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17 May 2012
Issue: 7514 / Categories: Features , Technology
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Digital v Analogue

There is no doubt that dictation saves countless hours of valuable time, but as with most technology, the future of dictation is digital.

 

Rather than recording onto physical tape, recordings are processed as digital audio files which can be distributed via any existing networks. Digital dictation provides complete workflow transparency, better utilisation of resources and optimum cost efficiency.
In 1969 the world’s first microcassette recorder, the Zuiko Pearlcorder, was produced by Olympus. It revolutionised the way lawyers worked. This was followed, in 1997, by the first professional digital recorder. Some 15 years later many lawyers are still relying on tapes, despite the fact that prices are getting steeper and tape machines and replacement parts are becoming harder to find as manufacturers stop producing analogue machines they are simply becoming rarer.
Why go digital?
Security is crucial today, especially in the legal profession. While tapes are almost impossible to protect against theft or unauthorised access, digital dictations can be encrypted and password protected. There are no lost tapes, and added features such as a biometric fingerprint scanner (Olympus DS-5000iD) ensure your files are secure.
Efficiency and
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MOVERS & SHAKERS

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Jurit LLP—Caroline Williams

Private wealth and tax team welcomes cross-border specialist as consultant

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

Freeths—Michelle Kirkland Elias

International hospitality and leisure specialist joins corporate team as partner

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Flint Bishop—Deborah Niven

Firm appoints head of intellectual property to drive northern growth

NEWS
Talk of a reserved ‘Welsh seat’ on the Supreme Court is misplaced. In NLJ this week, Professor Graham Zellick KC explains that the Constitutional Reform Act treats ‘England and Wales’ as one jurisdiction, with no statutory Welsh slot
The government’s plan to curb jury trials has sparked ‘jury furore’. Writing in NLJ this week, David Locke, partner at Hill Dickinson, says the rationale is ‘grossly inadequate’
A year after the $1.5bn Bybit heist, crypto fraud is booming—but so is recovery. Writing in NLJ this week, Neil Holloway, founder and CEO of M2 Recovery, warns that scams hit at least $14bn in 2025, fuelled by ‘pig butchering’ cons and AI deepfakes
After Woodcock confirmed no general duty to warn, debate turns to the criminal law. Writing in NLJ this week, Charles Davey of The Barrister Group urges revival of misprision or a modern equivalent
Family courts are tightening control of expert evidence. Writing in NLJ this week, Dr Chris Pamplin says there is ‘no automatic right’ to call experts; attendance must be ‘necessary in the interests of justice’ under FPR Pt 25
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