History of the Shorthand Machine
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The History of Court Reporters’ Key Tool!
The Stenograph Shorthand Machine (1877)
Miles Bartholomew (nicknamed the “Father of the Stenograph”) developed the first shorthand machine in 1877, the first machine to be regularly used in the court reporting field. Ten keys could be pressed singularly to create a series of dots and dashes (think Morse code).
Anderson Shorthand Typewriter (1889)
This machine, created by George Kerr Anderson, had the first keyboard that allowed multiple keys to be pressed at once. This typewriter used English characters instead of code, allowing words and symbols to be written.
Ireland Stenotype Shorthand Machine (1911)
The Ireland Stenotype Shorthand Machine was developed by The Universal Stenotype Company and was 40 pounds lighter than its predecessor. It had a totally depressible keyboard, allowing reporters to record numbers and words phonetically with fewer strokes.
Master Model Stenotype (1914)
Also developed by the Universal Stenotype Company, this machine was even lighter at only six pounds instead of eleven. This was the last machine produced by the company, as it went bankrupt during World War I.
LaSalle Stenotype (1927)
This machine differed from the others with its use of a two-spool ribbon system. Unfortunately, this was another company cut short by recession (the Great Depression). The court reporting industry as a whole slowed during this time.
Stenograph Shorthand Machine
This machine came in two models: secretarial and reporter. The Secretarial a single 11-inch ribbon and held 100 folds of paper, while the Reporter held 300. As compared to the others, this machine was known for being quiet.
Stenograph Data Writer (1963)
A good number of things changed with the Data Writer. It’s organ-type switches allowed for good contact and transmission with minimum key pressure. It encoded a magnetic tape with machine notes for computer transcription. Upon its release, it could be attached to a cable connected to a separate tape recorder. By 1970, cartridge was used, and by 1974 cassettes were used.
Stenograph Machine (1982)
This machine has many of the same feature sof the previous model, but it was the first iteration to have a plastic shell, or casing. This made the machine more durable.
SmartWriter (1987)
With computers more widespread, the SmartWriter was made with the ability to encode machine notes on a floppy disk, which was a massive change in the court reporting industry.
Court reporting wouldn’t be the same without the shorthand machine. Learn more about this the history of this game-changing tool below. Information and graphics from stenograph.com.
Stenograph Stentura Series (1992)
The Stentura changed the game by being the first machine to feature an LCD screen with instantaneous translation to be shown in English or Steno.
élan Cybra (2001)
This was the first machine to be totally paperless, inkless, ribbon-less, and greaseless. An updated version was introduced in 2006, a new version was that included an optional wireless feature and designed for realtime transfer.
élan Mira Series (2003)
The Mira had an adjustable LCD screen for easier viewing and Audiosync® OTG – on the go!, a USB port for writing realtime, and a DB9 serial port for use with wireless Bluetooth. These changes set a new standard for court reporting.
Stentura Protégé Student (2005)
This machine was similar to its predecessors, but was designed specifically for students featuring USB and serial connectivity, as well as optional wireless realtime reporting.
Stentura élan Mira Student (2005)
This was another great option for students affectionately known as the “paperless writer for students.” While it features the same technology as the professional version, it is in a limited fashion at a more student-accessible price.
Stentura Fusion (2006)
The key feature of this machine was its ability to use paper, or be paperless. It also included compatibility with SD cards, USB and DB9 ports, a battery status display, and the ability to record live testimony using AudioSync OTG – on the go!
The Diamante (2009)
With the Diamante’s TrueStroke® technology, the industry took found a new standard for speed and accuracy. It featured a vibrant flat-panel display, two SD card ports, two USB ports, microphone and headset jacks for AudioSync, and Bluetooth or WiFi options for realtime translation.
The Luminex (2015)
The Luminex has the most innovative technology and software in the game. Duel key channels keep keys properly aligned. Chrome-plated key levers reduce friction and provide smoother action while typing, and TrueStroke technology results in cleaner steno notes.
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