Express Scribe Now .ds2 Compatible

As of version 5.30 Express Scribe (Windows) can now load and play DSS Pro audio files, better known as .ds2 files, from both Olympus and Philips recorders.

A point of great angst for nearly two years now with the fleet of transcriptionists worldwide who dedicate their lives to audio typing using Express Scribe, the handy free software from NCH that will play just about every audio format known to man has finally overcome its greatest hurdle, the .ds2 file.

Prior to this update typists who received a .ds2 audio file had a few options:

• Ask the sender to convert to .dss or other compatible format
• Upgrade their own transcription software to a paid Olympus kit
• Buy software to convert the audio for them

So what are you waiting for, head over to http://www.nch.com.au/scribe and get the latest version and become .ds2 compatible. (Not yet Mac, just the Windows people).

Express Scribe and .ds2 Files Don't Mix - But There Are Ways Around This

Since the launch of the latest professional Olympus digital dictaphones (Ds-2400, DS-3400 and DS-5000) which all record out of the box in .ds2 (DSS Pro) transcribing the default audio files is an issue for many small and micro transcription companies who use free transcription software.

Digital Speech Standard Pro or .ds2 audio files as they are more commonly known is the latest audio file format employed by the big boys in the digital dictation world, namely Olympus and Philips. The DSS standard was created by them along with other players like Grundig as a way to keep audio quality high and at the same time keep audio file sizes small. And what a great job they have done.

For many transcription businesses the popular free transcription software from NCH SwiftSound called Express Scribe is used. This is excellent software and a real bargain for free, but it currently can not playback .ds2 files and nor is it likely to in the near future. The reason is not because NCH can't be bothered to support the format, the reason is because there is a cost involved. DSS Pro is proprietary software meaning Olympus and Philips own the rights to the codec for the audio.

There are of course ways to convert .ds2 audio files to older and open audio formats to enable files to be loaded into and played by Express Scribe. However if you are serious about your transcription business you should consider investing in software from Olympus or Philips. It does not necessarily have to be their transcription kits either. In our main blog we look at the options available for users from both the Mac and Windows sides of the fence on how to transcribe .ds2 audio files.