We live in a digital age. It can seem like our whole lives have gone digital, from the phones in our pockets to the smart fridges in our kitchens. In the world of dictation, though, both digital and analog options are still available. Many of our clients initially contact us when they want to know more about digital versus analog dictation equipment in Seattle, WA.
Understanding the difference between digital and analog recording devices
The main difference between digital and analog devices is the method of storing recorded audio. A digital device saves these recordings as files that you can then transfer to an external hard drive or computer. You record to a cassette tape that stores the recording with an analog device. While this might not seem like enough of a reason to make the switch, we can assure you there are many digital dictation equipment pros in Seattle, WA.
Why invest in digital dictation equipment?
There’s a reason our world has gone digital: analog doesn’t offer the quality, capacity or security that you get with digital. In the world of transcription, many are hesitant to make the change from analog to digital, but the digital dictation equipment pros in Seattle, WA outweigh the convenience of analog devices:
- Transcription security: Misplacing or losing a cassette tape puts the security of your transcription at risk. Anyone can find a tape player and listen to your notes. For medical practices, clinics and offices, HIPAA requires that you secure any patient notes or files, including dictated ones. Analog devices aren’t HIPAA compliant, whereas you can keep audio files on a digital device safe from prying eyes with a PIN.
- Audio quality: Transcribing audio necessitates a high-quality recording. Analog simply can’t offer the same recording quality as digital. Unlike analog devices, digital ones allow you to make adjustments that improve the quality of the recording captured for later dictation. Those features aren’t available with analog models.
- Long-term solution: Another factor to consider is where you store your transcription recordings. As cassette tapes age, the quality of the recording decreases. Digital audio files don’t experience that aging issue. Storing thousands of digital audio files only takes up space on a hard drive. Thousands of cassette tapes would require lots of physical storage space.
- Better performance overall: When it comes down to it, analog devices don’t perform as well as their digital counterparts. Digital audio files work well with speech recognition software, which is not an option with analog tapes. It’s easier to track and organize digital audio files. Everything about working with digital dictation devices is better.
Maybe your business has relied on analog transcription recorders for years and you’re hesitant to make the switch. You can reach out for more information about digital versus analog dictation equipment in Seattle, WA.
If you’re looking for digital dictation equipment pros to help you make the switch from analog, reach out to Efficiency, Inc. now. We’ve spent nearly five decades developing custom solutions for our clients. With our assistance, you can capture high-quality audio files with reliable, affordable digital dictation recorders. Get in touch today!