Hi,

I've been doing a lot of research on digital dictation/transcription, and I'm wondering if a 56K modem would generate enough speed for downloading digital files. Does anybody have any knowledge and/or experience in this area?

I do not have access to cable or DSL. I have considered satellite, which brings me to another question. Is anyone familiar with satellite internet in downloading and uploading digital dictation files?

I feel like my head is spinning in circles!

Thanks in advance for any insight. Susan

You can download the files with dial up but I can guarantee it will take a bit of time. Yes, DSL, Cable...etc is SO MUCH quicker, but if you cannot get to it there is nothing you can do.

From my customers' experience many had to switch over because it took so long. I say if you can have a phone line dedicated to just the dial up that would be best. That way you can take as long as you need to download and not tie up your phone.

Good luck, and I wish there was more I could tell you

Thanks for your reply, Beth. I do have a second line, but I use it for another transcription job so it wouldn't be available when I needed to download.

I'm still considering satellite internet. I know it's definitely faster, but the cost is such a big factor, plus I'm not certain if there's unlimited acess with satellite service.

Susan

Hi, Susan - ok, so it's been a while and you've certainly made your decision by now, but FYI, I use a dial up connection and digital dictation together. As I live in a remote area of WY, I don't have the option of DSL yet. I did not know it'd make a difference when I went digital - I asked a million questions but that wasn't one of them, and while it does take a while to download and some days are definitely faster than others, I am glad I went digital. Someday I hope to go broadband or DSL, but until then I'm plugging along and doing fine. Good luck!

Amy

Amy, Thanks for replying to my question. It's nice to know that I'm not the only one in a remote area with no other option than a dial-up connection and that it's workable with digital dictation! At this point, the job has never materialized. I've gleaned quite a bit of information, so if (& when) I get brave and want to strike out on my own, I think I'll be able to manage! I appreciate the helpful answers.

Susan

Hi

The speed of 56K modem is very slow in compare to cable or DSL. The speed of cable or DSL is very fast. You can download any file in a very short span of time.Cable Internet will theoretically run faster.Cable technology supports approximately 30 Mbps of bandwidth.Bandwidth caps place an artificial limit on the maximum speed a customer can achieve by monitoring their individual traffic flow and throttling network packets if necessary.
Through cable or DSL you can download as much as you can.

Thanks