| According to Dictaphone®, in 1952 recorded | | | | Dictating is fairly straight forward and quite similar |
| dictation itself was established as "a time saver | | | | to an analog (tape) recorder. When purchasing a |
| over handwriting and stenography among | | | | unit, note button size, shape and location. Be |
| attorneys, physicians and other professionals". In | | | | certain that the unit is not so small, or button |
| fact, it was in 1973 that the first mini-cassette | | | | placement so awkward that it is uncomfortable to |
| recorder was marketed, making analog dictation | | | | use. Also be certain that the recorder has all the |
| the technological equivalent of listening to music on | | | | functions needed. Some less expensive models, |
| an 8 track tape! | | | | for instance, do not have the ability to insert - |
| There are several options to capture dictation | | | | that quick rewind to go over what you just said |
| files, once you have decided to upgrade. They | | | | to say it better. Research all the model's functions |
| include: | | | | before you purchase! |
| I. TELEPHONIC OR DIAL IN DICTATION | | | | Once a digital file is created and uploaded to a PC, |
| A toll free number is dialed, a pass code punched | | | | it is ready to be sent through a company's |
| in and work is dictated into the receiver or | | | | network, direct upload to a transcription service |
| speaker of a standard telephone, using the key | | | | provider or over the internet to a virtual assistant. |
| pad to control the recording functions (play, | | | | Many portable software units require the purchase |
| rewind, insert, etc.). Upon completion of the call, | | | | of separate transcription software and equipment |
| the digital file created is routed through the | | | | such as a foot pedal. |
| internet to a secretary, virtual assistant or | | | | III. DIGITAL DICTATION SOFTWARE |
| transcription company. | | | | As with many types of software, development |
| Dial in dictation has many benefits, including:no | | | | of digital dictation applications range from basic to |
| capital expenditure for equipment or software;no | | | | the extremely comprehensive and industry |
| learning curve for portable recorder or dictation | | | | specific. Most dictation software has a free trial |
| software; | | | | period (usually thirty days) and can be downloaded |
| 24 hour service availability;ability to dictate from | | | | directly from a developer's website. In a nutshell, |
| anywhere there is a phone, including while | | | | digital dictation software turns a computer's |
| traveling;works as well for single professionals as | | | | microphone, speakers, mouse and monitor into a |
| it does for large corporations. | | | | dictation machine. Just as with a portable unit, |
| II. PORTABLE RECORDERS | | | | when the file is complete, it is ready for transfer |
| Portable digital recorders can be located in any | | | | through your company's network or over the |
| electronics or office supply store, catalog or | | | | internet to your transcription provider. |
| website. They range in price from as little as | | | | Should you invest in a portable recorder, |
| $50.00 to $500.00 and up. Along with the | | | | PC-based software, or use a transcription service |
| recorder, software is provided for the transfer of | | | | and toll free number? Each situation is unique and |
| the digital file created by the unit to a computer, | | | | requires consideration of many factors, including |
| generally through a USB cable or a cradle. A user | | | | your company's needs, size, volume of work and |
| guide and software included with the recorder | | | | technology comfort level. |
| usually contain instructions and a tutorial. | | | | |