Which version of Dragon NaturallySpeaking do I need?
Depending on your requirements and we supply Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred, Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional, Dragon Medically Speaking, and Dragon NaturallySpeaking Legal.
For general use, the Dragon NaturallySpeaking Preferred edition will work in most Microsoft applications. If your aim if to speed up workflow in having text transcribed ion screen in place of typing, this solution will suffice. However, for full support of Microsoft Outlook, and Microsoft Office 2007 you should buy Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional edition. This ensures that you can dictate into a wider range of applications, navigate and control applications by voice and use the command and macro creation features to devise a solution to exactly meet all your computing requirements.
In brief, features found in the Professional V10 edition which are not present in Preferred include;
- Third party correction option
- Advanced scripting, macros and shortcut command creation
- Roaming profile options or enterprise wide deployment
- Addition of a professional vocabulary (e.g. medial, legal) possible
- Navigation of the web, databases and office programmes by voice alone
You should also buy Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional edition if you require integration with bespoke applications or use of Dragon across a network (hot desking). Professional edition also supports Citrix environments.
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Medical and Legal editions are available for those that require a more tailored vocabulary and use of the software in medical/legal applications.
To view specifically the benefits Medical has over the professional edition, please refer to Dragon medical version 10
Do I Need Speech Recognition?
Yes! All computer users can benefit from speech recognition. Whether it is automating repetitive tasks/completing templates, or typing long reports/letters. Dragon NaturallySpeaking can allow you to increase your productivity by up to 300%. The average typist can type at around 40 words per minute, but can speak at 140-160 words per minute. This allows a three-page, 900 word letter to be done in six minutes rather than 22 minutes. For a better idea of how Dragon can benefit you contact us to discuss your needs.
Can I Try Before I Buy?
Unfortunately there is no demonstration edition of the Dragon Speech Recognition Software available for us to send you. However, you can view dragon working in the major Microsoft applications by visiting our demonstrations page.
From time to time we do provide online meetings/demonstrations and open day events at our offices in Farnley, West Yorkshire. Such events will be announced in the News and Events section on our website. Alternatively you can contact us to enquire about upcoming events and to book your attendance.
I you are looking to source speech recognition for multiple users, we can also arrange to visit your company to provide a site demonstration. This is ideal for anyone requiring advice and guidance on the best solution and how best to implement a speech recognition roll out.
To discuss your requirement and the possibility of arranging a demonstration, please Contact Us.
Will Speech Recognition work on my PC?
Dragon NaturallySpeaking Version 10 is compatible with most PCs, however we would recommend you check with our specifications below:
Minimum Specification:
Intel® Pentium® / 1 GHz processor or equivalent AMD processor. Faster processors will yield faster performance. 512 MB RAM or 1 GB RAM for Windows Vista™. Free hard disk space: 2 GB, DVD-ROM drive (required for installation). Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6 or higher (free download available at www.microsoft.com). Nuance-approved noise-cancelling headset microphone - other models and hand-held input devices available. A web connection is required for activation.
Recommended Specification:
Intel® Pentium® / 2.4 GHz processor (1.6 GHz dual core processor) or equivalent AMD processor. Faster processors will yield faster performance. 1 GB RAM (Windows Vista™ will benefit from as much memory as possible). Free hard disk space: 2 GB, DVD-ROM drive (required for installation). Microsoft® Internet Explorer 6 or higher (free download available at www.microsoft.com). Nuance-approved noise-cancelling headset microphone - other models and hand-held input devices available. A web connection is required for activation.
Can I Install Dragon on More Than One PC?
Yes. Dragon NaturallySpeaking is licensed to a user's voice rather than a PC. This means that you can have more than one voice profile and can install on more than one computer providing that you are the only one using the solution.
For example: you could install on your home PC, your work PC, and a laptop. It is not permitted for more than one person to enroll their voice under a single licence. If you require this option, a second or multi user licence is required.
For more information on multiple user licensing, and using Dragon across a network contact us.
Do I Need Training?
Dragon Naturally Speaking is an intuitive and simple to use program. Nonetheless, we recommend training to ensure you get the most from software.
With VoicePower training, we will set up a user profile to suit your hardware and vocabulary. You will be shown how to use Dragon within the applications that you use on a day-to-day basis.
All training comes with specialised documentation and six months first-line support. Dragon NaturallySpeaking takes moments to learn, but a lifetime to master!
For further information about our training sessions please refer to the Training Section of our website.
Will Dragon work with my bespoke templates/applications?
Yes. Providing you have the Professional edition, Dragon NaturallySpeaking can be integrated to most applications. VoicePower specialises in consultancy and integration to improve your efficiency. You will need to Dragon NaturallySpeaking Professional Edition in order to create the commands required to integrate with a bespoke application. This will also allow you to share the commands throughout your organisation.
Contact Us to discuss your individual requirements.
Can you Help Me!?
Whether you are a current speech recognition user who hits a problem or require support in getting started, VoicePower offers both training and support packages to assist.
All of our training comes with detailed documentation and a six-month support contract. This is in the form of first-line telephone, e-mail, and remote access assistance.
You will be notified when a current support is in need of renewal, at which stage we can provide you details on pricing for an annual renewal.
If you are a new customer or have taken training with someone else in the past, you can still take out support with us. Simple get in touch to discuss your requirements.
For full details regarding our support services, please refer to the Support Section of our website.
Which Microphone is Best for Speech Recognition?
A headset microphone is often the best choice for speech recognition as it prevents movement of the boom and ensures an equal positioning from the mouth at all times. Many of the headset microphones also incorporate noise cancelling features, mute switches and quick disconnect cables for good accuracy and easy of use. For those who prefer a handheld device, the Philips SpeechMike pro USB is a good choice. USB microphones ensure that any possible issues with onboard soundcards are bypassed so are often preferable to a jack connection.
To view the range of input devices VoicePower has to offer, please see our Microphone Section
Which Digital Recorder Best Suits My Needs?
For anyone wishing for a professional product to use as part of a larger scale system (a mix of recorders and transcription kits with files sent and stored on a network) the Olympus Pro Line Range (DS 5000, AS 5000, DS 4000, DS 3300, DR 2000 Executive Kit) or the Philips 9600 and 7277 secretarial kit are the best options. Alternatives a digital dictation solution such as WinScribe or Lexacom.
For small scale digital dictation e.g. 2 or 3 users, the Olympus Player range (DS 2400 and AS 2400) may be suitable.
If you require a unit for the recording of a meeting or conference, a specially designed conference kit such as the Philips 955 or Olympus 55, 65 or 75 conference solutions is ideal.
For personal note taking and reminders and music, models such as the Olympus DS 55, 65 and 75, LS – 10 or WS series should be considered.
Can I Combine Speech Recognition With Digital Dictation?
Yes! There are various options allowing the combination of speech recognition and digital dictation:
Winscribe:
Winscribe consists of a digital dictation system with the option for both direct and back end speech recognition.
Dragon with a Digital Recorder:
This method allows the recording of dictation which is then downloaded onto the PC and transcribed through dragon. Please consult the recording formats compatible with dragon if looking to purchase a digital recorder (DNS version 10 is compatible with a much larger range of recording formats that previous releases).
There is an advantage in opting for an Olympus Pro Line digital recorder if you intend to use it with dragon transcription. Within the software module packaged with these recorder, a direct toolbar link to dragon is available. This makes the transcription process that bit smoother and is extremely quick and easy to use.
NOTE: Transcription through dragon is suitable only for a single speaker due to licencing and ability of the software to deal with multiple voices and conversational overlaps.
If you require a system to transcribe multiple voices, please refer to the MultiSpeak Solution which is currently in development.
Can I Upgrade my Speech Recognition Software?
If you have a full copy loaded on your computer or have the CD and installation key, you can purchase an upgrade for a release up to 2 versions old. E.g. if you have version 8 or 9, you can upgrade to 10. For older versions a full release must be purchased.