1) More Features: Digital recorders and pc based transcription software offer far more features than traditional transcription equipment. Digital voice recorders allow the user to set a "User Name/Author ID", select a "file type", for example "New Patient" or "Follow up Visit", in addition to being able to assign instructions to a file. When the file is downloaded to the pc, the file is identified with the file type "new patient", "name of author" and a marker indicating recorded instructions are included.   The dictation file can be played using a pc based foot pedal to control playback through headphones or pc speakers.  

2) Secure File Storage: Since these units are computer based, recorded audio can be securely stored and archived on the pc hard drive. Once the recorder is connected to the pc, the system automatically downloads dictations to the pc and the files can be viewed, played, edited, and saved through the editor/transcription software.  The software also allows automatic distribution of recordings through e-mail or FTP. In addition typed documents can be linked to the original recording for easy review or further correction if needed.  

3) Integration with other applications:  PC based transcription offers greater usability as many of the transcription applications are integrated with some of the most widely used productivity applications on the market today including Microsoft Word and Microsoft Outlook.  Other examples of integration include the ability to utilize speech recognition applications to transcribe audio files to text.