Top quality sound at an exceptionally reasonable price

The latest digital voice notetakers from the Olympus VN series: Quality and ease

Hamburg, 25 August 2008 – Olympus introduces four smart additions to its popular VN range of go-anywhere notetakers that let you “take it easy”: the VN-5500, plus the PC-compatible VN-3500PC, VN-5500PC and VN-6500PC versions. Like their successful predecessors, they combine renowned Olympus recording and playback quality with outstanding versatility for exceptional value. These stylish, newly designed models are the pinnacle of user-friendliness. Easy-to-navigate menus and ultra-long recording capacities provide terrific convenience for capturing everything from personal notes and lectures to messages to other family members and to-do lists. What’s more, the PC models record in the high-quality and widespread WMA format. Matched with their Hi-Speed USB interface, compatibility problems will never be an issue. Each model features its own distinctive colour scheme. The VN-5500 is available now, and the VN-3500PC, VN-5500PC and VN-6500PC will hit shelves from late October 2008.

The VN series notetakers provide the ultimate in digital recording simplicity. One large, centrally-located button gives access to the most commonly-used functions and a clear LCD which provides important file information graces the front of these sleekly-designed recorders. No matter which model is chosen, hundreds of files can be saved and organised in multiple folders. Thanks to the indexing facility, users can mark particularly important parts of recordings for easy location during playback. Voice notes can be reviewed at variable speeds, thereby ensuring optimal versatility – irrespective if wishing to transcribe the file or a just wanting to quickly review the file contents.

Each VN model comes with ample memory and a choice of recording qualities to provide extensive scope for individual file capturing needs – the VN-5500 even manages up to an incredible 300 hours in LP mode. Battery life is equally impressive. Maximum recording times of at least 30 hours are possible with any of these new VN notetakers.

For added versatility, the VN-3500PC, VN-5500PC and VN-6500PC allow hassle-free connection to a computer via Hi-Speed USB. The top-quality WMA format files can be transferred with ease and then played back on just about any PC-based audio player.

Further special features give the top model in the VN series line-up – the VN-6500PC – added appeal. Dual voice and low-cut filters enhance recording quality and the repeat play function optimises operability. And in addition to stereo earphones, a high-quality microphone also comes as standard.

Every VN model boasts five languages which can be displayed on the LCD to aid easy use, and the PC-enabled models also include a 28-language easy step guide on the device in PDF format.

These very affordable notetakers have the following availability:VN-5500 (now), VN-3500PC, VN-5500PC and VN-6500PC from late October 2008.

Common features of all new VN series models:
• Easy to use: large LCD, operation by one large central button
• Versatile: choose from three recording options (HQ/SP/LP)
• Integrated loudspeaker
• Playback speed control
• 5 languages on board: English, German, French, Spanish & Italian

Extra features of VN-5500:
• 512MB of memory
• Up to 330 hours recording in LP mode
• Long lasting: Up to 39 hours of battery life for recording
• 4 folders for file storage, 100 messages per folder

Extra features of PC-compatible models
(VN-3500PC, VN-5500PC & VN6500PC):
• Hi-Speed USB connection (Mass Storage Device)
• High sound quality: WMA file format
• 5 folders for file storage, 200 messages per folder
• Memory capacity:
512MB (VN-5500PC & VN6500PC) / 128MB (VN-3500PC)

Extra features of VN-6500PC:
• Repeat playback
• Voice filter
• Low-cut filter
• Includes stereo earphones and high quality microphone

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