Olympus W 20 User manual

1
DIGITAL VOICE
RECORDER
W-20
Thank you for purchasing an Olympus
Digital Voice Recorder.
Please read these instructions for information
about using the product correctly and safely.
Keep the instructions handy for future reference.
To ensure successful audio/image recording,
we recommend that you test the audio/image
recording functions before use.
INSTRUCTIONS
EN
INSTRUCTIONS
KR
사용설명서
CN
使用說明書
T W
使用說明書
EN

2
For Safe and
Correct Usage
Before using your new recorder, read this
manual carefully to ensure that you know
how to operate it safely and correctly.
Keep this manual in an easily accessible
location for future reference.
• The warning symbols indicate important safety
related information. To protect yourself and others
from personal injury or damage to property, it is
essential that you always heed the warnings and
information provided.
General Precautions
●Do not leave the recorder in hot, humid
locations such as inside a closed
automobile under direct sunlight or on
the beach in the summer.
●Do not store the recorder in places
exposed to excessive moisture or dust.
●Do not use organic solvents such as alcohol
and lacquer thinner to clean the unit.
●Do not place the recorder on top of or
near electric appliances such as TVs or
refrigerators.
●Avoid recording or playing back near
cellular phones or other wireless
equipment, as they may cause
interference and noise. If you
experience noise, move to another
place, or move the recorder further away
from such equipment.
●Avoid sand or dirt. These can cause
irreparable damage.
Batteries
Warning
• Batteries should never be exposed to
flame, heated, short-circuited or
disassembled.
• Do not attempt to recharge alkaline,
lithium or any other non-rechargeable
batteries.
• Never use any battery with a torn or
cracked outer cover.
• Keep batteries out of the reach of
children.
• If you notice anything unusual when
using this product such as abnormal
noise, heat, smoke, or a burning odor:
1remove the batteries immediately while
being careful not to burn yourself, and;
2call your dealer or local Olympus
representative for servicing.
●Avoid strong vibrations or shocks.
●Do not disassemble, repair or modify the
unit yourself.
●Do not operate the unit while operating
a vehicle (such as a bicycle, motorcycle,
or go-cart).
●Keep the unit out of the reach of
children.
<Warning regarding data loss>
Recorded content in memory may be
destroyed or erased by operating mistakes,
unit malfunction, or during repair work.
It is recommended to back up and save
important content to other media such as a
computer hard disk.

3
Table of Contents
Getting Started
Main Features ........................................... 4
Identification of Parts ................................ 5
Inserting Batteries .................................... 7
Recording ............................................... 10
Recording Modes (MOdE)...................... 11
Microphone Sensitivity (MIC) ................. 12
Using the Variable Control
Voice Actuator (VCVA) ........................ 13
Recording, Taking Pictures, and Playback
Setting Time/Date (TIME) ......................... 8
Notes on the Folders ................................ 9
Other functions
Moving Files Between Folders (MOVE) ... 19
Alarm Playback Function (ALARM) ....... 20
Erasing .................................................... 23
System Sounds (bEEP) .......................... 24
Resetting the Recorder (CLEAR) ........... 25
Taking Pictures ....................................... 14
Playing .................................................... 17
Managing Files on Your PC
Using OLYMPUS Voice Album Software .. 27
Installing Software .................................. 29
Starting Voice Album .............................. 30
Window Names ...................................... 31
Using Online Help .................................. 32
File Format ............................................. 33
Other Information
Troubleshooting ...................................... 34
Specifications ......................................... 35
Technical Assistance and Support ......... 35
Hold ......................................................... 25
Menu List ................................................ 26

4
Main Features
●The recorder stores highly compressed
WAVE and JPEG format in 32 MB
intergrated flash memory.
●The recorder supports three recording
modes, HQ (High Quality) mode, SP
(Standard Playback) mode and LP (Long
Playback) mode.
•Continuous recording time is approximately 1 hour
and 31 minutes in HQ mode, approximately 2
hours and 17 minutes in SP mode and
approximately 6 hours and 4 minutes in LP mode.*
●A and B voice folders can hold a maximum
of 100 audio files each, and the (image)
folder can hold a maximum of 250 image
files.
●The recorder has a C-MOS solid-state
300,000-pixel image sensor (true pixels).
●Audio and image files are recorded to built-
in flash memory. Data isn't lost during
battery changes.
●It's easy to operate with Jogdial and a clear
display.
●You can take pictures while recording
audio. If you transfer data to your computer,
you can see linked images while listening
to recorded audio.
●You can edit audio and image files using
the special “OLYMPUS Voice Album”
software included in the package.
●Connect the included USB cable to your
compurter for faster transmission speed.
Main Features
* Available recording time for one continuous file. Available
recording time may be shorter if many short recordings
are made. (The displayed available recording time and
recorded time are approximate indications.)
..........................................................................
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks
of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel
Corporation.
Other product and brand names mentioned herein
may be the trademarks or registered trademarks of
their respective owners.

5
1Built-in microphone
2Record indicator lamp
3Display (LCD panel)
4REC (Record) button
5MENU/FOLDER button
6Shutter button
7Lens
8HOLD switch
9PC (USB) terminal
0ERASE button
!VOLUME control
@STOP button
#–/0(Rewind) button
$+/9(Fast Forward) button
%PLAY button
^Built-in speaker
&Strap hole
*Battery cover
(Viewfinder
)Shooting lamp
-Earphone jack
Identification of Parts
1
6
5
4
3
2
7
8
9
0
!
@
#
$
%
^
-
)(
*&
Jogdial
Identification of Parts

6
1Folder indicator
2Recording mode indicator
3Microphone sensitivity display
(LOW)
4Current time/date, Recording time/
date (REC DATE), Recording/
Playing time, Remaining recording
time (REMAIN), Menu display, etc.
5Alarm indicator
6Battery indicator
7Rewind indicator(7),
Fast Forward indicator (8),
Record indicator (s), Play(`)
indicator
8File number indicator
9VCVA (Variable Control Voice
Actuator) indicator
Display (LCD Panel)
Identification of Parts
1
2
4
3
5
6
7
8
9
a
b
c
When the recorder is halted
and is not recording or
playing back, it displays a
clock.
aCurrent folder
bTotal number of files recorded in the current
folder
cRemaining recording time
Standby Mode and Display Shut Off
If the recorder is stopped or paused for 60
minutes or longer, it goes into Standby
(power-save) mode, and the display shuts off.
To exit Standby mode and turn on the display,
press any button.
Identification of Parts
If the STOP button is pressed
and held, it displays the
available remaining recording
time and the total number of
files in a folder.

7
Inserting Batteries
Inserting Batteries
1
Lightly press down on the arrow and slide the
battery cover open.
2
Insert two AAA alkaline batteries, observing the
correct polarity.
3
Close the battery cover completely.
The hour indicator flashes, indicating the start of the Time/
Date setup process (☞P.8).
1
2
3
Replacing batteries
When appears on the display, replace the batteries as
soon as possible. When the batteries are depleted,
flashes on the display, and the recorder shuts off. AAA alkaline
batteries are recommended.
It is recommended to set the HOLD switch to the HOLD position
before you replace batteries to maintain the current settings
(time/date, etc.). For your convenience,the recorder also logs
the current settings in nonvolatile memory at hourly intervals.
................................................................................................................................................................
Notes
•Be sure to stop the recorder before replacing the batteries. Unloading the batteries while the recorder
is recording, erasing or otherwise accessing a audio file may corrupt the file. If you are recording into a file
and the batteries run out, you will lose your currently recorded file because the file header will not be able
to close. So, it is crucial to change the batteries once you see only one mark in the battery icon.
•Be sure to replace both batteries at the same time.
•Never mix old and new batteries, or batteries of different types and/or brands.
•Remove the batteries if you are not going to use the recorder for an extended period of time.
An optional Ni-MH Rechargeable Battery from Olympus
can be used for the recorder. However, the battery level
may not be indicated correctly when the Ni-MH
Rechargeabel battery is used.

8
Setting Time/Date (TIME)
Changing the Time/Date
Setting Time/Date (TIME)
If you have set the time and date, information as to when a file is recorded is stored automatically
with that file. The time and date should be set to ease file management tasks. The time and date
setting is also needed to perform the alarm playback function (☞P.20).
When you install batteries for the first time or each time you replace the batteries, the hour
indication will flash. In such a case, be sure to set the time and date by following steps 4
through 5 described below.
2,4 3,4
5
1
1
Press and hold the MENU/
FOLDER button for 1 second or
longer.
The menu opens (☞P.26).
2
Press the +/9or –/0button
until “TIME”flashes on the display.
3
Press the PLAY button.
The hour indicator flashes, indicating the
start of the Time/Date setup process.
4
Repeat steps 1and 2to set the
time and date:
1Press the +/9or –/0to select a
value.
2Press the PLAY button to set the
value.
•Time and date setup proceeds in the
order of hour, minute, year, month, and
date.
5
Press the STOP button.
The menu screen closes and “END”
flashes.

9
Setting Time/Date (TIME) / Notes on the Folders
•You can choose between 12 and 24 hour display
by pressing the MENU/FOLDER button while
setting the hour and minute.
(Example: 5:23 P.M.)
•You can choose the order of the year, month, day
by pressing the MENU/FOLDER button while
setting them.
(Example: September 15, 2002)
Notes
•If you leave the recorder untouched for 3 minutes
or longer before pressing the STOP button in step
5, Setup mode will be canceled, and any time/
date settings you made will be canceled.
•If you press the STOP button during the setup
operation, the clock will use the values that were
set to that point.
(Initial setting)
(Initial setting)
Notes on the Folders
The recorder has three folders: A, B, and .
Press the MENU/FOLDER button to change
folders. Folders toggle in the order of A →B
→→A …each time the button is pressed.
Folders A and B
Each recorded message stored in a folder is
saved as a Wave file. These folders can be
selectively used to distinguish the kind of
recording; for example, A might be used to
store private information, while B might be
dedicated to holding business information. Up
to 100 messages can be recorded per folder.
Folder
All image files, including image files recorded
during audio recording in A or B folder, will
be saved in the folder. It holds a maximum
of 250 image files.

10
Recording
Recording
1
Press the MENU/FOLDER button
to choose folder A or B.
The folder name is displayed.
aCurrent folder
2
Press the REC button to start
recording.
The record indicator lamp glows red.
• If you press the MENU/FOLDER button while
recording, the screen display will change.
bCurrent file number
cRecording time
dRemaining recording time
3
Press the STOP button to stop
recording.
a
b
c
d
.................................................................................................................................................................
Notes
• Even if you press the MENU/FOLDER button, the display will not change to current recording time if the
remaining recording time is 5 minutes or less.
• When the remaining recording time becomes 1 minute or less, the record indicator lamp flashes.
• If “FULL” appears on the display, you cannot record in the selected folder. In such a case, erase unnecessary
files (☞P.23).
• If you press the REC button while in folder , it automatically switches to folder A and starts recording. If
there are 100 files in folder A, it switches to folder B.
• The recorder stops when it has been left paused for 10 minutes or longer.
2
1
3
Built-in microphone
Pause Recording
Pause
Press the REC button while recording.
➥The record indicator lamp will flash, and “PAUSE” and
the record indicator (s) will flash on the display.
Resume Recording
Press the REC button again.
➥Recording will resume at the point of interruption.

11
Recording Modes (MOdE)
You can select from among three recording modes: HQ (High Quality) mode, SP (Standard
Playback) mode and LP (Long Playback) mode. Continuous recording time is approximately 1
hour and 31 minutes in HQ mode, approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes in SP mode and
approximately 6 hours and 4 minutes in LP mode.
The recording time shown above is for one continuous file. The available recording time may
be shorter than specified if several files are recorded. (Use the remaining time and recorded
time only as references.)
1
Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER
button for 1 second or longer.
“MOdE”will be displayed on the screen
(☞P.26).
2
Press the PLAY button.
The recording mode setup process
begins.
3
Press the +/9or –/0button
to choose a recording mode.
4
Press the STOP button.
The menu screen closes and “END”
flashes.
.......................................................................................................
Note
Choose HQ or SP mode for recording meetings or lectures with crisp
clarity.
4
12
3
Recording Modes (MOdE)

12
Microphone Sensitivity (MIC)
Microphone sensitivity is adjustable to meet recording needs.
Microphone Sensitivity (MIC)
1
Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER
button for 1 second or longer.
The menu opens (☞P.26).
2
Press the +/9or –/0button
until “MIC” flashes on the display.
3
Press the PLAY button.
The microphone sensitivity setup process
begins.
4
Press the +/9or –/0button
to choose between HI and LO.
HI : High-sensitivity mode that records
sounds in all directions.
LO : Low-sensitivity mode suited for
dictation.
5
Press the STOP button.
The menu screen closes and “END”
flashes.
aMicrophone sensitivity display
If you choose LO, will appear on the
display.
.......................................................................................................
Notes
•To ensure successful recording, make a test recording to choose
appropriate microphone sensitivity before recording.
•If you choose HI, we recommend setting the recording mode to HQ
or SP to best take advantage of the higher sensitivity.
•If you choose HI, background noise may be high depending on the
recording conditions.
2,4 3
5
1
a

13
Using the Variable Control Voice Actuator (VCVA)
Using the Variable Control Voice Actuator
(VCVA)
When the microphone senses that sounds have reached a preset volume, the built-in Variable
Control Voice Actuator (VCVA) starts recording automatically, and stops when the volume drops.
Particularly helpful for extended recording, the VCVA not only conserves memory by turning off
recording during silent periods, but also makes playback more efficient and convenient.
1
Press and hold the MENU/FOLDER
button for 1 second or longer.
The menu opens (☞P.26).
2
Press the +/9or –/0button until
“VCVA”flashes on the display.
3
Press the PLAY button.
The VCVA setup process begins.
4
Press the +/9or –/0button to
choose between On and OFF.
On : Will start recording in VCVA mode.
OFF : Will resume recording in normal mode.
5
Press the STOP button.
The menu screen closes and “END”flashes.
6
Press the REC button to start recording.
When the VCVA senses sound louder than
the preset volume, recording starts
automatically. When it senses silence,
recording automatically pauses after
approximately 1 second, and the recorder
enters Standby mode.
aVCVA indicator
6
5
3
2,4
1
a
..............................................................................................................
Note
To ensure successful recordings, we recommend that you test the record
function and volume before use.
The record indicator lamp is lit during recording. When the recorder
is in standby mode, the record indicator lamp flashes, and VCVA
and the record (s) indicator flash on the display.

14
Taking Pictures
Taking Pictures
Holding the Camera (Recorder)
Hold the recorder securely with both hands and keep your
elbows close to your body.
Make sure you don’t block the lens with your finger or the
camera strap.
Good position
Bad position
*Adjusting time varies according to brightness.
Shooting Lamp System
When the shooting lamp on the side of the finder is on or flashes in orange or green, that
indicates the recorder is in one of the following states:
Recorder Status (Shutter button)
Adjusting exposure (Half-Press)*
Appropriate exposure (Half-Press)
Wrong exposure (Full-Press)
Maximum number of files recorded (Half-Press)
Insufficient memory remaining (Half-Press)
Photography completed (Full-Press)
Lamp Status
Lit in orange
Lit in green
Flashing in
orange
Flashing in
green
Can/cannot
You cannot take a picture.
Take a picture when the shooting lamp
is lit in green. If the lamp doesn't
change to green, it's too bright or too
dark to shoot. If the lamp is lit in orange
for 6 seconds or longer, change the
brightness before take a picture.
You can take a picture.
You cannot take a picture.
You can take another picture.

15
Taking Pictures
Taking Pictures
You can choose any folder when taking pictures: A, B, or . All pictures will be saved in folder
.
The shutter button has two stages. Exposure is adjusted during the first stage, and a picture is
taken in the second stage.
1
Press the shutter button halfway
(Half-press).
The shooting lamp next to the finder turns
orange. When the lamp changes from
orange to green, it's ready for you to take
a picture.
2
Keep the button gently pressed, and
then press it further (Full-press).
The recorder takes a picture. When the
shooting lamp flashes in green,
photography is completed.
If the lamp flashes in orange, that means
a picture wasn't taken, so try taking a
picture again.
•If you press the STOP button while in folder
, the total number of image files will
appear. A maximum of 250 image files can
be stored.
aCurrent number of recorded files
You can take pictures while you are recording
audio (recording pause).
.......................................................................................................
Notes
•Always press the shutter button gently. If you press too hard, the
recorder may move and the image will be blurred.
•You cannot see recorded images using the recorder's display.
Transfer image files to a computer and use the “OLYMPUS Voice
Album”software included in the package to view them (☞P.30).
1,2
a
Viewfinder
Shooting
lamp

16
Taking Pictures
If you cannot take a picture
The following are probable causes. Eliminate the problem and resume photography.
Taking Pictures
Message
The shooting lamp flashes in orange.
The display flashes “FULL”.
The display flashes the file number.
The shooting lamp flashes in orange.
The display flashes “FULL”.
The display flashes or .
The shooting lamp flashes in orange.
The shooting lamp flashes in orange.
The display flashes .
Probable cause
Maximum number of image
files recorded (250 images)
Insufficient memory remaining
Insufficient battery power
remaining
50 image files have already
taken while recording one
audio file
The shutter button was pressed
(full-press) while the shooting
lamp was lit in orange
Action
Erase unwanted image files.
Erase unwanted audio files or
image files.
Replace with new batteries.
Press the STOP button to stop
recording, then press the REC
button to start a new audio file
and record images.*
Take a picture when the shooting
lamp is green. If the lamp doesn't
change to green, it's too bright or
too dark to take a picture.
*The audio file will be recorded as two audio files.

17
Playing
1
Press the MENU/FOLDER button
to choose folder A or B.
2
Press the +/9or –/0button
to choose the file that you want to
play.
3
Press the PLAY button to start
playback.
•If you press the MENU/FOLDER button
during playback, the screen display will
change.
aFile elapsed time
bFile remaining time
cRecording year, month, and date
dTime of recording
4
Adjust the VOLUME control to
your liking.
5
Press the STOP button at any point
you want to stop the playback.
Resume playback by pressing PLAY
button again.
23
4
5
1
a
b
c
d
Playing

18
Playing
Playing
Playback
functions
Fast
Playback
(F.PLAY)
Fast
Forward
(8)
Rewind
(7)
Skipping to
beginning
of a file*
Operation
Press the PLAY button for 1 second or longer while stopped or
playing a file.
➥The recorder plays back at approximately 30% faster than
normal rate.
Hold the +/9button while playing a file.
➥The recorder stops when it reaches the end of the file.
Continue pressing the +/9button to proceed with the cue
from the beginning of the next file.
Hold the –/0button while playing a file.
➥The recorder stops when it reaches the beginning of the file.
Continue pressing the –/0button to proceed with the
review from the end of the previous file.
Press the +/9button in stop mode, playback mode, or fast
playback mode.
➥Stop mode ................... The recorder stops at the beginning of
the next file.
➥Playback mode ............ The recorder skips to the beginning of
the next file and starts playing it.
➥Fast playback mode .... The recorder skips to the beginning of
the next file and starts fast playback.
Press the –/0button in stop mode, playback mode, or fast
playback mode.
➥Stop mode ................... The recorder stops at the beginning of
the previous file.
➥Playback mode ............ The recorder skips to the beginning of
the current file and starts playing it.
➥Fast playback mode .... The recorder skips to the beginning of
the current file and starts fast playback.
How to Cancel
Press the PLAY button
again.
➥Playback returns to
normal rate.
Release the +/9
button.
➥Playback returns to
normal rate.
Release the –/0
button.
➥Playback returns to
normal rate.
* If you keep pressing the +/9or –/0button in stop mode, the recorder continuously skips
to the beginnings of files (SKIP).

19
Moving Files Between Folders (MOVE)
You can move a file recorded in folder A or B to the other.
The moved file is added at to the end of the destination folder.
Moving Files Between Folders (MOVE)
1
Press the MENU/FOLDER button
to choose folder A or B.
2
Choose the file you want to move
and play it.
3
Press and hold the MENU/
FOLDER button for 1 second or
longer.
Playback stops, and “MOVE” flashes on
the display.
aDestination folder
bDestination number of the file
The destination folder and the number of the
moved file appear on the display, and moving
is completed.
.......................................................................................................
Notes
• You cannot move files between folder and the other folders.
• If the destination folder is full (a maximum of 100 files), “FULL”
appears on the display and files cannot be transferred to it.
a
b
2
1,3

20
The alarm playback function can be set to play a selected file at a pre-set time. Up to 5 alarms
can be set.
Setting Alarm Playback
Alarm Playback Function (ALARM)
1
Press the MENU/FOLDER button
to choose folder A or B.
2
Press the +/9or –/0button
to choose the file to be played
when the alarm sounds.
3
Press and hold the MENU/
FOLDER button for 1 second or
longer.
The menu opens (☞P.26).
4
Press the +/9or –/0button
until “ALARM” flashes on the
display.
5
Press the PLAY button.
“ALARM”turns on and “OFF”flashes.
6
Press the +/9or –/0button
to select On.
7
Press the PLAY button to complete
the setup screen.
The month indicator flashes.
2,4,6 5,7
1,3
Alarm Playback Function (ALARM)