Sony ICD-PX720 Digital Voice Recorder with PC Link
Sony ICD-PX720 Digital Voice Recorder with PC Link see short title
Product Rating:
Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows, 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Business Ultimate Supplied Software : Digital Voice Editor (CD-ROM)
Operating System Compatibility : Microsoft Windows, 2000 Professional, XP Home, XP Professional, Vista Home Basic, Vista Home Premium, Vista Business Ultimate Supplied Software : Digital Voice Editor (CD-ROM) « short desciption
User Reviews
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Review Date: 2009-11-24
I bought this device to record conference speakers for our organization. I decided on this unit after reading that it has excellent sound quality and can record in mp3 format at 192kb encoding. Both of these are true: the only positive thing I can say about this unit is that the sound quality is fantastic. It's getting the files off of the device that proves next to impossible if you use Windows 7.
The ICD-PX720 does not support UPnP (Universal Plug and Play). UPnp is pretty much the standard for audio devices be they voice recorders or mp3 players. It allows Windows (all versions) and Mac (OSX 10.xx) to view the device as a hard disk and add/remove files to it using Windows Explorer or Finder in Max OSX. Without UPnP, the only way to move files on or off the recorder is using Sony's proprietary Digital Voice Editor software 3.2.01. This software is Windows only (read this voice recorder does not support Macs or Linux!). It also DOES NOT SUPPORT Windows 7. I tried using various compatibility modes in Windows 7, but to no avail.
I've always considered Sony as a brand to be a little more expensive, but worth it because of quality and service. Sadly, in this case they have dropped the ball. Not having a Windows 7 tool set available at the end of November 2009 when the Windows 7 release candidate and beta have been out for almost a year is just inexcusable. This is literally the only device I've found in 6-months of using Windows 7 (beta, then RC, then the final release) that does not support Windows 7. Add in that it is unusable by those who prefer Macs & Linux, and it really is an inferior device to the other, similarly priced voice recorders on the market. I intend to return this device. I've already bought a Olympus Digital Voice Recorder (VN 6200PC) that is UPnP and doesn't require proprietary software to access my audio recordings--it's not perfect but it's 5x better than this piece of trash.
Conclusions:
1) Has great audio quality
2) Is not a UPnP device
3) Does not support Mac or Linux, nor does it currently (Nov. 2009) support Windows 7
4) Requires a proprietary software to function
5) Inferior to other similarly priced options
1.5 stars out of 5. Not recommended unless you run Windows XP or Vista only and don't mind being locked into using a proprietary software to access your files.
User: Nathan Beauchamp
Rating:
Summary: Not a UPnP Device. Requires proprietary software to work. No support for Mac, Linux, or Windows 7
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-19
Here is the email I received from Sony when I tried to connect:
"Thank you for contacting Sony Support.
"I'm sorry that the Sony Digital Voice Editor Software does not recognize the Voice Recorder in the Computer. The IC Recorder is not compatible with the Windows 7 Operating System. The Digital Voice Editor software 3.2.01 is compatible with Vista and XP operating System only. In order to transfer the recording please use the analog interface. Connect the Headphone out from the IC Recorder to the Audio IN jack in your computer if available.
"Thank you for your time.
"The Sony Email Response Team"
UPDATE: Read the comments on this review. The first one links to a newer version of the software that is available from the Sony Asia website. The commenter says you can run the software in Vista compatibility mode. I have not been able to verify this, but changed my review title from "Does not work with Windows 7" to "Does it work with Windows 7?"
If and when I buy another digital voice recorder, it will be one that does NOT use proprietary software to transfer the resulting files to my computer. It should work like my MP3 player, where the files are visible to the operating system -- whether it's Windows, Mac, or Linux -- just like a USB drive.
User: Dr. David Wilson-Okamura
Rating:
Summary: Does it work with Windows 7?
Helpful Votes: 3
Total Votes: 3
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Review Date: 2009-11-13
When my Nextel phone is near about 10~15cm, big noises like "tec-tec-tec-tec" is recorded too.
Its occurs when phone is ringing, dialing, talking and making network handshaking.
Take care if you need to record meeting over Nextel calls!
Other mobile phones does not show this feature at this moment.
Nextel have license to operate at 800/900/1.500MHz in Brazil.
User: Charles Mendes
Rating:
Summary: Records with RF interference from mobile phone
Helpful Votes: 0
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-12
This recorder has been a life saver in a very difficult class. I no longer scramble to take hand written notes only to miss what is being discussed as I write down what was just talked about. I do use the recorder with a microphone attached. I listen to the recordings (with earphones) prior to tests which helps me tremendously with my studying. The sound is slightly tinny but I don't mind. It gets the job done and I'll never attend class again without it. My Mother also uses the recorder when she visits her doctor as she is having trouble remembering what he says. It takes a great load off her mind.
User: Stephen King
Rating:
Summary: Life saver
Helpful Votes: 1
Total Votes: 1
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Review Date: 2009-11-02
Has many features that match many needs. I record gas prices for an online reporting service. I wanted something that could be operated very easily which this does. I was not able to use the VOX feature in the car due to road noise. Battery life is very good with an usage indicator. Playback time compression adds to its usability.
User: E. J. Weatherby
Rating:
Summary: Works good. Compact.
Helpful Votes: 0
Total Votes: 0
Product Details
- PC compatible with Microsoft Windows
- 288 hours of recording time (LP mode)
- 1 GB Flash Memory
- Stereo recording with external microphone
- Correct dictation in playback
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