Audio Playback Equipment
This section is limited to audio playback equipment that has been specifically designed for use by blind and partially sighted people. Over the last few years the trend has been to move from analogue systems that included standard cassette recorders and players to digital ones that play CD's, MiniDiscs, MP3 files and more recently DAISY files.
American Printing House for the Blind
1839 Frankfort Avenue, PO Box 6085, Louisville, Kentucky 40206-0085, USA.
Tel: +1 502 895 2405
Fax: +1 502 899 2274
Email: info@aph.org
Web: www.aph.org
Handi-Cassette II
Compact talking book tape recorder/player. Features include: Digital Pitch Control (DPC); 2-track or 4-track play at either 1 7/8 inches per second or 15/16 ips (Talking Book speed); Built in mono speaker and microphone; Stereo playback through included headphones; tactile symbols on controls and touch checking of tape movement. Powered by electrical outlet, rechargable batteries or regular batteries.
Length: 171mm Width: 110mm Height: 57mm
Weight: 0.68kg
Ref: 1-07085-00 (US model)
Price: $185.00
Ref: 1-07085-01 (International model)
Price: $175.00
Last updated: 07/07/2009
Table Top Cassette Tape Recorder/Player
Listen to Talking Books or commercial cassettes with this portable table-top unit. Features include: Digital Pitch Control; Play and record on 2 or 4 tracks and at 1 7/8 inches per second or 15/16 ips (Talking Book Speed); Built in mono speaker and microphone; Stereo playback through optional headphones; Tactile symbols on controls and touch checking of tape movement; Powered by electrical outlet or rechargeable battery pack. Note: The U.S. version of this tape recorder/player (Model 5198A) has been discontinued. The European version does not require an adapter.
Length: 290mm Width: 230mm Height: 70mm
Weight: 1.9kg
Ref: 1-07150-02
Price: $225.00
Last updated: 07/07/2009
Bones GmbH
Zentralstrasse 68, CH-8212 Neuhausen, Switzerland.
Tel: +41 52 672 28 25
Fax: +41 52 672 28 24
Email: info@bones.ch
Web: www.bones.ch
Milestone 311 DAISY
Milestone 311 Daisy is an audio book player, note taker, music player and, with the accessory Speakout, also a tag reader. The slot on the side holds SD memory cards. To exchange data with a computer simply connect the USB cable to it and Milestone appears as an additional drive on a Windows or Mac computer. No extra software need be installed. The Milestone 311 Daisy allows access to the structures of Daisy books, such as all available headers, phrases, page numbers, bookmarks and more. A sleep timer is available, too. The note taker from Milestone 310 has been integrated and extended with folders. The integrated MP3 player of Milestone 311 has the ability to fast forward through files and the full accessibility of folder structures including voice tags.
Width: 14mm
Last updated: 07/07/2009
Milestone 312
Voice recordings can be done with Milestone 312 and played back over its speaker or headphones. The integrated music player plays all popular formats. Text files can also be played with Milestone 312. With the built-in text to speech software from Acapela, Milestone 312 converts and reads text files. Milestone 312 also plays DAISY books and can increase and decrease playback or reading speed via several levels to conform to personal tempo. Further applications include an integrated clock, alarm and more. Milestone 312 integrates the newest USB 2.0 High Speed connection and guarantees a rapid access to the computer. The internal memory space has been increased up to 1GB and is expandable by a insertable SD memory card. The following file formats are already usable with Milestone 312:
MP3, AAC, WMA, WAV, TXT, DAISY 2.02, AA/AAX (Audible).
Last updated: 07/07/2009
GaiShan Technology Pte. Ltd.
1 Goldhill Plaza. #02-35, Goldhill Plaza, 308899, Singapore.
Tel: +65 984 895 03
Email: enquiry@gaishantech.com
Web: www.gaishantech.com
TellMate
It has a one gigabyte memory and can be used as a music player, radio, clock, talking book player, voice recorder and label reader. The TellMate uses RFID tags that can be attached to, for example, different food items in a kitchen cupboard. Each label transmits a low-powered signal to the device which then plays the audio clip that has been recorded and associated with it. The labels can be re-used by recording a new audio clip.
Last updated: 07/07/2009
HumanWare
11 Mary Muller Drive, PO Box 3044, Christchurch, New Zealand.
Tel: +64 3 384 4555
Fax: +64 3 384 4933
Email: nz.info@humanware.com
Web: www.humanware.com
ClassMate Reader
The portable digital audio book player helps students increase their reading speed, comprehension and vocabulary. The ClassMate reads aloud and simultaneously displays and highlights text on its full color screen. Its interface can be configured to the user’s specific needs. It also includes study tools to enhance learning such as bookmarks, recording, highlighting function and a speaking dictionary. With built-in text-to-speech, it works with e-text or NIMAS files. Its full-colour screen can be configured to change font type, text size, colour, line spacing, etc. The user can adjust text scrolling speed and move text to view above or below the passage read. Other features include: Synchronized text and audio; Text or Voice Notes: allows to take personal notes within the text to complement comprehension; Speaking Dictionary: instant access to more than 25,000 words. Provides spelling, pronunciation and meaning; Create personalized tests in text format to accommodate students during exam periods; Plays DAISY 2.x, DAISY NISO, MP3, NIMAS, Txt, HTML, XML; Playback through stereo headphones or built-in speaker; Connectable to external thumb drives-USB drives; USB 2.0 port to connect to PC as Windows USB drive; Replaceable rechargeable battery (7 hours playtime); Built-in battery charger - can be played while recharging and built-in stand - for hands-free listening.
Length: 154mm Width: 89mm Depth: 24mm
Weight: 0.3kg
Last updated: 07/07/2009
VictorReader ClassicX
The VictorReader ClassicX is a portable audio playback device that operates using integrated rechargeable batteries. It offers basic navigation features like browsing the table of contents, skipping from section to section or from page to page. Other features include: Easy to locate and operate controls, variable play speed, easy CD insertion/removal, ability to play music CD's and MP3 Audio File CD's, dedicated Sleep button, audio announcement of battery capacity and power light indicator.
Length: 240mm Width: 210mm Height: 50mm
Weight: 1.1kg
Last updated: 07/07/2009
VictorReader ClassicX+
Portable audio playback device designed for professionals and students for reading complex and highly structured books like textbooks, reference works and school manuals. It supports all DAISY navigation levels and has advanced functionality such as skipping instantly to a specific page and placing multiple bookmarks. Other features include: Easy CD insertion/removal, plays audio and MP3 CDs, variable play speed with pitch compensation, Key Describer Function speaks functions of each key, dedicated Sleep button, audio announcement of battery capacity and power light indicator.
Length: 240mm Width: 210mm Height: 50mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Last updated: 07/07/2009
VictorReader Stream
This DAISY, MP3 and NISO player has a removable SD card for storing books, e-text files, music, and voice recordings and audio bookmarks; Ability to play NLS download books and NLS book cartridges; Built-in human sounding text-to-speech (Nuance Vocalizer ); Voice recording capability via built-in microphone or external microphone; Playback through stereo headphones or secondary small speaker; USB port to transfer books and music from your PC; User replaceable rechargeable battery providing 15 hours playtime; Built-in battery charger (four hours for full recharge). Advanced DAISY book features include: Four-arrow keys for navigation by chapter, section, page, and bookmarks; GOTO features to jump to a specific page, heading, book or bookmark; Browse bookmark list; Allows navigation of multiple books, MP3 folders, and voice notes; Audio bookmark with recorded voice note.
Last updated: 07/07/2009
Victor Reader Wave
Victor Reader Wave is a sophisticated DAISY talking book, MP3, and music CD player. Blind and low vision users will enjoy the familiar telephone-style keypad, tactile zones, and audio feedback for controls and navigation. Learning-disabled users will benefit from the large-screen display of navigation commands, book title, and section headings. Audio message and visual progress bar for reading position. Audio and visual indicators for volume, speed, and battery level. Variable-speed playback with auto-pitch compensation. Supports all DAISY navigation levels: Go to chapter, section, page, paragraph, or custom bookmarks. Supplied with: Earphones, power adapter, carrying case and rechargeable batteries. Batteries can be charged within the unit. Also runs on standard AA batteries.
Length: 148mm Width: 138mm Height: 29mm
Weight: 260g
Last updated: 07/07/2009
Plextalk
Shinano Kenshi Co., Ltd., 6-15-26, Chuo, Ueda-shi Nagano-ken 386-0012, Japan.
Tel: +81 268 28 8009
Fax: +81 268 22 5476
Email: info@plextalk.com
Web: www.plextalk.com
PlexTalk Pocket PTP1
A lightweight, pocket-sized, DAISY-compliant music, voice, and book player/recorder. Other features include: One touch recording, choice of sound output via built-in large volume speaker or bundled stereo earphone, automatic sleep timer function, supports SD cards, connects to Windows 2000, Vista or XP by bundled USB cables and rechargeable battery by USB.
Length: 112mm Width: 55mm Height: 16mm
Last updated: 07/07/2009
PlexTalk Player PTN1
Features include: simple interface for ease of use; play music CD (CD-DA), MP3 and DAISY 2.0/2.02 audio books; slot-loaded CD drive; built-in sound speaker; bookmark; page/time jump; digital playback speed control without changing the pitch (50% - 300%); tone control; sleep timer.
Width: 220mm Height: 172mm Depth: 56mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Last updated: 09/07/2009
PlexTalk Player PTN Pro
Features include: simple interface for ease of use; play music CD, MP3 and DAISY audio books; slot-loaded CD drive; built-in sound speaker; bookmark; page/time jump; digital playback speed control, tone control; sleep timer. Rechargable batteries give up to 5 hours of playing time.
Width: 220mm Height: 172mm Depth: 56mm
Weight: 1.2kg
Last updated: 09/07/2009
PlexTalk Portable Recorder PTR2
PTR2 plays DAISY and various other digital audio book formats. Can also play music CDs, MP3s and Ogg Vorbis burnt into CD or memory card. Variable speed searching. Can record and edit audio files. Voice guidance will guide you to operate all functions. Other information such as elapsed time, remaining time, total time of the audio book, and possible recording time on the media are available on voice guidance. And also key describer function, which you can hear the function of each key is available. About 8 hours of recording and playback is possible under battery operation. Includes timer and calculator functions.
Length: 205mm Width: 167mm Height: 50mm
Weight: 940g
Last updated: 09/07/2009
PURE Digital
Imagination Technologies, Home Park Estate, Kings Langley, Herts WD4 8LZ, UK.
Tel: +44 1923 277 488
Fax: +44 1923 265 748
Email: sales@pure.com
Web: www.pure-digital.com
Chronos 2 DAB radio
A silver, triangular shaped digital radio with built-in alarm clock. Each of the four alarms can be set for weekdays only, weekends or as a "one off". Other features include a large LCD display which shows the time in 1.6cm high lettering when on standby. When listening to the radio, the radio station name is shown in 8mm high lettering, up to 20 preset radio stations, light sensor automatically adjusts the display brightness to suit the light levels in the room, automatic time setting from radio signals with adjustment for daylight saving time in spring and autumn, sleep timer and snooze button and supplied with mains power adapter.
Length: 190mm Width: 170mm Height: 60mm
Weight: 0.59kg
Price: £59.99
Last updated: 09/07/2009
Evoke 1S DAB radio
This digital radio has a crystal clear display that shows the current radio station name in 6mm high yellow lettering on a black background. It has two silver dials for volume control and channel selection and 11 raised buttons for preset channels, settings and power. Other features include: a light sensor that automatically adjusts the display brightness to suit the light levels in the room; automatic time setting from radio signals with adjustments for alarm and daylight saving time in spring and autumn and up to 30 preset radio stations.
Length: 210mm Width: 175mm Height: 110mm
Weight: 1.53Kg
Price: £99.99
Last updated: 09/07/2009
Move Portable DAB radio
A palm-sized, compact digital radio with a brushed chrome face and black rubberised shell. Other features include: a bright orange screen with black text lettering. Radio station name in 3mm high lettering; high capacity battery provides up to 40 hours of use. With the radio turned off, a complete charge will take 10 hours; up to 20 preset radio stations; is compatible with iPod, CD player or minidisk by connecting to the Move's speaker; FM tuner provides analogue radio where digital signal is weak and the device comes with a fold out stand for stability on the back of the unit, is fitted with a telescopic aerial and is supplied with a mains power adapter.
Length: 150mm Width: 85mm Height: 26mm
Weight: 0.37kg
Price: £79.99
Last updated: 09/07/2009
Telex Communications Inc
12000 Portland Ave S, Burnsville, Minnesota 55337, USA.
Tel: +1 952 887 7498
Fax: +1 952 887 5595
Email: info@telex.com (general information); international@telex.com (enquiries outside USA) dtbooks@telex.com (DAISY Player enquiries)
Web: www.telex.com
ezDaisy Digital Talking Book Player
The simple-to-use ezDaisy was designed to be portable, easy and have basic functions to make reading accessible for all. ezDaisy digital talking book player will play DAISY, Niso, MP3 and CDs.
Width: 133mm Length: 152mm Height: 40mm
Weight: 0.3kg
Ref: EZ DAISY 301329-XXX
Last updated: 09/07/2009
Professor
The Professor® desktop audio system is an all-in-one player for DAISY, consumer CDs, National Library Service (NLS) and consumer audiocassettes. It features an accessible radio with voiced buttons and audible station identification. The familiar ten-key phone pad allows consumers to enter radio station call numbers, place bookmarks or surf to chapters or pages or sublevels in talking books. Each button announces its function when active. High quality speakers produce stereo sound and an earphone jack provides a private listening option.
Width: 28mm Depth: 25mm Height: 17mm
Weight: 2.95kg
Last updated: 09/07/2009
Scholar Digital Talking Book Player
This DAISY CD Player also accepts standard CDs and MP3s. The Scholar is lightweight and sleek in appearance with the primary controls easily identified by their larger size and tactile rubber construction, while secondary controls are smaller and feature a chrome finish. The player will provide instant access to specific page numbers and chapters in the DAISY structure, and includes a full numeric keypad with book-marking feature. An LCD screen displays disc details for "at a glance" teacher monitoring, and lightweight headphones are included.
Last updated: 09/07/2009
Tutor
A portable player/recorder. Plays NLS formatted cassettes at 15/16 ips and consumer audio cassettes at 1 7/8 ips. Records both speeds in two track format. Push buttons are identified with variable size, tactile feel and all operational controls are accessible from a single orientation. Features include alkaline battery, AC adapter operation and dual headphone listening. (Headphones included).
Last updated: 09/07/2009
VI Electronics
11 Mallard Way, Pride Park, Derby DE24 8GX, UK.
Tel: +44 1332 226890
Fax: +44 1332 613600
Email: sales@viplayer.co.uk
Web: www.viplayer.co.uk
VI Player
This lightweight pocket sized MP3 player has large, tactile controls with raised symbols which makes finding each button easy. A spoken menu helps you find your way around and audio feedback lets you know what buttons you have pressed. The VI Players plays MP3, WAV and audible.com files. Other features include: facility to bookmark your position in a file so you can continue where you left off; 4GB internal memory to store files. SD card slot provides additional storage if and when it's needed; built-in voice recorder for voice notes and reminders; FM radio with auto search and save up to 10 channels; view digital photographs on the built-in 2.4 inch full colour screen; supplied with earphones, 1GB SD card, USB cable, mains charger, software CD and lanyard.
Length: 105mm Width: 68mm Height: 15mm
Weight: 0.128kg
Price: £175.00 exc. VAT
Last updated: 09/07/2009