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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

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal—Jack Kelly

Gateley Legal expands Midlands residential development team

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn—Richard Surtees

Gibson Dunn adds employee benefits and executive compensation practice in London with partner Richard Surtees

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL—Alec Cameron

Laytons ETL appoints new partner and head of intellectual property disputes

NEWS
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
A series of recent decisions has clarified important principles across property law, from perpetuities to lease renewals and public rights over land
Employers cannot rely on wellbeing services alone to defend workplace stress claims after a High Court decision awarding almost £1m to an overworked employee
Andy Burnham's brand of 'Manchesterism' could offer fresh thinking on legal aid and access to justice if it reaches Westminster, according to Roger Smith, NLJ columnist and former director of JUSTICE
The constitutional fallout from a change of prime minister, rather than the politics, is under scrutiny as questions arise over the limits of executive authority in a leadership transition
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