For business and leisure on the go

The Olympus DM-550 and DM-450: High-quality audio recording, music and more

Hamburg, 22 July 2009 – With the very latest audio processing technology on board, the new Olympus DM-550 and DM-450 bring high quality to users’ fingertips. These models record every detail in order to ensure peace of mind and let you enjoy your favourite music, audiobooks or podcasts during breaks. They offer incredible Olympus recording and playback quality, not to mention great style at an affordable price. The DM-550 even boasts linear PCM recording quality. Both devices make navigation a breeze with Voice Guidance and multiple language menus. In addition, 51 hours of battery life, battery save technology and a USB charge function ensure that you’ll never be left hanging. With a range of practical accessories and brand new Olympus Sonority software, the new models are the ideal companion to capture important moments anywhere from the meeting table to the lecture hall. The powerful and accessible DM-550 and DM-450 hit stores in mid August 2009.

Durable and light, the Olympus DM devices are designed for business people and students. Their tactile precision buttons, intuitive operation, and voice guided menu guarantee that even visually impaired users can capture meetings or personal notes with ease. For those precious moments of relaxation, music and podcasts are also on hand.

The DM-550 and DM-450 offer a number of clever and practical features: low-cut filters to enhance recording quality; index and temp marks; separate storage folders for audio, music and podcasts for simplified file management; various repeat functions; and customisable playback speed. A clear backlit LCD makes it easy to check recording levels while Euphony sound enhancement technology ensures more realistic playback.

Capturing every detail is simple with built-in stereo noise cancelling microphones and an optional remote control to enable recordings to be started and stopped from a distance. Furthermore, three microphone sensitivity levels can record sound from different sources in incredible quality for an incomparably clear audio experience. Music and audiobook lovers alike will appreciate being able to playback in WAV, WMA and MP3 formats. Podcasters, on the other hand, can enjoy a treat of their own: a practical podcast button allows podcasts to be received automatically. For convenience, both models boast a Recording Monitor, a wide range of recording formats, and a microSD / microSDHC card slot for unlimited recording options.

DM-550
With 4GB of storage space, the powerful DM-550 offers huge memory capacity for hundreds of files. They can be saved and organised into multiple folders. Files can also be split or particular sections from a PCM format recording deleted. A practical intro play feature also makes finding files easier. This comes in handy when recording in incredible linear PCM quality equivalent to that of a CD. Moreover, the recording level on the sleek black metal DM-550 can be adjusted manually and automatically for additional control.

DM-450
The attractive silver DM-450 is an affordable high-quality companion. Audiobooks, MP3s, podcasts or meeting notes all fit neatly onto its 2GB of file storage space. Versatile recording formats further guarantee a stress-free audio processing experience.

Brand new Olympus Sonority software
To accompany the launch of the DM-550 and DM-450, Olympus is releasing Sonority – a new audio management software solution. The new Sonority software enables the efficient management of audio files as well as providing several editing functions and web services such as RSS information or podcast channel subscription. Sonority can also improve the functionality of the DM-550 and DM-450 by managing automatic updates, upgrades and downloads. In addition, a “Plus” version can be purchased online. This enables customisation of the DM-550 and DM-450 menu as well as the writing of audio CDs and MP3s. What’s more, a music editing plug-in can also be purchased to enable multiple tracks and more than 20 advanced additional effects. The new audio management solution is compatible with both Windows and Macintosh operating systems.

The new DM models come with an incredible 51 hours of battery life and a choice of recording qualities for all your file capturing needs. Featuring a menu in six display languages to ensure easy handling, both of these
PC-compatible models include 17 voice guidance languages.

Boasting a number of practical accessories and powerful functions, the DM-550 and DM-450 are perfect for busy people on the go. Sold with Olympus Sonority software, they become available in mid August 2009.

Main features of Olympus DM-550, DM-450:
• High storage capacities (built-in):
- 4GB (DM-550)
- 2GB (DS-450)
• MicroSD/microSDHC card slot for extendable memory
• Versatile recording quality options:
- Mono: LP, SP, HQ
- Stereo: STSP, STHQ, STXQ
- Linear PCM 44.1/48kHz 16bit (DM-550 only)
• Recording and Playback formats
• Scene modes
• Stereo low noise designed microphones
• Enhanced voice guidance system (in addition to spoken menu): communicates information about battery levels and intro scan playback, leads users through the set-up navigation
• Timer recording
• Ease of use: includes a large, high-contrast LCD screen with  backlight plus prominent precision buttons
• Advanced Euphony options: expands the sound space to convey more realistic playback, even with headphones
• Olympus Sonority software: plays back, organises, and edits files when they are transferred to a PC.
• Podcast function with bookmarking for easy stop-and-go listening
• Customisable playback speed of 50-200%
• Simple to manage: five storage folders plus music folder (up to 128 messages per folder) and podcast folder, plus automatic archiving and synchronisation
• Longer lasting: two rechargeable AAA batteries provide up to 20 hours’ playback or over 51 hours’ recording time in LP mode, batteries can be charged within the device via USB cable (optional AC adapter)
• Fast-transfer ready: move files to or from PC via a Hi-Speed USB  2.0 cable
• More possibilities: a number of accessories are available
 
PC requirements:
• Windows XP/Vista
• CPU: 32 bits (x86) of 1GHz and above or 64 bits (x64) processor
• RAM: 512MB or more
• Hard drive space: 300MB or more
• Drive: 2x or faster CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drive
• Audio: Creative Labs Sound Blaster 16 or 100% compatible sound
• USB port: one free USB port
• Display: 1024 x 768 pixels or more, 65,536 colours or more
• Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later
• Earphone output or speakers
• Internet access
Note: USB ports are not supported under Windows 95 or upgrades from Windows 95

Macintosh requirements:
• Mac OS X 10.4 plus
• CPU: PowerPC G5 or Intel Multicore Processor 1.5 GHz and above
• RAM: 512MB or more
• Hard drive space: 300MB or more
• Drive: 2x or faster CD-ROM, CD-R, CD-RW, DVD-ROM drive
• Audio device
• USB port: one free USB port
• Display: 1024 x 768 pixels or more, 32,000 colours or more
• Macintosh Safari 2.0 later
• Earphone output or speakers
• Internet access

For questions or additional information, please contact:

Myriam Held
Olympus Europa Holding GmbH
Tel.: +49-40-237 73-5867
Email: myriam.held@olympus-europa.com