Overview: Dictating on a Mac

24.08.2010

„In contrast to the usual „It'll work out somehow“ , it looks really bad concerning Mac support“ warned MacLife (08/2007), commenting on recording and dictation devices for Mac users. Naturally, this sounds frustrating but our research shows today: The current state of the art allows convenient dictating, recording and transcribing. Just be careful to use the right tools and devices! In the following, you will find an overview of hardware and software solutions for recording, dictating and transcribing which are also suitable for Mac users.

1. Recording interviews and conversations

Mac users do not have a very wide range of recording devices to choose from. Most recordings are transferred to a computer only via Windows software, for instance the Olympus VN series, the Philips Voice Tracer or Sony notetakers.

A ray of hope are the Olympus WS- and DM- series (between EUR 80 and EUR 200 – links are given for detailed test reports and audio samples).

Against manufacturer information, these devices are also suitable for Mac!

Olympus DM-550

 

After the recorders have been connected via USB, they are immediately useable as drives. The recordings can be transferred via Drag&Drop. The file format of the recordings is WMA (a Microsoft format) which normally can't be played back on a Mac. But: The free plug-in „Flip4Mac“ fixes this problem. Install it once and all WMA files will be easily played back in the future.

(also in other programmes like Quicktime, ExpressScribe, Transcriptions and much more)

You will find Flip4Mac here:

http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/28842

The above mentioned devices are NOT suitable for dictating. Due to better mikes and recording formats, they are ideal for interview settings.

 

2. Dictating

Addition from 18 March 2010: True dictating now works with the iPhone and a special software. See details.

A so-called editing feature is necessary for dictations because it allows to rewind the recording and to overwrite or add passages. Only very few dictaphones offer this possibility, namely those by Grundig, Philips and Olympus. And only Olympus supports Mac users in some way. This is how it works:

Olympus dictaphones record in DSS format and can be played back on the Mac with the included software (not otherwise!) As soon as the Olympus device is linked to the computer, the dictations

are automatically downloaded and stored in a file of your choice. After this procedure, the dictaphone is, again, ready for use right away, the storage is free. Now the typist can control the playback software with a foot switch. The text itself can be typed in any (text processing) programme. This solution is also possible for hybrid systems on Mac and PC.

 

Actually, there are only two dictation solutions to be taken into consideration: The Olympus DS-2400 (approx. EUR 220 net – successor of the DS-2300 – MacLife recommendation 08/2007) and the Olympus DS-2500 (almost double in price). The higher price of the latter (approx. EUR 499 net) comes from the considerably more efficient Windows software which is included in delivery. The Mac device, however, is identical to the cheaper DS-2400.

 

Olympus DS-2400                         Olympus DS-5000

        

Consequently, the only differences between DS-2400 and DS-5000 for Mac users – besides little details in the menu navigation – are:

1. Operation concept: sliding switch vs. bobbing switch

The DS-5000 has a sliding switch which many may know from old dictation devices by Grundig. Many users swear by this way of dictating. The DS-2400 comes with a rocking switch which is, in our opinion, just as ergonomic. In the end, the decision on the better operation concept is a matter of taste and habit.

Charging function: internal or external

The DS-2400 can be operated by batteries or accumulators. The rechargeable batteries, however, cannot be charged when inside the gadget. Therefore, you need an external charger. The DS-5000 charges the rechargeable batteries either on the docking station or via USB port.

Package content: with or without docking station

The docking station for simple connection to the computer is included in delivery if you decide on the DS-5000. The DS-2400 is as standard linked via USB cable. A docking station is optionally obtainable for EUR 99 net. This direct comparison reduces the difference in price.

Please note: These devices are NOT suitable for recording interviews or group conversation. The microphone and the compressed file format produce a quality which is too low at a great distance to the mike.

 

3. Transcribing

Transcription (Latin: trans-scribere = to rewrite) means transferring audio or video data into a written form. Depending on which device you used for recording and what kinds of recordings these are, there are different attempts to transcription and therefore different product solutions that are recommendable:

1. Transcribing interviews or videos

You can very well use our software f4, ExpressScribe or Transcriptions for your audio files. Transcriptions is also suitable for video files. An optional foot switch makes the controlling of the playback easier and the transcription a lot faster. Inexpensive solutions in this respect are our transcription kits „science“ and „office“ for EUR 79 and 99 gross respectively. By the way: The yellow foot switch „f-pro“ from the kit „science“ is a MacLife recommendation!

 

Transcription Kit "science" (including foot switch "f-pro")

 

2. Transcribing dictations

Typists use headphones for listening to dictations, the controlling of playback, rewind and fast-forward is managed by a foot switch. A Mac-suitable transcription kit is the Olympus AS-2400 (approx. EUR 359 gross). In contrast to the previous mentioned kits, it plays back DSS files on a Mac (these files are produced with the dictation devices). The only difference between the AS-2400 and the considerably more expensive AS-5000 (approx. EUR 289 gross) is the better features of the Windows software. So, if you are a Mac user, the purchase of the more expensive version will not pay off.

 

 

 Olympus AS-2400

 

 

4. Speech recognition on a Mac

Reliable speech recognition software for transcribing dictations is still in its infancy. The only solution currently available „iListen“ is rated a mere „satisfactory“ (MacLife 11/2007, Macwelt 02/2008, freenet 02/2007).

Besides poor recognition accuracy, the main shortcomings are unwieldy operation and uncomfortable correction.

Early 2010, an update of „iListen“ will be released which will then be called „Dictate“. The manufacturers promise an Mac-orientated version of the established Nuance technology. That sounds interesting. Just how well „Dictate“ can meet the expectations, you will learn here of course. The expected retail price is approx. EUR 250 incl. VAT.

 

Dictate - Speech Recognition Software
available from early 2010

 

Any questions? Call us on 06421 - 933426