Finally, an update to our Speech Technology State of the Art Newsletter.

We're starting off by reviewing Wireless Microphones for speech recognition and voice recognition applications. We'll follow up with reviews on recorders for dictation, transcription and conference recording equipment, etc.

Wireless Microphone review for Voice Recognition Software
Wireless Microphone Review 2007
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We've all been searching for that one solution that can do it all. Computer control and transcription through voice recognition.

Well, we are there. With Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9, we can achieve 99% accuracy. And many people do!

Year after year, Dragon NaturallySpeaking gets better. In just a few years, I'm sure we'll all be at 99% accuracy. We may even have the "Meeting & Conference Dragon Transcriber" which everyone wants, but doesn't quite exist yet. In all, as we integrate voice processing into our lives, the microphones must continue to evolve and simply disappear.

I am a Trekkie, largely because I believe we can reach that height of technology in my lifetime. I love those lapel communicators they wear. A simple tap and your on! In fact, we've even thought about coming up with our own line. But, stop the engines! Why build something that's already out there.

We found a company called Revolabs. They have a beautiful microphone called "The Revolabs Desktop Solo Wireless Lapel Microphone" which gets us closer to our future reality.

Enter the wireless world!

We're going to cover most of the popular wireless microphones used with voice recognition software. Keep in mind that all microphones with good quality speech & voice recognition ratings also perform well and increase quality in VOIP applications, including use with Skype, Messenger applications, and more.

Nuance, the makers of Dragon NaturallySpeaking rates microphones for performance in speech recognition. Unfortunately, Nuance does not have the capabilities to test all known working microphones because there are simply too many, and every person's environment is different so your performance may vary.

Dragon Rating	Microphone Description
	Shure PGW-TCHS
	Revolabs Solo Desktop
	Plantronics CS 50
Not Rated Eq to CS50	Plantronics CS 55/mod
	VXI BlueParrott B1000-GTX
	Xovox Xcommunicator 6
Not Rated	Arialphone AP101
	GN Netcom/Jabra 9300 Series

For years, we've been looking at high quality wireless voice recognition microphones. The toughest decision is usually the tradeoff between comfort and accuracy, form factor and performance! There are a lot of great contenders.

We'll start off with the highest rated wireless microphone.

Shure PGW-TCHS

This is a custom system used with Shure's PGW line along with a specially made computer cable and some modifications from the basic components.

With a 5 Dragon rating, it is the highest rated wireless headset. Providing the best performance with the ability to block out background noise with zero to minimal loss in performance whether or not you are in front of your computer. Comes in headset and lapel models along with a few different options (like a condenser headset instead of the included dynamic one, and/or connect to computer via USB) to get the best accuracy. For some, it's no big deal to wear a headset with a wire attached to a belt pack or having to replace the battery twice a week (or use rechargeable batteries with a separate charger). Dealing with a few of these extra tasks, you will be able to achieve the highest accuracy possible with a wireless solution with noise canceling. Shure PGW systems are RF Wireless Systems capable of working through multiple user selectable frequencies.

Revolabs Solo Desktop

Introducing the beginning to the revolution.

It's small, it's easy, it's wireless, and it's secure! It gets a 4 Dragon rating from Nuance for use with Dragon NaturallySpeaking, and it's virtually invisible.

Do you want the microphone to simply disappear? Well, Revolabs makes that possible with the Solo Desktop. On top of it's cool size, it's also high-tech. The Solo Desktop supports full encryption, while giving high quality audio and it's the most wireless you'll ever get.

Revolabs Solo Desktop is the size of a lipstick. You can clip it anywhere, but the closer, the better as with all microphones. The Solo Desktop can also be handheld if you would prefer. Unfortunately, it doesn't have great noise canceling, but if you can control noise in your environment, this is the answer!

Pairing is a walk in the park. You press the button on the base station, then you press the button on the microphone, and you are in business. I've been using mine for over a month and I have not had to pair it since it started working. The Revolabs Solo Desktop is not a Bluetooth microphone. However, it uses secure encrypted RF Frequencies, which is great for individuals dealing with sensitive data.

Bluetooth Headsets and Microphones

Available Bluetooth microphones are VXI BlueParrott B1000GTX, Xovox Xcommunicator 6, the Nokia BH900 and the Jabra BT500, listed in order of preference.

The great thing about Bluetooth headsets is the fact that you can use them with any Bluetooth device including cell phones, PDA's, GPS, etc.. However, Bluetooth headsets and microphones are troubled by somewhat longer and more frequent pairing sessions.

What is pairing? Basically, you have to tell the Bluetooth Receiver to look for a new device. You also have to tell the headset (transmitter) to transmit a signal to the receiver. So, you run through each device. When they find each other, they will either automatically hand off a pin number or you have to enter one. More on Bluetooth at the wiki (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bluetooth)

Pairing can become a pain after a while. Sometimes, you'll get good consistent results, sometimes you won't. Sometimes, the pairing process is just too darn complicated for some people. Sometimes, it works, no problem. Some products are more problematic than others but this may depend on your area. It's really hit and miss. It really depends on the individual and the dictating environment.

Plantronics CS 50

Plantronics has always made great products. They usually give you good quality. Not always the best (many times it is), and definitely never the worst. Getting a Plantronics is usually a safe bet. That's no exception with the Plantronics CS USB. It's a decent wireless microphone, noise canceling , and performs well with DNS. It is a truly wireless headset with no wires (except for the USB connection and power adapter). It's a nice system. We've taken their concept and stepped it up another level and added a computer/telephone switch below.

Plantronics PL55S/Mod

Our modified Plantronics wireless system allows you to switch between computer and telephone. Sometimes it's tricky setting up the levels, but when they are set right, you have one headset for telephone and computer use. Never any pairing required, runs on 1.9 GHz frequencies and works very well.

Arialphone AP101

This is another specialty wireless microphone that has been very helpful for many. This headset not only gives good speech recognition accuracy for Dragon NaturallySpeaking, but it has its own voice recognition software for the telephone. You can call people by simply saying dial 555-555-1212 or call John at the office. Works with Microsoft Outlook Address Book. This headset is also great for people with disabilities as it comes in a special needs version allowing accessibility switches to be used with the system such as a tap or sip & puff switch.

GN Netcom / Jabra 9330USB

Yet another wireless headset solution that has its own integrated computer/telephone switch system integrates computer / telephone switch and has a USB connection to the computer. Gives some noise canceling, and can work with a handset lifter to pickup your telephone from anywhere in the office.

THE TIME IS RIGHT!

All in all, the time is right for wireless speech recognition and it's getting better! Wireless microphones for speech recognition have always been around but the quality is better, the products are smaller and they are more functional.

We are hoping microphones disappear in 4-5 years. Sure, the mics will be there, you just won't see them.

While wireless technology is still not perfect, it definitely makes computing by voice a lot simpler and more invisible!

This article was written with the help of Dragon NaturallySpeaking 9 Professional Solutions.

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(c) 2007 New World Creations - All Rights Reserved - Written by Enrique Padilla.