2004 Press Release Archive
- (September 15, 2004) Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker Array Microphone enables Clallam County to record public Commissioner Meetings and work sessions
- (June 15, 2004) Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker Array Microphone Certified by Trio Systems for use with its SoniClear recording software
- (May 4, 2004) Broadcast International selects Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker Array Microphone for their Interact Video Conferencing System
- (April 27, 2004) TranscriptionGear.com Certifies the Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker Array Microphone for meeting or transcription recording at long range
- (March 5, 2004) Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker Array Microphone Certified by GeckoSystems for Voice Control of Mobile Robots
- (February 4, 2004) Marshfield Clinic Uses Acoustic Magic's Microphone to Provide Hands-Free/Headset-Free Digital Dictation For Electronic Medical Reporting
Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker™ Array Microphone enables Clallam County to record public Commissioner Meetings and work sessions
Clallam Country, WA September 15, 2004 - Public meetings are often recorded to assure accurate and complete minutes. This presents a challenge to microphone technology, since many of the meetings are held in large, reverberant rooms, where it is difficult to pick up discussion around a table and questions from the audience.
Callam County has met this challenge through the use of the Voice Tracker™ Array Microphone combined with SoniClear digital recording software from Trio Systems.
According to Dan Engelbertson, County Administrator, "Our meetings are held in a 40' by 40' room in an old Courthouse, with hard walls. There was so much reverberation, it was hard to understand what was recorded. The Voice Tracker is a thousand times better than the conventional microphone we were using. We can understand all the speakers around the table during work sessions, and we can understand comments from the audience 30 feet away."
Bob Feingold, CEO of Acoustic Magic notes that "The Voice Tracker™ is a simple and cost effective alternative to installing an expensive sound system with a separate microphone for each person."
The Voice Tracker™ locates a talker and electronically steers a "listening beam," like an acoustic searchlight, in that direction. This creates spatial filtering; sounds and reverberation from other parts of the room are not picked up. In addition, digital noise reduction processing removes background noise. This two-stage noise reduction, coupled with the sensitivity of eight microphone elements, gives the Voice Tracker™ outstanding range and sound quality.
Clallam County uses the Voice Tracker microphone with the SoniClear MeetingPro Gov software running on a Windows computer. MeetingPro automatically records from the Voice Tracker microphone and makes it easy for clerks to record meetings, produce minutes, and research action items. The digital recordings can also be archived on CDROM, posted to a network server, and webcast on the Internet, making meeting information accessible to staff, elected officials, and the public.
About Acoustic Magic, Inc. Acoustic Magic, Inc., located near Boston, manufactures the Voice Trackertm desktop microphone that has found application in speech recognition, meeting and transcription recording, VoIP and conventional teleconferencing, voice control for home automation, and security surveillance. The Voice Tracker™ Array microphone has been Certified by Dragon and ViaVoice speech recognition software, HomeSeer and HAL Home Automation software, as well as SoniClear recording software. For additional information, see www.AcousticMagic.com or contact Bob Feingold (Bob@AcousticMagic.com, or 978 440 9384).
About Trio Systems LLC. Founded in 1978, Trio Systems LLC is a leading provider of recording software and software development components. The company's product offerings include audio recording and streaming software, and embedded database software components for use in small businesses, local governments, education and retail channels. For additional information about the SoniClear product line, see www.soniclear.com or contact Alan Bartholomew (alan@triosystems.com, or 626-584-9706).
Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker Array Microphone Certified by Trio Systems for use with its SoniClear recording software
Pasadena, CA June 15, 2004 - Trio Systems LLC, a leading developer of Windows recording software has Certified the Voice Tracker™ Array Microphone for use with their SoniClear MeetingPro product line.
SoniClear MeetingPro software digitally records board meetings, government meetings, lectures, and other meetings on any Windows computer. When recording in noisy environments, background noise from video projectors, air conditioning, and traffic can obscure softer voices and people speaking far from the microphone. This can make it difficult to hear exactly what was said. Using the Voice Tracker™ with SoniClear MeetingPro solves this problem, resulting in improved recordings and easy transcription of detailed minutes.
The Voice Tracker™ locates a talker and electronically steers a "listening beam," like an acoustic searchlight, in that direction. This creates spatial filtering; sounds from other parts of the room are not picked up. In addition, digital noise reduction processing removes background noise. This two-stage noise reduction, coupled with the sensitivity of eight microphone elements, gives the Voice Tracker™ outstanding range and sound quality.
According to Alan Bartholomew, President of Trio Systems, the Voice Tracker™ Array's automatic directional pickup and noise reduction make it ideally suited to recording meetings. "In our testing, we found the Voice Tracker™ made it possible to accurately capture speaking in noisy meeting rooms, even with people speaking ten or twenty feet away", commented Bartholomew. "Rather than installing an expensive sound system with a microphone for each person, Voice Tracker™ is a simple and cost effective solution."
"We believe that our Voice Tracker™ intelligent array microphone is useful for meeting and deposition recording because it scans a full 180 degree field of view and can even pick up speech from behind," said Bob Feingold, CEO of Acoustic Magic.
SoniClear MeetingPro is available in three versions. MeetingPro Assistant makes it easy to research meetings and to quickly transcribe accurate meeting minutes. MeetingPro Gov and MeetingPro Enterprise have additional features for sharing recordings on CD, over a local area network, and through the Internet. All three versions of MeetingPro have been updated to work specifically with the Voice Tracker™ microphone. In keeping with the ease-of-use of the software, MeetingPro automatically detects that the Voice Tracker™ has been plugged in and records from it. The user does not need to make any configuration changes for this to work correctly.
About Trio Systems LLC. Founded in 1978, Trio Systems LLC is a leading provider of recording software and software development components. The company's product offerings include audio recording and streaming software, and embedded database software components for use in small businesses, local governments, education and retail channels. Trio Systems is a privately held company. For additional information about the SoniClear product line, see www.soniclear.com or contact Alan Bartholomew (alan@triosystems.com, or 626-584-9706).
About Acoustic Magic, Inc. Acoustic Magic, Inc., located in the Boston suburbs, manufactures a desktop microphone that has found application in speech recognition, meeting and transcription recording, VoIP and conventional teleconferencing, voice control for home automation, and security surveillance. The Voice Tracker™ Array microphone has been Certified by Dragon and ViaVoice speech recognition software, HomeSeer Home Automation software, as well as WinScribe dictation recording software. For additional information, see www.AcousticMagic.com or contact Bob Feingold (Bob@AcousticMagic.com, or 978 440 9384).
Broadcast International Selects Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker™ Array Microphone for their Interact™ Video Conferencing System
Sudbury, MA May 4, 2004 - Finding a microphone that can pick up all the talkers in a large meeting room, or classroom, while suppressing background noise so the conversation can be heard at the far end, is a challenge. Often, conferencing systems employ extension or satellite microphones, which are expensive and take up table space.
Broadcast International has found the solution in the Voice Tracker™ desktop array microphone, and selected it to be an integral part of their new, unique high performance video conferencing systems.
John Wilkinson, Vice President of Technology for Broadcast International states "we wanted a microphone that would match our full screen high quality video (up to 30 frames per sec). We choose the Voice Tracker™ array desktop microphone because its signal to noise ratio is so good it can cover the entire room. Its exceptional intelligent array technology and excellent signal to noise ratio provides us superior audio results."
According to Bob Feingold, founder of Acoustic Magic, Inc., "users like the Voice Tracker™ for conferencing applications because, as a single microphone, it is cost effective and can free up table space." Users sometimes mount the Voice Tracker™ on the ceiling, further reducing table clutter and installation cost.
The Voice Tracker™ array microphone locates a talker and electronically steers a "listening beam," like an acoustic searchlight, in that direction. This creates spatial filtering; sounds from other parts of the room are not picked up. In addition, the Voice Tracker™ removes "stationary" background noise with digital noise reduction algorithms. This two-stage noise reduction, coupled with increased sensitivity since the Voice Tracker's eight microphone elements are used continuously and constructively, give the Voice Tracker™ outstanding range and sound quality.
About Broadcast International. Broadcast International is a leading provider of video-powered business solutions, including IP and digital satellite, Internet streaming, and other types of wired/wireless network distribution. The INTERACT™ video conferencing system employs the CodecSys™ System, a patent-pending technology that creates excellent quality video and audio transmission at a fraction of the bandwidth than has been traditionally required. CodecSys™ employs real-time intelligence systems to dynamically change codec settings and/or codecs - on the fly - on a scene-by-scene basis. CodecSys™ provides the highest quality in full-screen, full-motion video at the lowest possible bandwidths. Broadcast International was founded in 1984 and is a public company (OTC Bulletin Board: BCST) headquartered in Salt Lake City, UT. For more information, visit www.brin.com or call 801-562-2252.
About Acoustic Magic, Inc. Acoustic Magic, Inc., located near Boston, manufactures a desktop microphone for application in speech recognition, meeting and transcription recording, VoIP and conventional teleconferencing, voice control for home automation, and security surveillance. The Voice Tracker™ Array microphone has been Certified by Dragon and ViaVoice speech recognition software, HomeSeer Home Automation software, as well as WinScribe and TranscriptionGear dictation recording software. For additional information visit www.AcousticMagic.com or contact Bob Feingold (Bob@AcousticMagic.com) at 978-440-9384.
TranscriptionGear.com Certifies the Acoustic Magic Voice Tracker™ Array Microphone for meeting or transcription recording at long range
Sudbury, MA, April 27, 2004 - TranscriptionGear.com, an Ohio-based on-line retailer of dictation and transcription products, has tested and "Certified" the Voice Tracker™ array microphone from Acoustic Magic, the first in a new Class of microphones that, together with software from TranscriptionGear.com, will extend applications in digital recording and speech recognition.
Kris Wilson, CEO of TranscriptionGear.com, states, "We are excited about the combination of the Voice Tracker™ with our GearDictate recording Software. It will be very helpful for hands-free and headset-free dictation applications. Because the Voice Tracker's long effective range, it enables quality recording in large areas like boardrooms, courtrooms, operating theaters, etc."
Enclosed in a sleek charcoal gray casing, the Voice Tracker™ fits unobtrusively under a computer monitor, or on a shelf or table. Its unique technology locates a talker, and electronically steers a "listening beam", like an acoustic searchlight, in that direction. This creates spatial filtering; sounds from other parts of the room are not picked up. In addition, digital noise reduction algorithms remove constant background noise. This two-stage noise reduction, coupled with increased sensitivity since the Voice Tracker's eight microphone elements are used continuously and constructively, give the Voice Tracker™ outstanding range and sound quality.
According to Bob Feingold, CEO of Acoustic Magic, "The Voice Tracker™ has been used to record meetings, depositions, interrogations, etc. in small offices or conference rooms of 25 feet or more. In some cases, it has been mounted on the ceiling, freeing table space".
The Voice Tracker™ is the only array microphone on the market that can scan a full 180 degrees, and it can steer from one talker to the next in a few milliseconds. The Voice Tracker™ can be connected directly to a handheld recorder, and to a PC through the sound card, or through the USB port (with an optional USB adapter).
About TranscriptionGear.com. TranscriptionGear.com is an on-line superstore featuring everything dictation and transcription for the healthcare, legal, insurance, public safety, and general business marketplace. In addition to featuring all major manufacturers, TranscriptionGear.com offers a complete line of Gear™ software products to assist users in the PC-based capture and distribution of dictation. For additional information, contact www.TranscriptionGear.com at 888-834-2392 or visit www.TranscriptionGear.com.
About Acoustic Magic, Inc. Acoustic Magic, located just outside of Boston, is a privately held company founded in 2000 specializing in array microphones. Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker™ utilizes exclusive technology developed in cooperation with Brown University. For additional information, contact Bob Feingold at 978-440-9384 or visit www.AcousticMagic.com.
Acoustic Magic's Voice Tracker Array Microphone Certified by GeckoSystems for Voice Control of Mobile Robots
CONYERS, GA March 5, 2004 - GeckoSystems Inc., a leading developer of mobile robot solutions has Certified the Voice Tracker™ Array Microphone for use with its CareBot™ Mobile Service Robots (MSRs).
According to Martin Spencer, CEO of GeckoSystems, the combination of the Voice Tracker™ Array's long effective range and the robustness of the GeckoChat™ verbal interaction package enables not only verbal command and control but also surrogate short-term memory assistance such as a verbal reminder for timely medication regimens and other appointments. As part of the Certification process, GeckoSystems tested the Voice Tracker™ Array at ranges of up to fifteen feet in environments with low noise and up to six feet in environments with high noise, while the MSR automatically self-navigated. GeckoSystems is completing the final stages for delivering an MSR platform to home healthcare (telemedicine) markets.
"We believe that our Voice Tracker™ intelligent array microphone is useful for robotics command and control because it scans a full 180 degree field of view in front of the robot, and can even pickup speech from behind," said Bob Feingold, CEO of Acoustic Magic.
The Voice Tracker locates a talker and electronically steers a "listening beam," like an acoustic searchlight, in that direction. This creates spatial filtering; sounds from other parts of the room are not picked up. In addition, constant background noise is removed by digital noise reduction algorithms. This two-stage noise reduction, coupled with increased sensitivity since the Voice Tracker's eight microphone elements are used continuously and constructively, give the Voice Tracker outstanding range and sound quality. Mr. Spencer stated, "We are very pleased with this contemporary solution to our verbal interaction system's need for clarity for robust voice recognition."
About GeckoSystems, Inc. GeckoSystems, Inc. (GSI) is a leading developer of mobile robot solutions based in Conyers (Atlanta metro), Georgia, specializing in supplying service robots that autonomously navigate home, office, or place of business facilities without human assistance. GSI's products readily address mobile monitoring needs for: Law Enforcement & Security (Homeland Security), Professional Healthcare (telemedicine), and Consumer (family care, home security). For additional information, see www.GeckoSystems.com or contact Martin Spencer (MSpencer@GeckoSystems.com), or 678 413 9236.
About Acoustic Magic, Inc. Acoustic Magic, Inc., located in the Boston suburbs, manufactures a desktop microphone that has found application in speech recognition, meeting and transcription recording, VoIP and conventional teleconferencing, and voice control for home automation. The Voice Trackertm Array microphone has been Certified by Dragon and ViaVoice speech recognition software, HomeSeer Home Automation software, as well as WinScribe dictation recording software. For additional information, see www.AcousticMagic.com or contact Bob Feingold (Bob@AcousticMagic.com), or 978 440 9384.
Marshfield Clinic Uses Acoustic Magic's Microphone to Provide Hands-Free/Headset-Free Digital Dictation For Electronic Medical Reporting
SUDBURY, MA February 4, 2004 - Digital dictation, for later transcription, has the potential to make data entry into electronic medical reporting systems much more efficient.
However, many medical organizations have been reluctant to use digital dictation because systems require use of either a headset or handheld microphone for sufficient recognition accuracy. Some transcribers may feel unreasonably tethered by a headset and inconvenienced if they get up from the computer frequently. A handheld microphone can be a problem if the user needs to hold charts.
Marshfield Clinic has found a solution for at least 12 of its transcribers who now use the Voice Tracker™ array desktop microphone, replacing their headset or handheld microphone.
The Marshfield Clinic system provides patient care, research and education with 41 locations in northern, central, eastern and western Wisconsin, making it one of the largest comprehensive medical systems in the United States.
Chuck Heiting, Marshfield Clinic Information Systems Administration and Planning manager, noted that if the end-user is comfortable with a headset that is the best solution since "accuracy will always be best with a headset. "However," he added, "in reasonably quiet environments, the Voice Tracker™ array microphone's accuracy is nearly the same."
According to Bob Feingold, founder of Acoustic Magic, Inc., the Voice Tracker™ is the first desktop microphone that is effective in long-range recording because it combines two levels of noise reduction with a wide field of view.
The Voice Tracker™ locates a talker and electronically steers a "listening beam," like an acoustic searchlight, in that direction. This creates spatial filtering; sounds from other parts of the room are not picked up. In addition, constant background noise is removed by digital noise reduction algorithms. This two-stage noise reduction, coupled with increased sensitivity since the Voice Tracker's eight microphone elements are used continuously and constructively, give the Voice Tracker™ outstanding range and sound quality.
The Voice Tracker™ can be connected to a PC through the sound card, or through the USB port using the optional USB adapter.
The Voice Tracker™ has been certified for use with WinScribe for digital recording for later transcription as well as Dragon and ViaVoice for direct speech recognition. More product detail is available at www.AcousticMagic.com.
For more information, contact Bob Feingold, 978-440-9384, or at Bob@AcousticMagic.com.
