Olympus Introduces New DS-2200 Digital Voice Recorder For Professionals; Stereo Microphone Is Designed for Interviews, 128MB Removable xD-Picture Card Captures More Data

Business Wire, March 18, 2004

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MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--March 18, 2004

Olympus America, the leading manufacturer of digital voice recorders in the United States, proudly introduces the new DS-2200, a high-performance audio recording powerhouse that can dramatically enhance the workflow of all professional users who demand world-class recording quality and extensive functionality in a digital voice recorder.

The DS-2200's stereo microphone enables recording in stereo to pick up both sides of a conversation with equal clarity, which is ideal for interview situations. At the highest quality recording setting, the DS-2200 can record 4 hours and 20 minutes to the high-capacity 128MB removable xD-Picture Card provided; in the long play mode it can record nearly 45 hours. Other features like multiple folders to save and organize files, and a USB docking station for quickly and easily downloading and uploading files to and from a PC or Mac, make this technically sophisticated device simple to operate.

"The DS-2200 is an attractive compact digital voice recorder with high-performance features that really make it stand out," said Andy Flagg, senior national sales manager for Olympus America. "From the stereo microphone for recording interviews, to the high-capacity removable memory media card that can be upgraded to add even more recording time, the DS-2200 is the ideal tool for doctors, lawyers, reporters, and other professionals who rely on their voice recorder to capture essential audio throughout the long workday."

Designed to Do More

This model meets professional users' needs for both first-rate sound quality and long recording times. Files are saved in the high quality, high compression file formats DSS and WMA, and users can easily switch between four quality modes to suit their requirements.

For saving important interviews and discussions, attach the supplied stereo microphone ME51S to benefit from the stereo high quality (SHQ) mode. In addition to the stereo microphone, the DS-2200 also offers a remote control that doubles as a clip microphone that can attach to a jacket or suit while the recorder is tucked away in a pocket. The stereo earphones allow the user to listen discreetly to confidential recordings.

Designed for Excitement

Users of the DS-2200 will revel in their ability to seemingly control time with different playback settings. After capture, the slow playback option allows recordings to be listened to efficiently with playback that is 25% slower than real time. Or, with fast playback, recordings can be played 50% faster than real time. With slow playback users will be less likely to rewind to hear what was said, and with fast playback they can skip ahead to the essential sections - a real benefit for transcribing dictation.

In addition, with the Repeat Playback function, the DS-2200 can repeatedly play back a particular user-selected section of audio recording - ideal for transcribing dictation. The Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) setting ensures that recording begins only when the sound is sensed.

Delivering Style

Whether in the hand or tucked away in a shirt or a jacket pocket, the DS-2200's slim, ergonomic full-metal body with elegant, brushed silver finish is sure to appeal to anyone who appreciates beautiful design in a package they can take anywhere. Measuring a mere 4.31" x 1.56" x 0.6" (H x W x D) and only 3 ounces, the compact, lightweight DS-2200 fits comfortably in the hand of the on-the-go professional.

Intelligent Design

The DS-2200 has five separate file folders with 199 files in each folder to allow users to organize nearly 1,000 files according to personalized subjects, such as "work," "personal," and "to do." Alarm playback can also be programmed for meetings, dates, show reminders or wake-up calls. The user simply dictates reminders into the DS-2200, such as "Time to depose the witness!" or "Time to hit the links!" and assigns a time for this message to go off like an alarm clock alarm.

Particularly relevant moments in an interview, briefing or lecture may be flagged - either during or after recording - using the index marks for quick retrieval. To prevent accidental deletion important files may be locked.

Designed for You

Back at the PC or Mac, the USB docking station enables quick downloading or uploading of the voice files. Because the DS-2200 uses the xD-Picture Card that's used in most Olympus digital camera models, both image and audio files may be saved on the same card that's shared by both devices. While a 128MB xD-Picture Card can be purchased on its own, if purchased with the DS-2200 this card can shared with an Olympus digital camera to offer even more value.

The DS-2200 recorder features a large, backlit, easy-to-read LCD screen that reveals file information, recording time and events. A speaker for audio playback is located on the back of the recorder. The included user-friendly DSS Player Pro software facilitates the archiving, editing and further processing of the recordings.