The Philips SpeechMike Control For Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Philips has come out with brand new software for their popular SpeechMikes. The device allows users to dictate into their computer, listen back to recordings and even control functions with buttons on the device.
Now Philips has released the Device Control Center. This software allows the SpeechMike to perform simple and complex functions within many different programs on your PC. The most impressive are those pertaining to Nuance's Dragon NaturallySpeaking software. The advantages the SpeechMike control gives you for operation in this program is incredible. And the best part about it is it's free! Click here to download the Philips Device Control Center. Scroll down and click on the CD Driver Utility v2.4. Once you download it, this is what it looks like:

In this case, I am using a SpeechMike Classic plus. This model has 4 function buttons allowing users to control several operations with a single device.

Say I am dictating into Dragon NaturallySpeaking. If I wanted to open "Word Pad" I could designate a function button to do so. Click the "..." to the right of the button you want to use. In the pop-up window click "Add" to assign a new action. You can designate the button to be a "hot key", to insert boilerplate text, start an application, perform a command in Dragon or to 'click' on something as a mouse does.

While using Dragon, the EOL (end of letter) button will highlight previous words one-by-one as you click the button. The rewind and fast-forward buttons not only control the audio playback of your dictation, but it will also move the cursor in the desired direction making it easier than ever to edit or correct your dictation. You never have to touch your mouse or keyboard. When moving the slide-switch up to record, you are also turning on the microphone in Dragon and turning it off when you stop.

In addition to the function buttons performing unique actions when you click them, they can also be configured to perform multiple functions by combining them with the SHIFT and COMMAND keys on the SpeechMike, as well. By pressing SHIFT+F1, you can perform a completely different action as pressing F1 by itself.

So, as you can see there are many possible functions executable by the Philips SpeechMike, and it is only a matter of assigning the buttons to your preference. Start programs, insert text, draft an e-mail, navigate in an EMR system, perform complex commands all at the touch of a button. This is one of the most robust utility drivers we have seen from Philips and they are offering it to their customers absolutely free. If you are interested in obtaining the ultimate desktop dictation system or want to improve your efficiency with Dragon NaturallySpeaking, the Philips SpeechMike is the ultimate tool on the market today.

Transcription Headsets

If you're a transcriptionist, sitting in front of your computer typing for hours on end, comfort is a very important thing. We talk to transcriptionists nearly every day who are searching for a comfortable and clear-sounding headset to transcribe with. As a result, we have added to our store a large variety of headsets. Here are some of the most common types of headsets used by American Dictation customers.

Under-The-Chin
Most of the time, transcriptionists want a light weight headset that is comfortable and produces clear sound quality. Having a headset that hangs from your hears, under your chin, is one of the most comfortable way to listen to audio. Here are a few headsets that we offer in this style:

• Philips 334 (Includes a 10 foot cord and replacement ear cushion)

• Olympus E-62 (Includes a 10 foot cord and replacement ear cushions of two different sizes.)
  

• NovusGear NSC-FX10 (Very light weight. Comes with 5 foot cord and a 5 foot extension cord. It also has a convenient volume control switch right on the cord.

Ear-bud
Ear-bud style headphones are also popular for transcriptionists because they are comfortable and small.

• NovusGear NSC-FH1 (A mono headset with a 3 foot 9 inch cord.)

Stethoscope
Stethoscope style headsets work very well and are used by transcriptionists to often, however they are not one of our best sellers. Their design tends to lead to poorer sound playback quality because instead of having speakers in the part inserted in your ear, the stethoscope style headset contains only one speaker located at the yolk, or "joint" of the headset. The sound from this speaker then resonates through two tubes that funnel the sound into your ear. Since the sound has to travel a distance before reaching your ears, some quality is likely to be lost in the process.

• NovusGear NSC-SH-50RA (A popular stethoscope headset. This includes a 5 foot cord.)

As you can see, there are a variety of headsets in all different shapes and sizes to choose from. Look at all of their features and find one that you think will be most comfortable and will sound the clearest. It is important to be sure you choose the right one for you because headsets cannot be returned due to manufacturers' health stipulations.

Using FTP With Professional Dictation Systems

If you are currently using a transcription service outside of your office, or even within your office, the easiest and most reliable way to send your dictations to another PC is with FTP transfer. Instantly send your dictations and receive documents from your transcriptionist via a secure FTP server (provided by American Dictation) for a quick, easy and HIPAA compliant transfer. If you are unfamiliar with what an FTP server is, in short, an FTP server uses the internet as a means of transferring many different kinds of files from one computer to another.
Say, for example, you are a health care physician dictating patient notes at your office in Salt Lake City to be transcribed and/or entered into an E.M.R. system by your transcriptionist in San Diego. If you are using a Pro series digital voice recorder from Olympus, Philips, Dictaphone or Grundig, the software that was included with the voice recorder will allow you to transfer files using an FTP server. Here's a quick step-by-step of how it all works...

1. The dictating author records one or more voice files on their handheld recorder.
2. The recorder is "docked" or connected to their desktop PC.
3. The digital voice files are automatically copied to the author's PC. The software will then send the files (encrypted for security purposes, if desired) via FTP to an FTP server in the office. The recorder is then automatically erased and within a few seconds, the author is back at work.
4. The typist receives an alert that dictation files are now available
5. The typist selects the file they wish to transcribe from within their Transcription Software.
6. Once the voice file is typed, it is moved out of the work queue and archived or deleted at a later time.
7. The typed documents are stored and shared according to your existing workflow.

Our most popular professional dictation and transcription system, especially among healthcare physicians, is the Olympus 5000 series. The Olympus DSS Player Pro software will allow you to not only send your dictations via FTP, but also receive documents back from your transcriptionist using the same FTP account.

Another popular pro series is the 9600 digital voice recorder along with the 7277 transcription kit. Both of these include Philips' SpeechExec Pro software with FTP transfer capabilities. However, Philips' software will not allow the transcriptionist to send documents back to the sender.

How To Insert A Spoken Instruction On The Philips 9600

One of the coolest features on the Philips DPM 9600 is the ability to include spoken instructions or notes within the voice file. As you record, you can hold down the “Instr” (Instruction) button on the front to insert dictation specifically designated to that time in the voice file.

Slide the slide-switch on the right side of the recorder to the top and it will begin recording. The red light comes on above the slide switch and time begins to increment as you talk away into the handheld device.

Hold down the button below the screen to the right and dictate a note. Let go of it when you are finished.

As you can see, the timeline on the screen shows you where you have regular dictation (thin line)and where there is a spoken instruction (thicker line). This gives your transcriptionist an idea as to how many notes there are in the voice file and how long they are. 

The 9600 is one of my favorite recorders because of how comfortable it is. It comes with all the features you need and it is easy to use right out of the box. Take a look at this recorder today and if you are considering "going digital" this is the top digital handheld on the market!

We love to answer your questions. Call us at 866-408-1383 if you want to talk more about the Philips 9600, or about anything! Happy Holidays!

Philips' New Personal Recorders at a Low Price

Philips has released a new series of personal dictation machines that make it easier than ever to dictate digitally, whether you have a Mac or PC. 

Introducing the Digital Voice Tracer...

First off, the 660:

• This recorder is listed for only $99. 
  
• It records exclusively in .mp3 format making it compatible with most all of your audio players. 
  
• Use it as an .mp3 player to listen to your favorite songs.
  

This would make a great gift for the holidays. It is so versatile and easy to use. Take down your notes and carry music with you at the same time. 

The 860:

• This recorder is basically the 660 with twice the capacity. 
  
• And it is all silver.
• The best part is listed for $129. You get 2 gigs of capacity instead of 1 for only $30 more!

The 880:

• This model allows you to record in .mp3 format and .wav. 
• 2 gigs of memory;  142 hours in .mp3/mono.
• 30 hours of battery life on 2 AAA's
• An FM Radio tuner. 

This is, in my opinion, the best deal we have in the entire store. You have an mp3 player, a portable radio, and a personal digital recorder in one small device that will fit easily in your pocket. It is listed for only $149. Pick up one of these great recorders for the holidays!

Where to Place Your Mics

When recording a board meeting or any type of conversation between many people, the placement of your microphones is key to having a quality recording in which everyone is heard. Depending on the size and shape of your meeting table and room, the placement of mics can vary quite a bit. So, I thought I'd share some knowledge about conference recording in hopes to help those who are interested in recording their meetings or those who got stuck with the task of transcribing those four hour long lectures. I'll organize this rant into three parts.

Part one: Boardrooms....

In a typical boardroom situation, the participants are seating facing others across the table. Place your conference microphones at the center of either end of the board table. Depending on the size of the table, two quality table-top microphones should be sufficient. 

The digital recorder can be placed near a person in the center of the table, with each microphone connected to the person's left or right.

Part Two...

 For larger meetings, such as those common in training or sales seminars, tables are often arranged in "U" voice capture by placing two or more microphones is appropriate locations.

Where the head of the table (or the bottom of the "U") is narrow, you can place the microphones on the sides of the U arrangement. By placing the first two microphones close, you can capture the voices of those sitting at the head table.

Part Three...

One of the more common requests we get is for microphone placement where the primary speakers are seated at a dais before an audience, such as in a city council or school board meeting.

There are many variants that affect microphone placement, such as whether audience voices are to be recorded. These are many of the same considerations to be made when recording a courtroom proceeding, since the various participants may be situated in several different locations about the room.

Basically, draw out the room you are using for your event. Draw twelve-foot diameter circles and arrange them to enclose the desired parties. Count how many circles you have drawn to best cover the recording area. The number of circles you settle on is the number of conference microphones you may need.

I hope this is helpful to you and I wish you luck in your conference recording endeavors. Remember, you can call our toll free number (866-408-1383) here at Novuscript with any questions.

Let Philips Take Your Notes

Philips' conference recording solution, the LFH 955 , captures everyone in the room, every time! The unique microphones take advantage of a large desktop surface to produce a recording that includes every person's voice in the meeting.

The design of the microphones in this kit are unique to any other I've scene. The round flat base absorbs sound waves that bounce off the surface of the table and picks up the frequency that carries your voice. They are small and discrete so people can focus on topics of the discussion and won't be having to look around a bulky mic stand in order to see someone sitting across from them. Additional mics can be connected to one another as well to expand your range, called "daisy chaining". Two microphones are included in the kit and Philips says that up to six mics can be attached to the recorder in total, three per channel. However, I have done a test with five mics on one channel and it worked fine. This little kit is turning out to be quite a powerful little system.

How long of a meeting can I record? This is one of the most common questions we get when discussing a conference recording solution with a customer. The Philips Digital Pocket Memo 955 is the model voice recorder included in the kit, and with a one gig memory card inside you are allowed 70 hours of record time. 

Simply, the Philips 955 Conference kit lets you stop worrying about whether or not your meeting will be recorded, so you can focus on the meeting. Once you set it up you won't have to touch anything but the remote control. Thats right, it comes with a remote so you don't even have to get up. Sit back in your chair, sip coffee, jot down some notes and if you take a break just click the stop button. When the meeting is back in session, click start to resume recording. 

Now if you want a top of the line kit, this is it. But if your budget just doesn't stretch far enough, we provide Novuscript conference kits to get the job done and keep your day flowing. Take a look at the three different options and feel free to call the toll free number with any questions.