Abstract: A dictation apparatus is disclosed for storing a speech signal in a memory. The dictation apparatus includes a data compression unit for compressing the speech signal and a storing unit for storing the data compressed speech signal in the memory. The data compression unit performs the data compression on the speech signal in one of at least two different selectable data compression modes. The data compression unit also creates data files including portions of the data compressed speech signal and a header portion including an identifier signal identifying the data compression mode selected. For realizing an insert, a control unit is included that is selectively operable by a user for providing an insert signal and an end of insert signal. In response to the occurrence of each insert signal, a block of at least two and at most three pointing vectors is generated.

Abstract: A dictation system is disclosed comprising a hand held dictation device (1) for storing a speech signal in memory means (15,20), the device comprising data compression means (30) for data compressing the speech signal into a data compressed speech signal and storing means for storing the data compressed speech signal in the memory means. The data compression means (30) are adapted to carry out a data compression step on the speech signal in one of at least two different data compression modes, the at least two different data compression modes resulting in different data compression ratios when applied to the same speech signal, the said at least two different data compression modes being selectable by a user.