- Plextalk - lists.hodgsonfamily.org

what e-text formats
by Adrien Collins 28 Nov '13

28 Nov '13

Hi What e-text formats can the plextalk pocket play apart from epub please? I know that works. Regards Adrien

2 2

Future of Daisy players for home use?
by Andrew Hodgson 27 Nov '13

27 Nov '13

Hi, I received the following information from the RNIB earlier on as I am a volunteer. I personally think the content is very interesting, as they are moving away from Daisy players for talking book subscribers (although from what I read the books are still in Daisy format). I wonder how this will affect companies like Plextalk? Andrew. Changes to the Talking Book Service Volunteer FAQs 1. Why are you making these changes? The Talking Book Service is much loved by our customers as many of you will know through your work supporting blind and partially sighted people with their DAISY players. We have been offering two subscription options: books plus player (£82 per annum) and books only (£50 per annum). The vast majority of subscribers have the books plus player option and are Local Authority funded. However, we now face a number of challenges which we must address to deliver the best service possible to all our customers, now and in the future: . As technology has developed, our customer's needs have changed. Many customers want a simpler, more portable player, MP3 CDs and USB sticks; . Lower cost, more flexible options are available; . Local Authorities are under enormous pressure to reduce budgets and in some areas the Talking Book service is under threat; . Supply of DAISY players at a viable cost is constrained. We must respond by giving more people more choice of content format and player options at a lower price. 2. So what is changing? For new customers RNIB will no longer provide a DAISY Talking Book player on loan. The cost for anyone joining the service will be £50 for a books-only subscription and they will need to buy their own player. We will point customers to recommended players to buy at different prices from £30 for a MP3 CD player capable of playing both DAISY CDs and MP3 CDs, up to £300 for a high specification Daisy player. We will also maintain existing customers' DAISY players until their annual subscription is renewed, at which point the player will transfer into the customer's ownership. The Technology Support Squad (TSS) will be invaluable in helping people to choose and use DAISY and MP3 players in the future. We will continue to provide all books on DAISY CD adding MP3 CDs, USB sticks and downloads in 2014. 3. What about current customers? For current subscribers who already have a loan player, we will continue to repair or replace it until their annual subscription comes up for renewal. So, for example, a customer who joined in October 2013 will receive player support or an alternative option from us until October 2014. When an existing customer's subscription is renewed (at the new lower price), they will keep their current loan player for free; it will become their property. Once that happens, they will need to decide what they want to do if it goes wrong and/or they need to replace it. We will provide advice about repair and player options if customers need it. Your role as volunteers will be invaluable in helping people choose and use players and access the content they want. 4. What are the benefits for customers? . Cheaper subscription; . More choices of player including MP3 players and Daisy players; . More choice of formats to follow in 2014 including USB sticks and downloads; . Same high quality service: over 21,000 unabridged audio books, excellent narration, most books fit on a single CD; fast on-demand delivery of CDs direct to the door - no waiting for any title; . Existing customers keep their current loan player for free on renewal; . Subscription package includes support from an experienced team and TSS volunteers. 5. What support will customers get? There are a number of options for new customers joining the service and existing customers who need to replace their player: 1. Talking Book DAISY CDs contain MP3 tracks and can be played on MP3 equipment that people may already have at home or MP3 players can be bought from high street shops like Argos. We will shortly be selling an MP3 player in the RNIB Shop and this will include a pack for battery or mains operation depending on customer's preference. 2. If a customer is unsure whether they have MP3 compatible equipment at home, the Helpline can send a standard Talking Book CD to try out. 3. Between now and 31 March 2014, we will be offering 15 per cent off selected DAISY players from the RNIB Shop. 6. How are you going to let customers know about the changes? We will be writing to all current Talking Book readers from 18 November to tell them about these changes. In addition, two weeks before each individual's subscription comes up for renewal, we will write to them again to let them know that the player is theirs to keep. 7. What does this mean for TSS volunteers? The Technology Support Squad's role supporting customers when they join the service and helping them use their talking book players will continue to be invaluable. By working together, we can give blind and partially sighted people the information they need to make informed choices about how and what they read. We will keep TSS volunteers up to date on the new ways customers access books over the next few months. If you have any queries about these changes, please contact your Regional Volunteering Coordinator or the RNIB Group Volunteering Team on 01733 375450 or email: volunteering(a)rnib.org.uk

7 8

Future of Daisy players for home use?
by Andrew Hodgson 24 Nov '13

24 Nov '13

Hi, I received the following information from the RNIB earlier on as I am a volunteer. I personally think the content is very interesting, as they are moving away from Daisy players for talking book subscribers (although from what I read the books are still in Daisy format). I wonder how this will affect companies like Plextalk? Andrew. Changes to the Talking Book Service Volunteer FAQs 1. Why are you making these changes? The Talking Book Service is much loved by our customers as many of you will know through your work supporting blind and partially sighted people with their DAISY players. We have been offering two subscription options: books plus player (£82 per annum) and books only (£50 per annum). The vast majority of subscribers have the books plus player option and are Local Authority funded. However, we now face a number of challenges which we must address to deliver the best service possible to all our customers, now and in the future: . As technology has developed, our customer's needs have changed. Many customers want a simpler, more portable player, MP3 CDs and USB sticks; . Lower cost, more flexible options are available; . Local Authorities are under enormous pressure to reduce budgets and in some areas the Talking Book service is under threat; . Supply of DAISY players at a viable cost is constrained. We must respond by giving more people more choice of content format and player options at a lower price. 2. So what is changing? For new customers RNIB will no longer provide a DAISY Talking Book player on loan. The cost for anyone joining the service will be £50 for a books-only subscription and they will need to buy their own player. We will point customers to recommended players to buy at different prices from £30 for a MP3 CD player capable of playing both DAISY CDs and MP3 CDs, up to £300 for a high specification Daisy player. We will also maintain existing customers' DAISY players until their annual subscription is renewed, at which point the player will transfer into the customer's ownership. The Technology Support Squad (TSS) will be invaluable in helping people to choose and use DAISY and MP3 players in the future. We will continue to provide all books on DAISY CD adding MP3 CDs, USB sticks and downloads in 2014. 3. What about current customers? For current subscribers who already have a loan player, we will continue to repair or replace it until their annual subscription comes up for renewal. So, for example, a customer who joined in October 2013 will receive player support or an alternative option from us until October 2014. When an existing customer's subscription is renewed (at the new lower price), they will keep their current loan player for free; it will become their property. Once that happens, they will need to decide what they want to do if it goes wrong and/or they need to replace it. We will provide advice about repair and player options if customers need it. Your role as volunteers will be invaluable in helping people choose and use players and access the content they want. 4. What are the benefits for customers? . Cheaper subscription; . More choices of player including MP3 players and Daisy players; . More choice of formats to follow in 2014 including USB sticks and downloads; . Same high quality service: over 21,000 unabridged audio books, excellent narration, most books fit on a single CD; fast on-demand delivery of CDs direct to the door - no waiting for any title; . Existing customers keep their current loan player for free on renewal; . Subscription package includes support from an experienced team and TSS volunteers. 5. What support will customers get? There are a number of options for new customers joining the service and existing customers who need to replace their player: 1. Talking Book DAISY CDs contain MP3 tracks and can be played on MP3 equipment that people may already have at home or MP3 players can be bought from high street shops like Argos. We will shortly be selling an MP3 player in the RNIB Shop and this will include a pack for battery or mains operation depending on customer's preference. 2. If a customer is unsure whether they have MP3 compatible equipment at home, the Helpline can send a standard Talking Book CD to try out. 3. Between now and 31 March 2014, we will be offering 15 per cent off selected DAISY players from the RNIB Shop. 6. How are you going to let customers know about the changes? We will be writing to all current Talking Book readers from 18 November to tell them about these changes. In addition, two weeks before each individual's subscription comes up for renewal, we will write to them again to let them know that the player is theirs to keep. 7. What does this mean for TSS volunteers? The Technology Support Squad's role supporting customers when they join the service and helping them use their talking book players will continue to be invaluable. By working together, we can give blind and partially sighted people the information they need to make informed choices about how and what they read. We will keep TSS volunteers up to date on the new ways customers access books over the next few months. If you have any queries about these changes, please contact your Regional Volunteering Coordinator or the RNIB Group Volunteering Team on 01733 375450 or email: volunteering(a)rnib.org.uk

1 0

Excellent or best microphone for the Plextalk Pocket?
by Flor Lynch 25 Sep '13

25 Sep '13

Hi, Does anyone here have preferences for best stereo microphone to go with the Plextalk Pocket? I have two Sony ones, now quite old, but the ECM217 is quite good with the Plextalk. By best, I mean more powerful I think. (I'd like that because I have a hearing impairment, so i could hear it too on my earphones.)

1 0

usb woes
by André van Deventer 11 Sep '13

11 Sep '13

Hi all It does seem that we all have usb woes with our Plextalk pocket at some stage! Attempting to connect my pocket with a usb cable. I have so many of these cables that to be honest Im not sure whether the one I am now using is the right one. On this computer, the pocket can be charged with the usb cable that is no problem. But it does not recognise the pocket as a device. This means it draws power from the usb port i.e. it is connected but not recognised. Any help from anyone? Andre

8 18

Re: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available
by John J. Jacques 06 Sep '13

06 Sep '13

Hi all, I agree, Samantha sounds wonderful now, and the speech compression is much better sounding. Have a good one: John John Jacques Amateur Radio Station: KD8PC "Where Cat Is, Is Civilization!" ____________________________________________________________ 30-second trick for a flat belly This daily 30-second trick BOOSTS your body's #1 fat-burning hormone http://thirdpartyoffers.juno.com/TGL3141/522a402c12d8f402c2f80st04duc

1 0

downloading software with a braille notetaker?
by peter greco 06 Sep '13

06 Sep '13

I have a Braille Sense U 2 and a Braille Note Apex. I don't use or have access to conventional computers. Can the software be downloaded with either of these 2 braille notetakers? If so, how please? What's the actual url? Peter ----- Original Message ----- From: "Clifford Blackwell" <blackwell3(a)ameritech.net To: "Plextalk User Discussion List" <plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org Date sent: Thu, 5 Sep 2013 18:31:04 -0500 Subject: Re: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available Download from Plextalk.com. Place it on an SD card and put the card in the Plextalk. Turn on the Plextalk and it should then run automatically. Make sure you're plugged into you ac adaptor because it will hound you to do so. ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Acosta" <boacosta(a)pacbell.net To: "Plextalk User Discussion List" <plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 2:38 PM Subject: Re: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available How do i install the new update? Bob ----- Original Message ----- From: "Sharon" <mt281820(a)comcast.net To: "'Plextalk User Discussion List'" <plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 9:19 AM Subject: Re: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available I've never installed new software or firmware for my unit and I've had it lots of years. Do I have to install each new version of software and firmware, or just the latest version? Sharon -----Original Message----- From: Plextalk [mailto:plextalk-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Russ Kiehne Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 11:42 AM To: Plextalk User Discussion List Subject: Re: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available I installed the firmware and the tts sure does sound a lot better! -----Original Message----- From: Aidan Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 8:12 AM To: Plextalk User Discussion List Subject: Re: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available O yes, its also good to note that for us the dealers are going to bring in the linio soon to our region. On 05/09/2013, Aidan <aidan.smarttalk(a)gmail.com> wrote: No, its for all firmware. Just go to plextalk.com and select the "Europe and Africa" link. You should be able to update without the battery. On 05/09/2013, André van Deventer <andredbsa(a)webafrica.org.za> wrote: Is this only for the US version? I'll have to wait for the new battery for my Plextalk pocket which should arrive tomorrow. -----Original Message----- From: Plextalk [mailto:plextalk-bounces@lists.hodgsonfamily.org] On Behalf Of Aidan Sent: 05 September 2013 04:57 PM To: plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org Subject: [Plextalk] pocket firmware update available Hi all, the ptp1 firmware is finally available. I will instal it shortly. It look quite nice. Just look like they stil don't support aac plus formats for web radio, but otherwise its nice. I also like it that now it support skippable elements for the daisy books who have them. -- Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92 Skype: andries4451 Twitter: smarttalk7 Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk -- Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92 Skype: andries4451 Twitter: smarttalk7 Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight -- Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92 Skype: andries4451 Twitter: smarttalk7 Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk _______________________________________________ Plextalk mailing list Plextalk(a)lists.hodgsonfamily.org http://lists.hodgsonfamily.org/listinfo/plextalk

2 1

pocket firmware update available
by Aidan 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

Hi all, the ptp1 firmware is finally available. I will instal it shortly. It look quite nice. Just look like they stil don't support aac plus formats for web radio, but otherwise its nice. I also like it that now it support skippable elements for the daisy books who have them. -- Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92 Skype: andries4451 Twitter: smarttalk7 Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight

16 37

pocket firmware update available
by Aidan 05 Sep '13

05 Sep '13

Hi all, the ptp1 firmware is finally available. I will instal it shortly. It look quite nice. Just look like they stil don't support aac plus formats for web radio, but otherwise its nice. I also like it that now it support skippable elements for the daisy books who have them. -- Facebook: m.facebook.com/aidan.maher92 Skype: andries4451 Twitter: smarttalk7 Audioboo: www.audioboo.com/DjSpotlight

1 0

Problem selecting files in PRS software
by Jeff Samco 15 Aug '13

15 Aug '13

Hello, list, I have used the PRS software for several years on a Windows XP laptop and have been very happy with it. Recently I have migrated to a Windows 7 laptop. Now, when I am selecting a number of contiguous files for converting to build into a book I get a strange result. In my XP setup I learned that I had to select the files in reverse order, from bottom going up, in orer to have them appear in my desired order in the daisy book. Now, no matter if I select in either direction I get the files converted and arranged in reverse order. As an oddity, the files are listed in reverse alphabetical order in the PRS. Any other file listing in other Windows 7 programs are in correct order. Does anyone have advice on how to correct this? Thanks, Jeff

1 0