Sony ICD-ST25VTP Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Software

by Sony

Product Details

• Shipping Weight: 2 pounds
• Shipping: Currently, item can be shipped only within the U.S. and to APO/FPO addresses. For APO/FPO shipments, please check with the manufacturer regarding warranty and support issues.
• ASIN: B0001YFYNI
• Item model number: ICDST25VTP
• Batteries: 2 AAA batteries required.
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #134,563 in Electronics (See Top 100 in Electronics)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: March 1, 2004

Product Description

From the Manufacturer

Sony’s new ICD-ST25VTP Digital Voice Recorder makes recording and transcription easy. Use Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice to Print software to easily convert your recorded files to text and download directly to your PC. With the new voice e-mail function and software, you can send audible e-mails with attached files. These features and up to 696 minutes of recording make the ICD-ST25VTP the right choice for your voice recording needs.

Features

• Includes Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice to Print software to easily convert your recorded files into text
• Up to 696 minutes of recording is available on the integrated circuit chip which may be recorded over and used again
• USB compatible for fast transfer rate to a PC
• Includes Digital Voice Editor software via USB port on a PC
• Choice of Stereo, SP and LP recording modes: ST-85min, SP-250 Min, LP-696 Min
• Digital Voice-Up Function increases the volume of the person speaking when recorded at a distance
• Multi-Directional Microphone and Directional Microphone mode easily adjusts the direction of the microphone to improve the recording quality
• Overwrite Correction function allows the user to rewind to a location and re-record the dictation
• High quality sound using LPEC CODEC with improved frequency response
• Advanced Digital VOR (Voice Operated Recording) stops the recording during silent pauses, saving valuable recording time, then begins recording again without missing a single syllable thanks to the digital buffer
• 5 File Folders provide separate message areas for different applications such as business memos or personal reminders, for better organization and faster access
• Priority function automatically moves priority marked dictations to the front of the list of recordings in the folder
• Voice E-Mail function using the supplied digital voice editor software lets you easily send audible e-mail with an attached file
• Slim style design, only one-half inch thick, with Record and Pause controls located on the side of the unit for easy operation
• Easy to use Playback/Edit function lets you playback and edit with the push of a button
• Digital Pitch Control/Playback Speed Control allows recordings to be heard at slower than normal speeds without distortion to facilitate transcribing or editing, or faster than normal to move quickly to a desired portion
• Full function LCD Display shows number of messages recorded, recording length, date, time and battery power remaining
• One button Play from Record lets you switch from Recording mode to Play mode with one finger
• Incremental Rewind (Easy Search) is the equivalent of tape Fast Rewind but without returning all the way to the beginning of each recording, to help locate specific passages
• 32MB built-in Flash Memory uses high capacity IC chip, which may be recorded over itself and used again with distortion-free clarity
• Built-in Playback Speaker for monitoring playback of recordings
• Record-Pause function temporarily stops recording to allow for pauses in dictation or to provide time for reference to documents, then resumes where recording was stopped
• Add-Recording function allows you to insert and add additional information to any message without affecting the original
• Battery strength LCD provides a visible signal of battery strength
• Hold Switch prevents accidental operation or changes to settings while carrying the unit in pocket or briefcase
• A-B Repeat function enables a specific segment of the recording to automatically play over and over again
• Hi/Lo mic sensitivity enables the unit to record different situations
• Stereo Earphone and Microphone Jack allows listening through earphones for privacy or transcription and connection of an external microphone for special applications
• LED Operation Indicators (Record/Play) indicates Red when unit is recording, Green when in playback mode
• Microsoft Windows 98/2000/Me/XP compatible

Product Description

Advanced Digital VOR / Naturally Speaking Software converts voice to text when sent to a PC / Up to 696 Minutes Recording Time Multi-directional microphone + directional microphone mode easily adjusts the direction of the microphone to improve the recording quality Compatible with Dragon Naturally Speaking Preferred Voice to Print software to easily convert your recorded files into text Overwrite Correction function allows the user to rewind to a location and re-record the dictation High quality sound with LPEC CODEC with improved frequency response ensures excellent recorded sound clarity Advanced Digital VOR (Voice Operated Recording) 5 file folders provide separate message areas for different applications such as business memos or personal reminders Includes PC software, 2 AAA batteries, Case, User Guide, USB Cable

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

81 of 81 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Good hardware, horrible software, March 7, 2005

By 

Steve T. "Steve T." (Westborough, MA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony ICD-ST25VTP Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Software (Office Product)

I purchased 2 Sony ICD-ST25VTP packages, which includes Scansoft NaturallySpeaking version 7.
The first 4 computers I tried to install the software on crashed at the same point during the install process. Scansoft was completely unwilling to help without a prepaid fee. Sony told me this was Scansoft's problem.
Scansoft sales told me version 7 is no good and to buy version 8, for $150/copy to upgrade.

I'm very disappointed that Sony would partner with a business that provides NO technical support without additional cost.

The 4 computers were running XP Pro on 2 and Windows 2000 pro on the other 2. I found a Windows 98SE machine, and the software crashed that too, but was present after reboot (condition unknown). No matter what I tried, I could not get any reasonable voice to text translation - was returning jibberish.

This past weekend I purchased this same device from a local store (Staples) and had exact same result. When I returned it, the sales person showed me a box full of returned devices and told me that other customers had some complaint I did - could not install the software. They gave me full refund.

In the past I have always had very good luck with Sony products, but strongly recommend that you avoid this package.
By the way - Scansoft has a service pack for version 7 at their web site, but the OEM version that is included with the Sony ICD-ST25VTP does not qualify for the upgrade, and the service pack install fails.

The Sony device works very well, but the voice to text software is completely useless (at least as far as OEM version 7 is concerned).

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Speaker no longer works, May 24, 2005

By 

Tricia M. - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony ICD-ST25VTP Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Software (Office Product)

In less than a year, the speaker for my ICD-ST25VTP recorder no longer works. The only way I can get audio is through headphones or by downloading the files onto my computer.

Other than that, this digital recorder has been quite useful for conducting interviews, etc. It picks up voices fairly well, even in a loud room.

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It should be rated higher!!!, October 29, 2005

By 

Dark Book "book worm" (Los Angeles) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Sony ICD-ST25VTP Digital Voice Recorder with Voice-to-Print Software (Office Product)

When i bought this off Amazon a year ago there was a higher rating with lots of reviewers. I have no idea what happened to the reviews. I actually wrote one. So again i will state for the record that this is a great purchase to make if you are a student. It records well enough to use from the back of a normal sized class room in all recording modes. Though i prefer to use the mid-range SP mode. The editing software works great. As for the Voice to Print software, it is not able to transcibe what other people say. You must train it to learn your voice. It works best as far as i can tell with a mic and not the recorder. It has proven invaluable to me in that it has allowed me to write 20 pages in a day for term papers. However, it does take quite a bit of practice and adjusting, but once you get it down it is fantastic. Came in really handy when i had an injured arm and couldn't type. Altogether this is a great buy and was one of the best purchases i ever made. It was directly related to me getting A's in several classes where the material was covered faster than i could write.