August  1, 2000

IC Recorder Voice-Trek DS-1

Up to 22 hours 20 minutes of continuous recording with SmartMedia Functional design and easy operation Improved PC compatibility which opens up new possibilities

Voice-Trek DS-1

* This news release is for Japanese market. * Voice-Trek is a registered Trademark of Olympus Optical Co. Ltd.

Summary

Olympus Optical Co., Ltd., (President: Masatoshi Kishimoto) is pleased to introduce the Voice-Trek DS-1 IC recorder. Employing SmartMedia and designed for ease of use, the DS-1 records voice files that can be used with voice recognition software.

The included 16MB SmartMedia enables up to 5 hours 30 minutes of recording and 64MB version (optional) enables up to 22 hours 20 minutes. Even Easier to Use, with Enhanced Digital Versatility using SmartMedia The Voice-Trek DS-1 incorporates features frequently requested by Olympus IC recorder customers: (1) use of SmartMedia, (2) easy-to-use design (3) improved PC connectivity. The Voice-Trek DS-1 employs SmartMedia V3 (V3.3), enabling up to 5 hours 30 minutes of recording in Long Playback (LP) Mode with the included 16MB. The 64MB version (optional) enables up to 22 hours 20 minutes of recording in LP Mode. In addition, with the SmartMedia and card adapter released with the company's digital camera series, CAMEDIA, the Voice-Trek DS-1 can be used across a variety of application environments. Naturally, as with a micro-cassette recorder, it is also possible to classify recordings according to content by changing cards. The Voice-Trek DS-1 makes recording and playback simpler than ever by placing oversized buttons used frequently during recording on the front of the unit, and those used during playback on the side. Settings often used during recording, such as microphone sensitivity and voice-activated recording, have also been made even easier to use, with a special switch on the side and a large liquid crystal display. Voice files recorded using the Voice-Trek DS-1 are standard digital data (DSS: Digital Speech Standard*1), combining advanced sound quality and high compression. The unit offers instant ability to insert new recordings or access any file that you want to playback at the convenient pushbutton controls. In addition, index marks can be created, not only during recording but also during playback, so you can find the place you want to listen to quickly. It is possible to transfer voice files to or from a personal computer (PC) using the USB connection kit AS-100W (optional). It is simple to playback, edit and manage voice files. But even better, the DS-1 can be operated from a PC, allowing up to 100 hours recording into the PC. The DSS Player4 that comes with the AS-100W includes handy functions for creating text from voice files. But it can also convert recorded voice files into text using voice recognition software such as IBM Japan's ViaVoice Millennium or Just System's Voice Ichitaro 10 e-Talk.

*1	To establish an industry standard for digital voice recording, DSS was developed by the International Voice Association (IVA). The members of the IVA include Philips Electronics N.V. of the Netherlands and Grundig A.G. of Germany as well as Olympus Optical Co., Ltd. DSS ensures full compatibility with its specifications for data compression and file format.

Main Features

1. Use of SmartMedia V3 (V3.3)   We have adapted SmartMedia in the Voice-Trek DS-1 to achieve even longer recording times and media transfer as with micro-cassettes. It is also possible to transfer voice files to a PC using accessories that read SmartMedia (CAMEDIA MAFP-2N, MA-2 and MAUSB-2, etc.)   SmartMedia V3 (V3.3) comes in 4MB, 8MB, 16MB, 32MB and 64MB versions. Recording times when using each medium are as follows. Memory capacity SP mode LP mode 4MB 35 minutes 1 hour 20 minutes 8MB 1 hour 15 minutes 2 hours 45 minutes 16MB (included) 2 hours 35 minutes 5 hours 30 minutes 32MB 5 hours 10 minutes 11 hours 10 minutes 64MB 10 hours 25 minutes 22 hours 20 minutes Note: Where continuous recording is estimated to exceed battery life, be sure to use the AC adapter, A324 (optional). Recording time here refers to continuous recording time for one voice file. When recording on several voice files, total recording time may be shorter. 2. Ultrathin and Ultralight   Easy to carry and operate, the DS-1 is so small that it fits neatly in a shirt pocket. The ultrathin, ultralight design measures 109.5 (H) x 50(W) x16.7 (D) mm and weighs only 86g including batteries. The design features a silver body and metal front outer casing, lending a sophisticated feel suitable for business use. The play, record, fast forward, rewind and other buttons are oversized, with recording buttons on the front and playback buttons on the side, making it even easier to operate. Setting buttons often used during recording, such as microphone sensitivity and voice-activated recording, are located separately on a slide switch to the side, allowing settings to be checked and changed easily. The unit has been designed for even easier use, with its large liquid crystal display and lightweight, slim body. 3. Outstanding Sound Quality   The DS-1's DSS-compliant data storage combines superior sound quality with the high compression essential to extended recording. In the SP Mode, the system covers a broad frequency range of 300-5,000 Hz, capturing input with outstanding fidelity even though the files are smaller than ones in other formats offering a similar level of quality. Compared to an uncompressed .WAV file, for example, the size of DSS files is only 1/12 or so in the SP Mode and about 1/20 in the LP Mode. Because the DS-1 employs digital recording, it is possible to make additional recordings and to access the file you want to playback instantly at the convenient pushbutton controls. 4. PC Storage, Playback and Conversion   It is possible to transfer voice files to or from a PC using the USB connection kit AS-100W*1 (optional). It is simple to playback, edit and manage files with a PC using the USB connection kit. It also possible to transfer and listen to voice files edited using a PC on the DS-1. With the power supply from the USB connection, the DS-1 may be operated from a PC without using batteries or a power adapter for the main unit. Up to 100 hours*2 of recording is possible on a PC with the DS-1. The DSS Player4 packaged with the USB connection kit is an application created to assist in producing text from voice files. It features handy functions such as voice playback while using word processing software and auto backspace. It also can set function keys on a PC as control buttons to playback, pause, rewind, forward and so on. In addition, it is easy to convert data into a .WAV file, the standard Windows audio format, using a PC, so even PCs without DSS Player4 can play back recorded files. Olympus is offering free downloads of the DSS file playback software, DSS Player-Lite, on its home page. This will enable users to send voice data via e-mail at small data sizes, and to attach and save data.   *1 The USB connection kit AS-100W is available for Japanese language only. *2 Recording time depends on a hard disc capacity. 5. Speech-to-Text Transcription   The quality of DSS files is so advanced that they can be used with voice recognition software to turn speech into text. The speech-to-text conversion of SP Mode recording is possible with IBM Japan's ViaVoice Millennium or Justsystem's Voice Ichitaro 10 e-Talk on a PC. The DS-1 may be used as a mobile voice input device for preparing presentations or recording inspirations. You don't have to carry a PC around anymore.   Note: Voice recognition software can only recognize the voice of one of the registered users. It is not able to recognize the user's voice correctly when more than one person speaks at the same time, thus it is not suitable for preparing summaries of meetings, etc. 6. Alarm Playback Function   The Voice-Trek DS-1 features an alarm playback function, allowing playback of pre-selected voice files at the press of any button when the alarm sounds at the scheduled time. It is useful for checking up on schedules and keeping track of appointments. 7. Index Marks Function   As the DS-1 can insert index marks during recording as well as playback, the section that you want to listen to can be accessed immediately during playback. Index marks may be erased after use. 8. Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA)   When sound is detected, the built-in Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) starts recording automatically and stops 2 seconds after the sound stops. Particularly helpful in extended recording, VCVA not only conserves memory, but makes playback more efficient and convenient. Since the system is digital, it responds immediately to record a passage from the beginning. The start/stop level is simple to set with the Volume knob. 9. Three-folder function   Recorded voice files may be categorized and stored in the three A, B and C folders. It is possible to change the names of the folders, so they can be classified according to use, user or other category with a name for easy recognition. Each folder can store up to 199 voice files.   Note: The useable characters in the folder names are up to eight half-size English capital letters and spaces for the DS-1 main unit and up to eight half-size English capital letters, half-size katakana characters and spaces when using the DSS Player4. 10. Fast Playback   When the Playback button is held for longer than 1 second, playback is speeded up to approximately 1.5x the normal rate. This feature is especially useful when time is limited such as for an urgent check of the recorded content. 11. Battery and AC Power   It is possible to record and playback about 11 hours with two AAA alkaline batteries (according to Olympus tests). The optional A324 adapter is also available for continuous input or extended playback, so it is used without worrying about a battery life.

The Voice-Trek Brand

Voice-Trek is the brand name for the Olympus lineup of digital recorders including products generally known as IC recorders or digital recording systems.

Specifications

DS-1

Recording Format Digital recording in accordance with Digital Speech Standard (DDS) Recording Medium 3V (3.3V) SmardMedia cards (4, 8, 16, 32, 64MB) Card Format SSFDC Forum-compliant SmartMedia format Folders 3 : Folder A, B, C *Folder names can be changed (199 messages per folder) Input Level -70 dBv Sampling Frequency SP Mode: 12 kHz LP Mode: 8 kHz Overall Frequency Response SP Mode: 300-5,000 Hz; LP Mode: 300-3,000 Hz Recording Time SP Mode: Approx. 2 hours 35 minutes (16MB card) LP Mode: Approx. 5 hours 30 minutes (16MB card) Speaker Built-in 28 mm (in dia.) round dynamic speaker Microphone Jack 3.5 mm (in dia.) mini-jack, impedance 2k ohm Earphone Jack 3.5 mm (in dia.) mini-jack, impedance 8 ohm Maximum Working Output DC3V 100 mW or more (8 ohm speaker) Battery Life (Recording & Playback) Approx. 11 hours (with alkaline batteries, based on Olympus tests) Input Power Requirement Rated voltage: 3V DC Batteries: Two AAA batteries (LR03 or R03) External power supply: AC adapter A324 (optional) External Dimensions 09.5 (H) x 50(W) x 16.7 (D) mm (without protrusions) Weight 86 g (including batteries) Accessories 16MB SmartMedia, Earphone (E101), Leather Case, Two AAA Alkaline Batteries, Instructions

Operating Environment for the USB Connection Kit AS-100W (DSS Player4) (Optional)

Compatible OS Microsoft Windows 98/2000 Professional (Japanese Version) Compatible PCs DOS/V models (IBM PC/AT compatible models) CPU Intel Pentium 166 MHz or higher or AMD K6 or higher RAM capacity 32MB or higher Hard disc space 5MB or higher Sound card Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 100% compatible sound card Display 800 x 600 pixels or higher, 256 colors or higher CD-ROM drive Dual-speed or faster USB port 1 or more free port Audio input terminal Microphone input and earphone (or speaker) output