Olympus Bows Podcasting Digital Recorders
By Colleen Bohen -- TWICE, 1/5/2007 7:40:00 AM
Center Valley, Pa. — Olympus has launched three new DS-Series digital voice recorders that perform all of the functions of a traditional digital recorder in addition to making it possible to download, listen to and create podcasts.
The recorders come with software for downloading podcasts and the podcasts’ content is then automatically updated whenever the recorder is connected to a computer via an included USB cable. According to the company, podcasts in MP3 or WMA format can be downloaded from any Web site, but the recorders have been specially designed to work with Audible.com, online provider of spoken entertainment and information.
Olympus has said that these new models offer the highest sound quality in the company’s lineup thanks to their XSHQ Remarkable Stereo Sound Quality mode which allows the devices to record and play audio content at 44.1 kHz.
All three models come with a removable stereo microphone and feature an optional voice guidance function that talks to confirm which settings the user has selected. The models feature built-in memory in capacities of 256MB, 512MB and 1GB, depending on the model number. According to Olympus, the 1GB model can record for up to 275 hours.
The recorders feature a metallic exterior and offer a built-in speaker and variable speed playback options. There is also a timer mode that can be set in advance to begin and end recording specific times.
All of the models are powered by two AAA batteries which, according to Olympus, provide up to 32 hours of continuous operation. There is also an AC power adapter available.
The DS-30, DS-40 and DS-50 will all be available this month at suggested retails of $149.99, $199.99 and $249.99, respectively. All models come packaged with a stereo microphone, USB cable, stereo earphones, a DSS Player Version 7 software CD-ROM and two AAA-alkaline batteries. The DS-50 also comes with a remote control and carrying case.
All of the recorders feature a one-year warranty.
