CAD)
DS-50 Digital Voice Recorder Estimated Street
Price: $299.99 (CAD)
ABOUT OLYMPUS IMAGING AMERICA INC.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is a precision
technology leader, designing and delivering
award-winning products for consumer and
professional markets.
Olympus Imaging America Inc. works collaboratively
with its customers and its ultimate parent
company, Olympus Corporation, to develop
breakthrough technologies with revolutionary
product design and functionality that enhances
peoples’ lives every day. These include:
- Digital and film cameras
- Professional SLR Imaging Systems
- Digital and Microcassette recorders
- Personal Photo Printers
- Digital Media
- Binoculars
Olympus Imaging America Inc. is responsible
for sales in the United States, Canada,
Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South
America. For more information, visit: www.olympusamerica.com.
Related Links:
- Olympus
America
- Olympus
Digital Cameras
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