I Will Have Whatever Olympus Voice & Philips Dictation Are Drinking

Sep 30

DaveDigital Dictation & Transcription, Digital Voice Recorders, Digital Voice Tracer, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Philips, Voice Recognition Software , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , No Comments

Philips Dictation Australia Revamps Their DVT Digital Voice Tracer Range of Digital Voice Recorders

So, this year has been a big one for Olympus voice with a revamp of all their digital recorder range. Not content with being left behind Philips had a go back in April when they rolled out, finally, Mac compatible note takers with the DVT (Digital Voice Tracer) range comprising of the 660/860/880 models. This week Philips have done a rejig in this range and discontinued the young 660/860/880 recorders and replaced them with new model numbers although essentially they are the previous recorders upgraded. Philips have also added some innovative voice recorder packages, like a set aimed at reporters and a set aimed at writers who might want to attempt their own transcription.

So what has been discontinued and what are their replacement models:

  • Philips DVT LFH0660 discontinued, replaced by DVT LFH0662 (2GB – RRP AU$189)
  • Philips DVT LFH0860 discontinued, replaced by DVT LFH0862 (4GB – RRP AU$249)
  • Philips DVT LFH0880 discontinued, replaced by DVT LFH0882 (4GB – RRP AU$279)
  • Philips DVR DragonNaturallySpeaking Voice Recorder Edition LFH-660/10 discontinued, replaced by LFH0667 (RRP AU$259)

A common change across the range is an increase in memory, that makes sense with solid state memory continuing to grow in size and drop in price. Also added to all recorders are a visual record level indicator and the USB connection, as well as powering the unit, will now also charge a rechargeable battery.

Other notable changes include uncompressed PCM recording now available on the LFH0662. High Sensitivity mic added to the LFH0862 and LFH0882 with the new “Zoom” function.

As mentioned another innovative thing Philips have done is create some Digital Voice Tracer combination packs, new packs are:

  • LFH0868 (RRP AU$279) – 862 Digital Voice Tracer with docking station.
  • LFH0888 (RRP AU$339) – 882 Digital Voice Tracer with docking station.
  • LFH0867 (RRP AU$369) – Writers Set. 862 Digital Voice Tracer with the media player USB hand control (LFH2370/00)  which allows audio control with yours thumbs.
  • LFH0885 (RRP AU$369) – Reporters Set. 882 Digital Voice Tracer with stereo lapel mic.
  • LFH0895 (RRP AU$749) – Compact Meeting Recorder. I like this one, 882 Digital Voice Tracer with two of the best looking and good quality boundary mics available.

Expect to see these new models appearing around Australia from October.

Review: Dragon NaturallySpeaking Digital Voice Recorder Edition – Philips 660/10

Sep 14

DaveDigital Dictation & Transcription, Dragon NaturallySpeaking, Philips, Software, Voice Recognition Software , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , 29 Comments

## UPDATE 2012 ## Should you buy the Dragon NaturallySpeaking DVR Edition? Blog looks at the functionality of DVR compared to other Dragon NaturallySpeaking versions. Have a read if you are considering buying the Dragon Voice Recorder Edition.

## UPDATE 2011 ## This review was initially for the LFH0660/10 – this has been replaced in Australia in 2010 by the new model LFH0617/00. The software is the same, the recorder included in the pack is different. The Dragon NaturallySpeaking DVR (Digital Voice Recorder) Edition now contains the LFH0612 Philips digital voice tracer. The below review is still relevant, the software is setup and trained the same way with the new pack.

Released mid 2009 in Australia in a joint venture between Philips Dictation and Nuance was the Philips Dragon NaturallySpeaking Voice Recorder Edition (LFH0660/10) at an incredibly cheap price of RRP AU$259.00 incl. GST. At that price it certainly makes you sit up and pay attention, after all the package contains Dragon NaturallySpeaking v10 and a very competent Philips Digital VoiceTracer 660.

Not much to say about the Philips DVT 660, a great little recorder, perfect for single speaker audio. The 660 records in MP3 format and like all recorders has multiple recording modes (tip: always use the highest quality recording mode, SHQ on the DVT 660). This is a note taker not a dictaphone so you are not able to rewind/review your audio just simply record and stop, although you can pause during recordings. The recorder has 1Gb of in-built flash memory, can be powered by two AAA batteries or by USB and can record on the highest quality audio setting for 17.5 hours. More

How To – Update Firmware in the Philips DVT Recorders

Mar 30

DaveDigital Voice Recorders, Digital Voice Tracer, How To's, Philips , , , , , , , , No Comments

One of the best features of the Philips digital voice tracer (DVT) models is the ability for the end user to update the firmware in the recorder. This is an easy way for Philips to pass on bug fixes and product enhancements to the recorders without the need for return to base saving the consumer considerable time.

The firmware update is very simple. Basically you USB connect your DVT to your PC or Mac and download the .bin firmware file to the recorders root directory. Once it is there select the firmware upgrade through the recorders menu system and Bob’s your uncle, DVT updated with the latest firmware.

Full instructions and the latest firmware release notes are on the Software Downloads page for each DVT on the Philips Dictation Australia website.