Five Things You Should Know About Digital Dictation

Digital dictation equipment can be a boon for doctors, lawyers and anyone else who needs to take voice notes in a hurry. Decades ago, you had to talk into a tape recorder and send the tapes to a transcriptionist. Now, dictation devices in Seattle, WA offer high-quality microphones, speech-to-text translation and other useful features. Here’s what you should know when you’re getting ready to invest in a new digital dictation device:

  • There’s a big difference between standard and professional voice recorders: You might be tempted to walk into a big box store and buy the first digital recorder you see. But don’t settle for a standard model, especially if you’re using this for a business, firm or healthcare practice. There’s a big difference between standard models and those designed for professional use. Professional models tend to have higher quality microphones, noise canceling features and intuitive controls. They may also come with transcription, editing and organizational software, and have a much longer battery life than standard recorders.
  • Many brands produce both standard and professional equipment: Brands like Philips and Olympus produce standard as well as professional equipment, so it’s important that you know exactly which type you’re getting. (Often, the price is a good way to tell—but not always.) Don’t settle for a low-end model. Inevitably, it will not be able to stand up to your firm’s demands, and you’ll likely end up buying a professional model anyway.
  • Transcription software varies between manufacturers: Transcription software is not created equal, either. If your equipment comes with transcription software, keep in mind that you might end up purchasing another version with more robust features. A great way to determine whether included software is right for you is to check the reviews, or ask a digital dictation equipment expert.
  • Push button equipment is harder to operate: When looking for digital dictation equipment, steer clear of push button operation. Although that might feel familiar, especially if you grew up with a Walkman and other analog equipment, it’s inefficient. Most digital voice recorders use slide buttons for fast, easy operation.
  • A digital dictation company can help you make the right selection: Finally, you should know that you don’t need to go it alone. A digital dictation equipment company like Efficiency, Inc. can help you decide which model is going to be the right one for your needs. From intuitive operating systems to the microphone quality, memory and file transfer capabilities, there’s a lot to consider. It’s always wise to ask an expert—especially if this is your first foray into digital dictation.

Today’s digital dictation devices make it a lot easier to take and transcribe notes. You (and your transcriptionist) will spend a lot less time creating and maintaining your audio notes, which means you’ll have more time to focus on other aspects of your work.

For high-quality, professional audio documentation equipment in Seattle, WA, reach out to the team at Efficiency, Inc. today. We look forward to learning more about your needs and ensuring you get the right equipment!

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