Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder

Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder

Product Description
Amazon.com Product Description
The handy Olympus DS-150 digital voice recorder can slip easily into your pocket, purse, or briefcase. It stores up to 160 minutes of dictation and features PC connectivity and IBM ViaVoice voice-recognition software.

To set up the DS-150, you first insert two AAA batteries, then program the date and time to ensure that each message receives the correct date/time stamp when you record a message. Recording messages can be done in one of two modes: standard play (SP) or long play (LP). While LP offers more recording time, SP offers better quality, though both modes produce excellent results at a range of volumes. We also found that the quality was best when the recorder was held about 12 inches from the source.

The DS-150 has two folders that can each hold up to 99 messages. When you no longer need messages, you can erase them one at a time or erase an entire folder. It can also connect to your PC via a serial cable and convert spoken words into digital text using the included IBM ViaVoice software. With this feature, you can turn any dictation into an instant memo.

You can also make hands-free recordings with the DS-150's VCVA (variable-control voice actuator). With the VCVA turned on, the DS-150 begins recording when the microphone detects your voice and stops recording when you stop talking. This means you won't waste memory by recording silence when you pause during dictation, although you may lose brief moments of sound as the recorder starts and stops.

All in all, with its many features, PC connectivity, slim design, and easy-to-read LCD, we found the lightweight Olympus DS-150 digital voice recorder to be quite a nice device. --Megan Dugan

Product Description:
No more typing! The lightweight and slim Olympus DS-150 delivers all the benefits of digital speech processing. One of the slimmest, most compact recorders ever produced, DS-150 digital voice recorder has 8MB of built-in memory that offers up to 160 minutes of recording time. It features direct file access and comprehensive editing functions. Variable control voice actuator (VCVA) technology optimizes built-in memory by ceasing record functions when the microphone senses silence. Two folders store up to 99 messages each. Messages can be moved from one folder to another for easy organization. Partial erase function erases one message at a time or an entire folder at once. LCD display shows message number, real-time counter, time remaining, current time and date, and operating modes. DS-150 features fast playback mode - you can listen recordings 30% faster than real time.This digital recorder allows for easy data transfer and secure data storage. Extend you communication capabilities and liven up your messages by e-mailing spoken words! Downloading speech files to the PC is a breeze. Simply connect the recorder to your computer, with the provided serial cable or optional USB data transfer kit, and select files to download. You can download the entire contents of the recorder, one specific folder or even one specific recording. External earphone jack lets you use an earphone or headphone for private review of recordings. Microphone jack allows for use with external noise-cancellation microphones. DS-150 comes with everything needed for automatic speech-to-text document creation - including IBM ViaVoice speech-to-text software and a headset that lets you dictate directly into your PC. Speech recognition technology "learns" your speech patterns as you work, and can convert your recordings to text at a faster speed than recordings dictated directly into the PC.
Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder
Average customer rating: 3 out of 5 stars
  • Mine broke after one year of service
  • OK, but disappointing
  • Totally worth it for my project.
  • Good, but software lacks Win2K support
  • Very Poor Sonics, Overly Complex User Interface
Olympus DS-150 Digital Voice Recorder

Manufacturer: Olympus
ProductGroup: CE
Binding: Electronics

Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics
Office ElectronicsOffice Electronics | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Digital Voice RecordersDigital Voice Recorders | Portable Audio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Audio & VideoAudio & Video | Refurbished & Used | Special Features | Electronics Features | Electronics
Accessories:
  1. Jensen JF25 Stereo Headphones
  2. Sony MDR-V700DJ DJ Style Monitor Series Headphones
  3. Olympus DS-150 Data Transfer Kit
  4. Sennheiser MX500 Lightweight In-Ear Headphones (Blue)
  5. Sony MDR-G57G S2 Sports Street Style Headphones with Reflective Ear Piece

Product Features:
  • Replaced by Olympus DS-320 Digital Voice Recorder
  • IBM ViaVoice '98 speech recognition software automatically converts recorded documents to text
  • Two folders for organizing notes store up to 99 messages each
  • LCD display shows message number, real-time counter, time remaining, current time and date
  • Two recording modes (standard mode--75 minutes, long mode--160 minutes); voice activation records only when the microphone senses sound

ASIN: B00000JYVW

Product Description

No more typing! The lightweight and slim Olympus DS-150 delivers all the benefits of digital speech processing. One of the slimmest, most compact recorders ever produced, DS-150 digital voice recorder has 8MB of built-in memory that offers up to 160 minutes of recording time. It features direct file access and comprehensive editing functions. Variable control voice actuator (VCVA) technology optimizes built-in memory by ceasing record functions when the microphone senses silence. Two folders store up to 99 messages each. Messages can be moved from one folder to another for easy organization. Partial erase function erases one message at a time or an entire folder at once. LCD display shows message number, real-time counter, time remaining, current time and date, and operating modes. DS-150 features fast playback mode - you can listen recordings 30% faster than real time.This digital recorder allows for easy data transfer and secure data storage. Extend you communication capabilities and liven up your messages by e-mailing spoken words! Downloading speech files to the PC is a breeze. Simply connect the recorder to your computer, with the provided serial cable or optional USB data transfer kit, and select files to download. You can download the entire contents of the recorder, one specific folder or even one specific recording. External earphone jack lets you use an earphone or headphone for private review of recordings. Microphone jack allows for use with external noise-cancellation microphones. DS-150 comes with everything needed for automatic speech-to-text document creation - including IBM ViaVoice speech-to-text software and a headset that lets you dictate directly into your PC. Speech recognition technology "learns" your speech patterns as you work, and can convert your recordings to text at a faster speed than recordings dictated directly into the PC.

Amazon.com Product Description

The handy Olympus DS-150 digital voice recorder can slip easily into your pocket, purse, or briefcase. It stores up to 160 minutes of dictation and features PC connectivity and IBM ViaVoice voice-recognition software.

To set up the DS-150, you first insert two AAA batteries, then program the date and time to ensure that each message receives the correct date/time stamp when you record a message. Recording messages can be done in one of two modes: standard play (SP) or long play (LP). While LP offers more recording time, SP offers better quality, though both modes produce excellent results at a range of volumes. We also found that the quality was best when the recorder was held about 12 inches from the source.

The DS-150 has two folders that can each hold up to 99 messages. When you no longer need messages, you can erase them one at a time or erase an entire folder. It can also connect to your PC via a serial cable and convert spoken words into digital text using the included IBM ViaVoice software. With this feature, you can turn any dictation into an instant memo.

You can also make hands-free recordings with the DS-150's VCVA (variable-control voice actuator). With the VCVA turned on, the DS-150 begins recording when the microphone detects your voice and stops recording when you stop talking. This means you won't waste memory by recording silence when you pause during dictation, although you may lose brief moments of sound as the recorder starts and stops.

All in all, with its many features, PC connectivity, slim design, and easy-to-read LCD, we found the lightweight Olympus DS-150 digital voice recorder to be quite a nice device. --Megan Dugan

Customer Reviews:

1 out of 5 stars Mine broke after one year of service.......2004-02-03

I'm not impressed at all.

2 out of 5 stars OK, but disappointing.......2001-07-16

There are some things that are worthwhile in the DS-150. It's small size and light weight is welcome, and it is quite easy to save sound files on my computer in WAV format (my primary criterion for purchase.)

However, it's user interface is simply one of the worst I have ever seen. Even after following the steps in the manual, I found myself unable to perform simple operations like setting the time without referring to the manual again. It makes the average VCR look good!

If you've seen an Olympus manual before, you know what to expect. Written in five languages, it's hard on the eyes, cryptic, badly organized, and full of tragic grammatical errors.

The sound quality isn't all that great either. Forget the ViaVoice software - it's a complete joke, unless you need inspiration for your strange dadaist poetry. How can anyone claim to provide useful "voice recognition" when it doesn't even get half the words correct? IBM and Olympus should hang their heads in shame for perpetrating this kind of hoax on the public.

I really needed a small voice recorder that interfaces with my computer, so I grit my teeth and suffer the pain of this inadequately designed product. But I'm not going to suffer in silence. When you're banging your head against the wall, it doesn't hurt so much when you can ... and moan about it.

4 out of 5 stars Totally worth it for my project........2001-03-06

This recorder has been great. I got it for two reasons: one for work -- the dictation software is great (and fun) and has helped me rapidly do a project that used to take weeks! The other reason: to create story CDs for my toddler. I have had friends read her favorites into the recorder, download and convert them, and then burn them onto CDs. Great for bedtime, downtime or driving. She loves it (and it drives the cat nuts!). The UI is difficult on the recorder, but I ignore all that and use the UI on the computer.

3 out of 5 stars Good, but software lacks Win2K support.......2000-12-26

On the whole, I am quite pleased with this recorder. The sound quality is good and it fits comfortably in the palm of your hand.

The controls require some attention to operate as they are small and closely spaced.

You need to read the manual carefully to understand how the system operates, but once this is done using the recorder seems straightforward enough.

The unit I received includes IBM Viavoice Millennium version 7 voice recognition software. One small problem: Windows 2000 is not supported, and the software does not work on my Windows 2000 system. (Windows 2000 is only officially supported by IBM Viavoice Millennium version 8, Professional edition.)

One thing I would like included is a small carry case to protect the unit. It does come with a carry strap.

1 out of 5 stars Very Poor Sonics, Overly Complex User Interface.......2000-09-08

I highly recommend the Sony or Radio Shack digital recorder product lines (even those priced under $50). They are extremely easy to use with quite acceptable sonics; and when compared from a price/performance perspective they are far superior to that of my DS 150 digital.

The complex "wheel-driven" menu user interface of the DS 150 is klunky at best (and confusing when accidently depressed which is quite easy to do), not designed for internet time, and the miniture play and shuffle keys are not well suited for human finger manipulation (the tactile feel, in particular, is missing which causes use problems). The sonics (both play and record) are poor from a price/performance perspective, and this was simply not expected from an Olympus high-end product.

I do not recommend purchase of the Olympus DS 150 (I already replaced it with a Sony digital, and use a small Optimus digital while jogging for its simple user interface). If you are still considering the DS 150 for purchase, however, I highly recommend that you first give it a shakedown cruise in a real store (trial it as you would expect to use it) -- buyer beware.
Olympus DS-320 - Digital voice recorder - flash 16 MB - silver, graphite
Average customer rating: Not rated
    Olympus DS-320 - Digital voice recorder - flash 16 MB - silver, graphite

    Manufacturer: Olympus
    ProductGroup: CE
    Binding: Electronics

    CD Players & RecordersCD Players & Recorders | Audio & Video | Categories | Electronics | CD Players | CD Recorders | DJ CD Players | Portable CD Players
    ASIN: B00007EDVF

    Product Description

    Never again miss or forget notes and ensure you're always organized with this clever Olympus digital voice recorder. It utilizes the extremely efficient DSS file format, allowing up to 320 minutes of dictations to be stored on the integrated 16 MB flash memory. This provides sufficient space to record up to 99 messages in each of its two available folders. An LCD panel assists in the management of this device's numerous digital features - including insertion of new sections into previously recorded messages as well as setting a user ID for simplified author identification. For the maximum versatility, the Olympus DS-320 can be connected to a PC. The optionally available PC Data Transfer Kit facilitates connection between the DS-320 and a computer. Using the special DSS Player transcription software, the flexibility and appeal of this model is further enhanced.

    Electronics:

    1. Philips VT780052 Digital Voice Tracer
    2. LandWare GoVox Digital Voice Recorder for Palm III
    3. VXI-Voice It VTR3200 Mobil Digital Voice Recorder
    4. KB Gear Jam It Digital Audio Recorder (Silver)
    5. RCA 34000RE3 Digital Voice Recorder
    6. Olympus J300 Microcassette Recorder
    7. Aiwa TP-M140 Microcassette Recorder
    8. Olympus D1000 Digital Voice Recorder
    9. Olympus VN-1800 Digital Voice Recorder
    10. Olympus DS330 Digital Voice Recorder

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