FAQs - Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can the digital audio meeting recorders help solve our municipalities' and courts' challenges with off-site meetings?
A: Speech2Data recorders support departmental meetings in non-integrated locations like board rooms, courts, town halls, gymnasiums, and even the outdoors. They run on rechargeable batteries, and have built-in microphones and speakers. They can manage the recording of remote participants. They help reduce background noises and provide the minute taker with the ability to include notes in the recording to help maximize the accuracy of subsequent transcription.
Q: We need a solution to keep accurate minutes during meetings with hundreds of stakeholders. Can your recorder help?
A: Speech2Data recorders provide accurate time/date stamping of all recordings. They can simultaneously record an exact duplicate during the meeting. They minimize room-related background noises and provide speaker identification for subsequent transcription. They enable constant monitoring of the recording. The recording is non-editable.
Q: How much technical skill do I need to operate the recorder?
A: All recording parameters can be preset and memorized so that by simply pressing “record” an optimized recording can proceed. All presets can be modified on the unit touch screen or remotely by authorized IT personnel. The inclusion of remote participants is automatically managed by simply connecting the Speech2Data recorder via USB C with a computer-enabling connection to Zoom, Meetings, WebEx, or other video conferencing software.
Q: We are a small municipality with 5,000 residents. Do you offer recorders for our specific needs and budget?
A: Yes. Speech2Data recorders offer an unprecedented combination of simplicity, flexibility and functionality, matching recording solutions in townships and cities of 5,000 and greater for a fraction of their costs.
Q: How can the Speech2Data recorder help with archiving and evidence management?
A: The Speech2Data recorder offers a minimum of approximately 1,500 hours and can be expanded to 15,000 hours. The device offers a variety of setting options to manage previously recorded files, including transfer to local server or cloud location through settings directly on the touch screen or remotely by IT personnel who have access to the secure ID of the recorder.
Q: Can the recorder help us meet our transcription and recording rules?
A: Yes. The Speech2Data recorder provides a high-quality MPEG-AAC(M4A) or wave file output that will be readily recognized by third-party transcription service providers. Additionally, the recorder offers transcription service providers with integration opportunities, combining the in-room recording with the separate recording created by video conferencing software companies. This eliminates the need for synchronizing the separate recordings before transcribing.
Q: How do the recorders address the challenges with sound in many open and non-integrated spaces?
A: Through the implementation of the Dan Dugan multi-channel speech system into the Speech2Data recorder, background room audio disturbances (air conditioning, open windows, scraping chairs, talk-over and raised voices) are minimized. Additionally, this speech system enables participants to be identified in subsequent transcription and playback activities.
Q: Can the recorder be integrated with existing equipment?
A: The Speech2Data recorders are easily integrated with existing microphone (wired, wireless, arrays), mixers and PA systems. Alternatively, they can function as a standalone system. No technician is needed.
Q: How can the recorder help with backing up the recording file?
A: Backup files are automatically created and stored in two places in the Speech2Data recorder, an internal drive and a USB flash drive. This feature helps avoid accidental removal and loss of files. The recorded files may also be programmed to transfer to on-site servers or cloud servers on an on-demand or programmed cycle.
Q: How can your recorders help with search and indexing?
A: Our Speech2Data l/c recorder index all audio recordings and allow the integration of notes. For ease of search, you can skip to the corresponding audio file related to the notes to avoid the need to listen to the entire recording.
Q: We often need to read back. Does your recorder stop recording when in readback mode?
A: Your audio recording continues as you skip back and read back to the index point. Our Speech2Data recorder offers an efficient way to perform both tasks simultaneously.
Q: Does Speech2Data provide translation or transcription services?
A: S2D recorders generate, and store digital audio recorded files of your meetings. These files can be quickly leveraged with numerous powerful cloud service providers. Speech2Data can help you identify which services (from free to paid subscriptions) will best meet your needs. For more information just email info@speech2data.com.
Q: How does S2D improve the accuracy of preparing meeting minutes?
A: Build-in smart components and software dramatically increase accuracy in several ways. First, meeting date and time are precisely captured. Always. Secondly, background noise management reduction lessens the notetakers stress of hearing attendees talking over each other, air conditioning fans, etc. Thirdly, the notetaker can append the meeting in real time for later refinement of meetings’ findings. Fourthly, where multiple microphones are in use, voices can be clearly separated as individual channels. Finally where remote participants take part in a meeting, the notetaker can be assured of capturing everyone’s voices into one synchronized recorded stream.