August  1, 2000

IC Recorder Voice-Trek DS-650

Up to 10 hours 50 minutes of recording with built-in memory High quality, high compression recording compatible with voice recognition Download, Playback and data management with USB PC connectivity

Voice-Trek DS-650

* 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-650 IC recorder. Providing up to 10 hours 50 minutes of recording, the DS-650 enables download, playback and management of digital voice data with PC connectivity and is compatible with voice recognition conversion software.

Easy Access to a Full-Range of Digital Functionality The Voice-Trek DS-650 preserves the slim design of the highly rated Voice-Trek DS-150 launched in June 1999, but provides up to 10 hours 50 minutes of high quality digital recording with its built-in memory. The ultra-slim, ultra-light design, only 14.5mm thick and weighing only 74g with batteries, brings the world of high sound quality IC recorders even closer to the user. The Voice-Trek DS-650 converts recorded voice into compressed digital data (DSS: Digital Speech Standard*1), maintaining advanced sound quality, and stores it in the built-in flash memory. Recording time in Standard Playback (SP) Mode is about 5 hours, and is about 10 hours 50 minutes in Long Playback (LP) Mode. In addition, the instant access to the file you want to hear is possible at the convenient pushbutton controls. The refined, slim design includes easy-to-use functions such as voice-activated recording, fast playback and index marks function, as well as a jack for an external microphone. It is possible to transfer recorded voice files to a PC by using the USB connection Kit, AS-200W (optional). It is simple to playback and manage voice files. It is also possible to record up to 100 hours on a PC. The DSS Player3.5 that comes with the AS-200W 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. Extended Recording   The DS-650's built-in flash memory holds approximately 5 hours of recording in the Standard Playback (SP) Mode and about 10 hours and 50 minutes in the Long Playback (LP) Mode. It is possible to access to the voice file you want to hear instantly at the convenient pushbutton controls. 2. Outstanding Sound Quality   The DS-650'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. 3. PC Storage, Playback and Conversion   The optional AS-200W USB Connection kit*1 makes it easy to download DS-650 voice files for data storage and playback with a PC that has a sound card. Up to 100 hours*2 of recording is possible on a PC. The DSS Player3.5 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. Function keys on a PC can be set 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 voice format, using a PC, so even PCs without DSS Player3.5 can playback 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 DSS's small data sizes, and to attach and save data.   *1 The USB connection kit AS-200W is available for Japanese language only. *2 Recording time depends on a hard disc capacity. 4. 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 recordings is possible with IBM Japan's ViaVoice Millennium or Justsystem's Voice Ichitaro 10 e-Talk on a PC. This added capability makes the DS-650 ideal as a portable input device for transcription needs.   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. 5. Ultrathin and Ultralight   Easy to carry and operate, the DS-650 is so small that it fits neatly in a shirt pocket. The ultrathin, ultralight design measures 116(H) x 43(W) x 14.5(D) mm and weighs only 74 g including batteries. With styling suited to business and every other occasion, the DS-650 exudes an unmistakable sense of quality. It comes in a sophisticated silver color. 6. Index Marks Function   As the DS-650 can insert up to 16 index marks in a voice file during recording, the section that you want to listen to can be accessed immediately during playback. 7. 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 Up/Down knob on the Menu switch. 8. 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. 9. Convenient Dual-Folder Storage   Up to 99 voice files can be stored in both the A and B folders. With this convenient data management, recordings can be classified according to use, user or other categories. Also, setting a clock simplifies the management of messages. 10. 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-650

Recording Format Digital recording in accordance with Digital Speech Standard (DDS) Recording Medium Built-in 32 MB flash memory Folders 2 : Folder A, B (up to 99 messages per folder) Input Level -70 dBv Overall Frequency Response SP Mode: 300-5,000 Hz; LP Mode: 300-3,000 Hz Recording Time SP Mode: Approx. 5 hours LP Mode: Approx. 10 hours 50 minutes Speaker Built-in 28 mm (in dia.) round dynamic speaker Microphone Jack 5 mm (in dia.) mini-jack, impedance 2k ohm Earphone Jack 5 mm (in dia.) mini-jack, impedance 8 ohm Maximum Working Output 100 mW (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 116 (H) x 43 (W) x 14.5 (D) mm (without protrusions) Weight 74 g (including batteries) Accessories Handstrap, Earphone, Two AAA Alkaline Batteries, Instructions

Operating Environment for the USB Connection Kit AS-200W (DSS Player3.5) (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