How to Choose a Transcription Foot Pedal

Shopping for Analog & Digital Transcription Foot Pedals

Philips LFH-2320 USB Foot Pedal

 

In dictation and transcription workflows there are several situations that require the use of foot controls. These foot controls (or foot pedals as they are often called) come in all shapes and sizes, and offer different features depending on end use, or system compatibility. At DTP we offer all different styles (Analog, Digital, USB, Serial Port, 3 button, 4 button) and brands (Dictaphone, Philips, Olympus, Infinity, Panasonic, Sony, & Sanyo) of footpedals to suit all of your Transcription & Dictation needs.

Analog Transcription Foot Control
Analog transcriber machines have several features that can be controlled via foot pedals. A three button analog footpedal can operate the Play, Stop, Fast-Forward, and Rewind functions of your transcriber machines (features available on most cassette tape transcribers). This allows the transcriptionists hands to remain free, increasing productivity. Many transcription systems or kits come with an included foot pedal, but due to constant use this is the most likely accessory to need replacing.

Older, cassette based, transcription systems often have brand or model specific foot pedal connections. This allows only specific foot pedals to be used on a particular Transcriber Machines. If shopping for a replacement foot controller for an analog transcription machine, you want to be sure that you purchase a foot pedal that is compatible with your transcriber. There are many different styles of connection plugs commonly used on transcription foot controllers. Each style is specific to certain transcriber machines, but several styles can be used with more than one model of transcription products.

8 pin mini DIN plug – most Olympus models - IN-19
8 pin mini DIN plug – Panasonic RR-830, RR-930, RR-980 – IN-20
8 pin mini DIN plug – Sony M-2000 & M-2020 – IN25
6 pin DIN plug – Philips/Norelco that use 6 pin – IN-110
3.5mm Stereo Plug – Philips/Norelco 700 Series & Philips 9750 Digital Transcriber – IN-210
14 pin plug – Dictaphone using 14 pin plug – in-577
RJ11 modular plug – Dictaphone models ending in 40’s & 50’s using a modular phone plug – IN-585

We know that it can be confusing trying to make sense all of these foot pedals, connections, and analog transcriber machines. If you have any questions, or need help finding the right foot pedal for your cassette tape transcription workflow, please call us 877.387.2838 or email us at sales@dtpss.com, and one of our Dictation Professionals will assist you.

Digital Transcription Foot Control

In today’s fast paced digital world it is no surprise that analog cassette based transcription systems are being phased out. The changes in the way we can record, store, and transmit dictation audio, and the common availability of computers, has opened the door to numerous digital transcription options. With these new methods of transcribing come new features and capabilities amongst Digital Transcription Foot Pedals.

The biggest difference between PC Computer and Cassette Tape Transcription is that with PC Transcription you don’t need a desktop transcriber machine; you just need a computer and software. That being said, you do still need to pay attention to system and software compatibility as you shop for a digital foot control. Digital transcription footpedals commonly use one of three types of connections to connect to your computer; USB, 9 pin serial port plus, or 15 pin serial port plug. Check your computer, system requirements, and software guides to find out what kind of digital transcriber foot controller you need.

USB

9 pin serial port

15 pin serial port

              

For all of your Dictation & Transcription Sales & Services needs please contact us at:

 www.dtpss.com   –  sales@dtpss.com  –   877.387.2838

Best Headsets For Dragon NaturallySpeaking

Speech Recognition Headsets

Speech recognition software applications (like Dragon NaturallySpeaking) are quickly becoming more and more advanced. Now, with the ability to interact with you PC by voice, we have greater freedom and flexibility than ever before when operating computer applications. Even with all of the advances in Speech Recognition technology, without a high quality input device your software can be useless. Today, as the selection of Speech Rec. options grows so does the demand for high quality, noise canceling, and professional grade headsets.

Nuance makes several versions of their ‘Dragon’ brand speech recognition software including:

-Dragon NaturallySpeaking Premium Edition

-Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional Edition

-Dragon NaturallySpeaking Legal Edition

-Dragon Medical Practice Edition

-Dragon Dictate 3 for Mac

-MacSpeech Dictate Medical

-MacSpeech Dictate Legal

Input Devices:
Each of these software packages requires some kind of input device for operation. Hand Held Microphones, Desk Top Microphones, Digital Recorders, and Wireless Microphones are all acceptable input devices, but Premium PC Compatible Headsets can make all the difference. Rated by Nuance on a scale from 1 to 6 ‘Dragons’, PC headsets go through a rigorous testing phase to assess their compatibility with Dragon NaturallySpeaking Software. Graded on sound quality, noise suppression, comfort, ease of use, and accuracy, approved headsets receive their Dragon Rating with accordance to their performance (headsets with a higher rating perform better with Dragon Speech Recognition Software than headsets with a low rating). If you want to get the most out of your Professional Speech Recognition Application, then you need a Professional Speech Recognition Headset.

Choosing the Right Headset for You:
Dragon NaturallySpeaking compatible headsets come in all shapes and sizes, including one ear (monaural), two ear (binaural), over the head, on ear clip, USB, and in-ear bud to name a few. So how do you know what kind of headset is right for you? If a headset has a Nuance rating of ‘3 Dragons’ or higher you can assume that it will work with your basic speech recognition software, but for the more advanced Dragon NaturallySpeaking Legal Edition and Dragon Medical Practice Edition you really want to look for a rating of 5 or 6 ‘Dragons’. After narrowing down your search, equipment compatibility will be you next concern when choosing a Speech Recognition Headset for use with Dragon Software.

Sound Card Headsets:
Basic PC headsets have two 3.5mm output jacks (one for headphones & one for microphone). These outputs plug directly into your computer’s built in sound card, which should have two 3.5mm input jacks located somewhere on the outside of your tower or laptop.

USB Headsets: USB headsets feature a USB connection at the end of their audio cable. This connector allows your microphone, and headphone speakers, direct digital quality access to your computer for recording and playback. Simply plug the USB connection into a free USB port on your computer and you are good to go (depending on your system and software USB headsets may be plug and play, or they may require driver instillation.

Adapters:
Furthermore, there are all kinds of adapters and converters available that can change the final output of your headset for different applications. Convert: USB to 3.5mm, 3.5mm to USB, Quick Disconnect to USB, or Quick Disconnect to 3.5mm. If you already have a Nuance approved headset, or need one for multiple applications, then a connection adapter might be just what you need.

When it comes to Speech Recognition Headsets quality matters! The better quality headset you use, the easier it is for Dragon to accurately understand what you say. If you are interested in Dragon NaturallySpeaking or other Speech Software from Nuance than it is definitely worth your time to shop for a Nuance Rated and Approved Headset from DTPSS.com.

www.DTPSS.com DTP – The Dictation & Transcription Professionals