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Voice Editing Ver.2.0

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Q&A for People Interested in Buying

Q1. What can I do with the Voice Editing Ver.2.0 Premium Edition?
A1.

  1. Voice files stored on an SD memory card (including miniSD memory card) or an IC recorder can be stored on the hard disk of your PC.
  2. Voice files can be played back or edited on your PC.
  3. Voice files that are stored on your PC's hard disk can be transferred to an SD memory card or an IC recorder then can be played back on equipment that supports the voice-file format. Data of a voice file can be mutually converted using a codec corresponding to the equipment.
  4. The title name of a voice file can be searched with keywords.
  5. If a voice file with the Mini Player software attached is sent by e-mail, the receiver can play the voice file on his/her PC even if he/she does not have Voice Editing.
  6. The playback speed can be adjusted as you like.
  7. You can edit while monitoring the audio waveform.
  8. A title name can be automatically provided for the voice file. (You can select the method from among "assignment of characters + serial number," "assignment of characters + recording date," and "automatic text conversion of opening words.")
  9. With the automatic voice-recognition function (English and Japanese), you can convert voice data to text data or input e-mail or diary entries by speaking to your PC. In addition, you can exercise voice-recognition training with your favorite passages to improve the voice-recognition performance of this software.
  10. With the text-to-speech function (English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Russian), you can hear the text of e-mail, an MS Word file, or a news article posted on the Internet, read aloud in a synthesized voice. If read-aloud data are written to a voice file and transferred to portable equipment that supports Voice Editing, you can use the voice file when away from the PC, for language learning.
  11. With the sound-recorder function, you can record sound of language-education materials or Internet radio programs that are being played back by your PC.
  12. With the CD-R backup function (available only with Windows XP), an important file can be easily backed up onto a CD-R. In addition, a voice file can be written to a CD-R/RW in audio format and played back on a CD player or a car stereo with a CD player, as with a normal music CD.
  13. With the translation function (English, Japanese, Chinese, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Korean, and Russian), input words or sentences imported as a file can be translated into those in the selected language. The translated results can be immediately heard, using the text-to-speech function, or can be written to a voice file and transferred to portable equipment for use away from the PC.
  14. With the interpretation function, the words you speak into the microphone can be immediately converted to text data and translated into another language, whereupon the translated results can be read aloud immediately.
  15. With the Launcher function, passages that were input with other software, such as Memo Pad (software with which the [Ctrl-C] copy function is available), can be read aloud or translated with a single touch of a button. This function can be added to the right-click menu of Internet Explorer or set as an add-in program for Microsoft Word, Excel, or PowerPoint to launch it.
  16. During dictation, playback operations (stop, playback/pause, rewind, fast forward, and fast and slow playback speeds) of a voice file can be fully performed using only the keyboard, if you wish to do so without using a mouse. As a dedicated dictation screen is displayed, you can speedily input passages while listening to sound recorded as a voice file.
  17. You can expedite dictation work by using the voice-recognition function.
    Dictation A Recitation mode: If you recite what you hear from a played-back voice file into the microphone, the read-aloud data are automatically converted to text data. As the voice-recognition function is activated by your own voice that has been registered through the training process, voice files in which another person's voice is recorded or voice files of a conference in which several speakers talked can be converted to text-data files with higher accuracy.
    Dictation B File Replay mode: In this mode, a voice file being played back will be automatically converted to text. This mode is available when the recorded voice of the voice file matches the voice that has been registered through the training process.
    Voice Command mode
    In this mode, playback operations of a voice file can be performed with your voice. If you say "Playback" speaking into the microphone, playback of the voice file starts, and if you say "Stop," playback of the voice file stops. You can change command names as you like. For example, if you register the playback command as "Shoot" and the stop command as "Halt," these commands will be activated upon your saying "Shoot" or "Halt."
  18. If you set a common authorization key on your PC and the IC recorder with the security function (RR-US490/470), security of voice files in the Secure folder (FolderS) will be protected. If an IC recorder with the security function (RR-US490/470) is connected to a PC whose authorization key does not match, voice files in the Secure folder (FolderS) cannot be played back.
  19. A recorded voice file can be played back with reduced noise. The noise-reduction level can be selected from among five levels. If voice and noise can be distinguished on the displayed audio waveforms of a voice file, by designating the noise part, noise can be selectively reduced. In such a case, audio signals after noise is reduced can be stored as a file.
  20. Apart from the supplied voice-recognition engine, link-up with Dragon Naturally Speaking (voice-input software available from Nuance Communications Japan, Co. Ltd.) is supported. Data of a voice file (mono HQ mode) recorded with an IC recorder can be converted to text data by using Dragon Naturally Speaking with easy operations. For details on Dragon Naturally Speaking, visit the website of Nuance Communications

Q2. What system do I need to run this program?
Q3. Can I use this software on Windows 98?
A3.

Windows 98 is not supported (operation on Windows 98 is not guaranteed), but it is possible to install the software on Windows 98. Windows 98 SE is supported.

Q4. Can I use this software on Windows 95 or Windows NT?
A4.

Windows 95 and Windows NT are not supported.

Q5. Can I use this software on Windows Me?
A5.

Yes. Windows Me is supported.

Q6. Can I use this on an Apple computer?
A6.

We have no plans at this moment to make this compatible with Apple platforms.

Q7. Can Voice Editing Software play MP3?
A7.

No, it cannot.

Q8. There are many different Editions of this Voice Editing program. Can you tell me the differences between the mainstream Edition and Ver. 1.0?
Q9. Am I allowed to install the software on multiple computers?
A9.

No, that is not allowed. This software can only be used on one computer, and only by the user who installed it. You cannot use it on multiple computers.

Q10. Can you just purchase the Voice Editing software on its own?
A10.

The software is packaged with the IC Recorder - the software is not sold as a separate product.

Q11. Can the program be used with Windows Vista?

Q&A About Installation

Q1. I can't get the software to install on Windows 2000 or Windows XP.
A1.

Log on as a user with Administrator privileges to do the installation. Note that Voice Editing does not support multiple users.

Q2. When I try to install on a system that already has a different edition of Voice Editing installed, I see a message that says, "Do you want to completely remove the selected application and all of its components?" Will it be all right to delete it all?
A2.

No, that is not allowed. This software can only be used on one computer, and only by the user who installed it. You cannot use it on multiple computers.

Q3. Will data I saved still be there if I uninstall then reinstall the program?
A3.

Yes it will, but you should back it up anyway to be on the safe side.

Q4. I install Voice Editing but when I start the program, a message says, "Voice Editing is not installed in this PC. Install Voice Editing and then try again." I can't get the program to start.
A4.

Double-click on the file SAPI5_Common.msi on the CD-ROM to reinstall only SAPI5_Common. You will see radio buttons with the choice of Repair SAPI5_Common and Remove SAPI5_Common. Select Remove SAPI5_Common. After uninstalling SAPI5_Common, double-click on SAPI5_Common.msi again, and install only SAPI5_Common.

Q5. The hardware wizard appeared when I connected the IC recorder to my computer with a USB cable. What should I do?
A5.

This means you haven't installed the right driver. Cancel the hardware wizard and unplug the USB cable. Now install Voice Editing from the included CD-ROM.
The driver is installed at the same time. Now restart your computer and reconnect the USB cable.

Note:
There is also a driver folder in the root of the CD-ROM which you can use to install the driver manually.

Q6. Is it possible for multiple versions or editions of Voice Editing to be installed and used on the same computer?
A6.

Normally older versions cannot be used with newer versions.
Voice Editing V.2.0 Standard Edition only can be kept in common with other versions and editions.
It may not, however, be started and operated at the same time.

Note:

  • If more than one version / edition of Voice Editing exists, uninstalling one of them will delete the IC recorder driver, causing failure to recognize the IC recorder even if connected to the computer.
    If this happens, both versions / editions of Voice Editing should be uninstalled, and only the version / edition needed reinstalled.
  • When uninstalling one of the versions / editions, the attached CD-ROM may be used to install the driver manually.
    There is a driver folder in the attached CD-ROM directory.

Q&A about the Security functions

Q1. What security functions does this program come loaded with?
A1.

By setting a common 'Autorization Keys' on PC and IC Recorder (RR-US490/470/455/450/430) with security functions, the voice audio files themselves will be stored in a secure folder (FolderS). In the event that the IC Recorder (RR-US490/470/455/450/430) is connected up to a PC that does not share the same common 'Authorization Keys', the voice files in the FolderS will not be available for playback or copying.

Q2. What is the structure of the security system?
A2.

The first time you connect the IC Recorder (RR-US490/470/455/450/430) to a PC and start up the Voice Editing Ver.2.0 program, you will be asked to input the 'Authorization Key'. Once this key has been inputted, a file is created in the computer and this is where the 'Authorization Key' information for the IC Recorder will be stored. From this point onwards, the computer will always check that the 'Authorization Key' information stored in that folder matches with that of the IC Recorder. Only when a match is confirmed will the files stored in the security folder (FolderS) become available for replaying and copying, etc.

Note:
The 'Authorization Key' that you enter will be required if and when you replace your computer and reinstall the Voice Editing program. To ensure you never forget this password please write it down and keep it somewhere safe.

Q&A Q&A about the Dictation functions

Q1. What does the dictation function do?
A1.

The dictation function helps the user create written documents of the sound recordings. The user can use the keyboard to control the playback of audio files without using the mouse (play, stop, pause, rewind, fast forward, fast playback speed, slow playback speed). Moreover, a special dictation screen will be displayed and here you will be able to listen to the recording whilst inputting the spoken content into a documented record.

Q2. Please tell me about the other dictation functions
A2.

The voice recognition function can be used to speed up the dictation function. Then following three dictation modes are also included in the program:

  • Dictation A Recitation Mode: By listening to the recording and reciting what was recorded into a microphone, the recorded voice data can automatically be turned into a written document. This is a mode that creates a written document from the spoken voice. The program will react to your voice and once you have received training on this function and the program has a log of your voice it is also possible for the program to create a written document of a meeting where many different people are speaking.
  • Dictation B File Replay Mode: As the voice file is being replayed the program creates a written record at the same time. If the voice on the recording is your own and if you have received training with the program, the process is made more efficient.
  • Voice Command Mode: This is a mode where the program is controlled by your voice. Face the microphone and say the word 'play' to replay voice recordings. Say 'stop' to halt the replay mode. You can record whatever words you like to trigger these responses - for instance you can say 'forward' for play and 'halt' for stop - as long as the program has been told which words to respond to, it will do it.

Q&A about the Noise Cancel function

Q1. What does the Noise Cancel function do?
A1.

This function reduces the background sounds (noise) on a recording, making the content easier to hear. There are 5 levels of noise reduction available.
'The noise reduction function in this product has been created using technology from the Animo Corporation.'

Note:
Depending on the environment, the noise reduction function will be more or less effective. The noise reduction level (1 to 5) may also make the recorded voice quieter and/or change the quality of the recording.

Q2. Can I reduce specific background noise, such as the hum of an air conditioner?
A2.

Yes, this is possible. You can display the different wavelengths of sound that have been recorded on a file and isolate a specific wavelength - and if that is noise - reduce it's volume accordingly. You can then save the noise reduced file.

Note:
Depending on the type of noise, it is sometimes impossible to reduce the background noise.

Q&A about the Voice Recognition function Voice recognition support is available at
(You should also refer to support on voice recognition.)

Q1. What is the Voice Recognition function and what does it do?
A1.

The voice recognition function changes spoken words into written text. The IC Recorder (models RR-US490/470/455/450/430/500/065/050/395/380/361/360) and a regular microphone is all you need - speak into the microphone and what you say will be converted into text. You can also use the IC Recorders 'Memo' recordings and convert those into text too.
Caution!
Before using the voice recognition function you must first register one's voice (training), which helps the machine recognise the specific characteristics of the user's voice. The machine cannot convert the voice of someone that has not had their voice pre-registered in this way.
The machine cannot perform voice recognition functions when more than one person is speaking at the same time and the voices overlap, say at a business meeting.

Q2. Can this program create a written record of the spoken minutes of a meeting?
A2.

Due to the fact that at a meeting, more than one person is speaking, the machine cannot identify multiple voices for recognition.
The voice recognition function can only be used with people who have undergone the training and whose voices have been pre-registered - only then can their spoken words be converted into text.

Note:
When you use Recitation mode to recite what was said at a meeting that was recorded, the text conversion process will be quicker and smoother.

Q3. How good is the voice recognition ratio?
A3.

The voice recognition ratio varies from person to person. People can generally achieve a practical level of voice recognition if they perform the training, but the voice recognition ratio can also be affected by the surroundings, the manner of speech, and even the content of speech. It generally is not possible to assign a percentage figure.

Note:
This company makes no guarantee regarding the accuracy of voice recognition.

Q4. What is the training process like?
A4.

Training is the process of reading a text for about ten to fifteen minutes to register the voice of the voice recognition user. Repeating the training will increase recognition accuracy.

Q5. Can the data from training be transferred to another computer?
A5.

You can transfer it to another computer using the import/export function. You can send the training file and voice data for our own voice to your friends, for example, so that sound files of your voice can be converted into text on their computers.

Q6. What can be done to improve recognition results?
A6.

First of all, it is necessary to register the voice of the voice recognition user through the training process. (See the section on "Converting sound to text" in the PDF instruction manual that is included with Voice Editing Ver. 2.0.) Repeating the training will improve the recognition ratio.
Premium Edition users can read from any text they like for the training. Reading in a passage of the kind that you will want to convert to text will improve the voice recognition ratio for that material.
The IC Recorder (RR-US490/470/455/450/430/500/065/050/395/380/361/360) should be set to [Dictation] for this.

Note:
The accuracy of voice recognition varies from person to person. You should speak very clearly and without haste. It is also good to do this in quiet surroundings. Pronounce a "." as "period" and a "?" as "question mark."

Q7. Some words are not recognized correctly even if I repeat the training. What can I do to make the software recognize them correctly?
A7.

Use the [Add/Delete Words] function to register the voiced words in the dictionary. After you have added the words to the dictionary, they will be converted to text correctly.

Note:
Depending on the surroundings, the type of word, and the content of the speech, there are cases when words are not correctly converted to text even though they have been registered in the dictionary.

Q8. What kind of voice recognition engine can I use?
A8.

You can use any Microsoft SAPI5 compatible voice recognition engine.

Q9. What is the voice recognition engine being used in Voice Editing Ver.2.0?
A9.

The voice recognition engine is SAPI5 as created by Microsoft Corp.
This is the engine that comes packaged with the Office XP/Office 2003 programs.
Please refer to the following links for more details:

Note:
In the Ver.2.0 Premium Edition, apart from the voice recognition software, there is also the data link function with a superior program for voice recognition, called 'Dragon Naturally Speaking' (sold spearately by Nuance Communication Japan Co. Ltd.). The voice files saved by the IC Recorder (in Mono HQ Mode) can be easily manipulated so that the Dragon Naturally Speaking program can be used to convert the file into a written document. For more details about Dragon Naturally Speaking, please visit the Nuance communications, Inc. website:

Q10. Even if I use the 'Voice-Text Conversion Codes' used by the IC Recorder (models: RR-US490/470/455/450/430/500/065/050/395/380/361/360) , my microphone reception is poor and I cannot complete the training nor can I carry out any dictation. What can I do?
A10.

You can also depending on the type of computer you are using, you may wish to change from your straight mini plug into an L-shaped plug - sometimes this can improve microphone pick up. You can purchase a good set of microphones and headphones on the open market, however depending on the type of PC you are using, it may not be possible to recognise the voice without the microphone provided for your computer.

Q11. Can this program work with the voice recognition engine that comes with Windows Vista?

Q&A About Text-to-Speech
(You should also refer to support on the text-to-speech function.)

Q1. What does the text-to-speech function do?
A1.

Text-to-speech will take words (text) that have been input to the computer and recite them to you out loud. It can use the synthesized voice of the computer to recite e-mail (Outlook Express), Microsoft Word documents, newspaper articles from the Internet, and so on.

Q2. Can text-to-speech audio be saved as a sound file?
A2.

Yes, you can save it as a sound file. If you transfer it to an IC Recorder or Voice compatible equipment , you can carry it with you and play it back wherever you are.

Q3. What kind of text to speech engine can I use?
A3.

You can use any Microsoft SAPI5 compatible text to speech engine.

Q&A About Translation (and Interpretation)

Q1. How does the interpretation function work?
A1.

Interpretation works by combining voice recognition, translation, and text-to-speech. Words spoken into the IC recorder or microphone are immediately converted into text through voice recognition, and that text is translated into the foreign language. The translated text is then recited out loud using the text-to-speech function.

Note:
Translation (interpretation) results are merely one example of translation, and accuracy cannot be guaranteed. We cannot be liable for the Translation (interpretation) results in any way. Additionally, please refrain from publishing, selling, or distributing unedited translation results, which may violate copyright law.
Depending upon the content of the source text, it may not be possible to obtain the desired result in translation (interpretation).

Q2. Can translation results be recited out loud?
A2.

The included text-to-speech engine can recite a translation out loud.

Q3. Can translation results (text) be saved as a sound file?
A3.

Yes, translation results can be saved as sound files. If you transfer those files to an IC Recorder or Voice compatible equipment, you can carry them with you and play them back wherever you are.

Q4. Is it possible to customize the dictionary used by the translation engine?
A4.

The software does not have a user dictionary function. It cannot be customized.

Q5. Is there a learning function?
A5.

No, the software does not have a learning function.

Q6. Does the software have a dictionary of technical terms?
A6.

No, the software does not have a dictionary of technical terms.

Q7. Can I communicate with foreigners using the interpretation function?
A7.

Sometimes voice recognition does not convert speech into text properly, so it may not be possible to obtain the desired result in translation. Therefore this method does not necessarily make it possible to communicate with foreigners.

Q8. The translation result contains garbled characters.
A8.

You should install the additional modules (fonts, etc.) needed by the Windows operating system to display the language that is garbled.

  • In Internet Explorer, choose the View menu (V), then Encoding (D) and More (M). Select the applicable language(s).

For detailed information on adding languages, refer to the operating system instruction manual.

Q&A About Launcher

Q1. What does Launcher do?
A1.

Launcher lets you drag text in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer windows to recite them out loud and translate them.

Q2. What kind of programs are compatible with Launcher?
A2.

Launcher is compatible with software that uses Ctrl+C to "Copy."

Q3. What does the add-in do?
A3.

The add-in works in Word, Excel, and PowerPoint (Office 2000/XP/2003 are supported) to add an icon to the toolbar that will start Voice Editing Launcher. In Internet Explorer (Ver. 6.0), it adds Voice Editing Launcher to the mouse right-click menu.

Q&A About Sound Recording (Simple Recorder)

Q1. What does Simple Recorder do?
A1.

Simple Recorder takes audio that is being played on a computer and records it as sound files. Audio from a CD that you are playing on your computer, audio from Internet radio, and audio that is being input from an external source (such as a microphone) to your computer can be recorded as sound files by Simple Recorder.

Note:
When recording sound from a language learning CD or other such content that is under copyright, copyright law prohibits unauthorized use for purposes other than personal use. Recorded files are for personal use only.

Q2. What sound file formats can be used for recording?
A2.

Voice Editing handles sound files that are saved using codecs for TRC, ADPCM2, and G.726 formats. The saved sound files can also be converted to WAV files using the Voice Editing WAV conversion feature.

Q&A About Save files and Back up files

Q1. Backed up CD-R is CD. Can it be heard by the player or a car audio?
A1.

Yes, you can. If the files are saved as audio playback files, they can be listened to on a CD player, in a car stereo, etc.

Note:
Files backed up to CD-R and saved as data can be played back on Voice Editing, however these cannot be played back on a CD player or in a car stereo system.

Q&A About Compatibility

Q1. Can I play files recorded on devices made by other companies?
A1.

Files Voice Editing Ver.2.0 Software cannot play are marked with "?" in the file list, indicating that they are not compatible.

Q2. I cannot play files that I transferred to a SD Memory Card.
A2.

TRC, ADPCM2, and G.726 formats are incompatible with each other. Convert to the file format to suit the equipment.

Q3. What models are supported by Voice Editing Ver. 2.0?

Miscellaneous Q&A

Q1. There are buttons which do not respond when playing directly from an IC recorder.
A1.

The non-active function buttons are indicated in grey.

Q2. How do I convert files to WAVE?
A2.

Use the conversion feature in the "Voice Editing Ver.2.0 Edition Software. For details, refer to "Converting VM1 to WAVE"

Q3. What are the advantages of converting IC recorder voice files to WAVE format?
A3.

WAVE format can be played on any computer. You can also write them onto a CD-R using writing software, and then play them on a regular CD player.

Note:
The CD-R writing software must support the WAVE formats. See the operating instructions for the software for details.

Q4. When I try to change the title of a subfolder or sound file on an SD Memory Card, the title can't be changed.
A4.

The SD Memory Card may be write-protected (locked). In that case, you should unlock it.

Q5. How can I give my voice files to other people?
A5.

If the person you want to send the file to has Voice Editing Ver.2.0, simply use the Convert to Mail Transfer Format function to convert it to a VM1 (.pvc) file and send it.
If they don't have it, send "VEd1_VM1_Player.exe" along with the VM1 file.

Q6. Can I attach voice files to e-mail?
A6.

Yes, you can. Use the [Convert to Mail Transfer Format] feature, and send "*.pvc" VM1 files and the VEd1_VM1_Player.exe file by e-mail.

Q7. When Voice Editing Ver. 2.0 is displaying files that are on a medium, will it cause a problem to replace the medium?
A7.

If you replace the medium while Voice Editing Ver. 2.0 is displaying files, be sure either to select [Refresh] on the [View] menu or press the F5 key to update the file information.

Note:
Removing media while the sound files on them are being accessed for playback, transfer, conversion, etc., can cause file corruption. Do not remove media while they are being accessed.

Q8. The message "Not enough disk space" appears when I perform an operation although there is plenty of free hard disc space.
A8.

There may not be enough space available in the storage location of temporarily created files in "Temporary Area Settings".
Change the storage location of the temporary files or delete unneeded files so there is space available in this location.
<Changing the storage location>
Select "Options" from the[Settings]menu. The <Options> dialog box appears.
In "Temporary Area Settings", change the storage location to a drive and folder with available space.
Do not specify a removable disc drive in "Temporary Area Settings".
Removing the removable disc could result in a malfunction.

Q9. I can't find files I saved on my computer. Where are they saved?
A8.

The files are "Hidden" attribute files. An SD_VOICE folder is created in the drive root, and the files are saved there.
Refer to your Windows Operating System user's manual regarding hidden file attributes.