In my absence, I've been searching the depths of the world-wide-web for the key to start the engine on my sleep experiment. After hours of intense research, funky customer service with buy.com, stupid paypal issues, and non-existent package updates from USPS, it's finally here!I'd like to introduce....
The RCA VR5220 Digital Voice Recorder 
This TINY digi-recorder can store up to 200 hours of recording time with 3 selectable recording settings (LP, SP & HQ) all on a 512MB internal flash memory. With it's automatic, voice-activated record option, I can cut out all the dead silence from my slumber and record only the sounds and voices that this wondrous gadget picks up. The built in speaker/microphone on top picks up sounds clearly and plays back recordings audibly. It's very compact and easy to use thus far (I haven't test-uploaded anything yet so not sure how the downloading process works) and lays well on the side of my pillow!
FYI - Batteries not included... unless buy.com gypped me on that, too.For those of you who are familiar with the different brands of digital recorders out there, you may be wondering why I chose RCA over Olympus, Sony or Panasonic. The assist came from a customer review on Bestbuy.com.
Sshevie from Hudson MI says,
"I run a paranormal travel business and i was looking for a easy to use good quality recorder for my clients to use on a ghost hunt. With these recorders my customers get the recordings they do while ghost hunting as soon as the hunt is done just download the recording and burn to a CD they take it home and search for EVP on their own time and the recordings are super clear."
Chills ran down my spine after reading that and soon after, excitement. This recorder MUST be flippin' awesome. Got it for $30 on buy.com with free, upgraded shipping (only because of some issues I had with the order...and a few complaints...)
I've tested out the AVR mode on high-sensitivity and it's pretty cool. It picks up my heavy sighs/snores/rustling of my blankets and then stops recording when it's quiet again. But no sleep-talking! (...and no ghosts)......................so................................
For the purpose of this experiment, I will be participating in an "insane" work-out program that will exhaust my body (and hopefully tone the jelly) into sleep-talking mode.
Sweet dreams till then!
