Introduction

Sony Ericsson have announced the ICD-CX50 digital voice recorder - which not only records sound but images with a 1.2 megapixel CCD digital camera. It has a 4x digital zoom and 256 megabytes of flash memory for storage. Connectivity is USB 2.0 for high speed transfer.
Sony Ericsson
Busy business professionals and students inundated with deadlines will lighten their workload with the newest selection of portable recording devices in Sony Electronic' 2005 line of voice recorders.
Those looking for convenience and organisational features for recording speeches, dictations, interviews or class lectures need search no further. Sony's new line of digital voice recorders provide compact, durable and visual components in high-quality recording.
'The 2005 line offers a wide selection of practical and user-friendly options for anyone looking to capitalise on time-saving options and organisation,' said Stephen Teplansky, senior marketing manager at Sony Electronics. 'From their new compact product designs, improved control operation, extended high quality recording mode and a new recorder with camera, we've provided everything necessary to increase efficiency and decrease workload.'
The clean, crisp designs and sturdy build of the recorders not only help busy users quickly get their thoughts down and rid themselves of note-taking, but also result in devices that are stylish and cutting-edge.
Bringing voice recording to new heights, the ICD-CX50 model is a voice recorder with the added benefit of a built-in camera and colour LCD screen. To see a presenter, a 1.2 effective megapixel CCD camera is incorporated into the unit. The camera contains a 4X digital zoom to get closer to the object being photographed, and a 256MB flash memory to store up to 4000 pictures (640x480-pixel JPEGs). From thumbnails to folder names, information is displayed on the LCD, making it easier to navigate to and from desired screens. The ICD-CX50 comes equipped with a rechargeable battery, and is USB 2.0 compatible to allow for high-speed file transfer to a PC. It will be available in June for about $400.
The ICD-B100 and ICD-B200 models are designed to create a more compact edge. Users can easily record speeches, dictations and interviews with a device that weighs 2.1 ounces. The ICD-B100 is 24 percent smaller than its predecessor model, and has an HQ recording mode of 16kHz for up to one hour and 45 minutes of clearer recording time. Ergonomic, single function buttons make controlling the unit easier when navigating the four message folders.
The recorder's digital VOR (voice operated recording) stops the recording during silent pauses then begins again without missing a syllable, helping save valuable recording time. In addition to these features, the new ICD-B200 model steps up with the new HQ recording mode of 16kHz for up to three hours and 40 minutes recording time. A 32MB flash memory allows recording with distortion-free clarity. Both recorders will be available in April for about $50 and $60 respectively.
Available in a metallic silver shade for the ICD-P110 and ICD-P110VTP models, or in black for the ICD-P210, these three recorders are USB compatible for high-speed file transfers to PCs via their USB port. The devices offer the new HQ recording mode of 16kHz for up to one hour and 45 minutes recording time for the ICD-P110 and ICD-P110VTP, or up to three hours and 35 minutes of recording time with the ICD-P210 version.
To easily and efficiently convert your recorded files into text, the ICD-P110VTP unit features Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice-to-print software. They will be available in April for about $80, $130 and $90 respectively.
Requiring two 'AAA' batteries, the 2.26-ounce recording devices come equipped with the new STLP recording mode, offering a recording time of two hours and 45 minutes while maintaining two-channel recording. The ICD-ST25VTP includes Dragon NaturallySpeaking version 8.0 voice-to-print service for simple conversion of your recorded files.
The included Digital Voice Up function on both models increase the playback volume of the person speaking when recorded at a distance. The digital pitch control allows recordings to be heard at slower or faster than normal speeds without distortion to facilitate transcribing or editing, or to move faster than normal to a desired portion. The recording monitor function allows users to listen to the recording level by using headphones when the unit is recording. The ICD-SX25 and ICD-SX25VTP will come to market in April for about $150 and $200 respectively.
The ICD-MX20 and ICD-MX20VTP models are designed to record dictation on built-in flash memory or small Memory Stick media cards, and allow recorded cards to be readily distributed for processing. Different Memory Stick cards in capacities from 32MB to 512MB can be inserted into the units for different applications. These models also contain the new STLP recording mode - two hours and 45 minutes of recording time while maintaining two-channel recording - to capture longer interviews or speeches.
The built-in stereo and directional microphones included in the ICD-MX20 and ICD-MX20VTP models eliminate the need for an external microphone. The capacity of more than 300 personalised folders on each Memory Stick media card provides the ability to organise message folders by type, offering the ultimate in versatility and efficiency. Files can be easily converted on both models through the Dragon NaturallySpeaking voice-to-print software. Both versions will be available in April for about $250 and $300.