[Dtb-talk] Latest Info on Victor Reader Stream Delivery -- and Other Info

[Greg Kearney]

I would also like to add that my free Macintosh utility for the  
VictorReader Stream, called iStream can be downloaded from http://w3.wmcnet.org/dtbmaker/istream/

iStream will interface with unprotected content from iTunes and will  
also convert a wide range of audio formats to work with the  
VictorReader Stream. As the VictorReader Stream is improved to handle  
more formats iStream will also add those as well.

The source code for the program is also there.

Greg Kearney
On Aug 27, 2007, at 10:16 AM, David Andrews wrote:

> The following comes from the www.humanware.ca web page as of Monday
> morning August 27th.
>
> Dave
>
> Frequently Asked Questions Re:
> Sales and Delivery
> Since the new Victor Reader Stream digital talking book player was
> announced in July 2007, our dealers and customers have been answering
> many questions
> about the player and delivery date. Following are answers to
> frequently asked questions.
>
> Please refer back to this location for additional information about
> Stream as it becomes available.
>
> Q. What is the current delivery date for the Stream?
>
> A. , HumanWare would like to advise our many customers who have
> ordered a Stream that we have experienced some difficulties with the
> delivery of our first
> Stream units resulting in a month delay in the actual delivery
> dates.  Units will now be available for shipment beginning September
> 10th 2007.   All units
> should reach customers who have ordered their players before the end
> of September.
>
> The delay is due to a defective headset connector from one of our
> long time suppliers.  Fortunately, the situation has been remedied
> with the replacement
> of the connector before the final production took place.  The delay
> required that we perform our detailed testing program over a longer
> period of time
> to insure that we will deliver a high quality product.
>
> We are sorry about any inconvenience generated by this delay in
> delivering this new exciting product.  If you have any question about
> the exact delivery
> date of your unit please do not hesitate to contact your local dealer.
>
> Q. I heard that NLS will have more download books. Who can access  
> these books?
>
> A. In July 2007, NLS announced that it will soon expand its trial of
> download digital talking books to include all NLS patrons who are
> registered for NLS
> service by their local library, who have a computer and high speed
> Internet connection to download the books, and who also have an NLS
> authorized digital
> book player capable of playing the NISO books downloaded from the NLS
> server.
>
> Q. Who qualifies for NLS talking book service?
>
> A. Only residents of the United States or American citizens living
> abroad who are unable to read or use standard print materials as a
> result of a temporary
> or permanent visual, physical limitation may receive NLS audio book
> services.  Each individual must be certified first before accessing
> the NLS audio book
> services.
>
> Q. Will the Stream play NLS download books?
>
> A. The new Victor Reader Stream will be able to play downloaded NLS
> NISO books as soon as NLS authorizes the player to do so. NLS NISO
> books are encrypted
> and any digital player must be authorized by NLS with a decryption
> code to play the NLS books. HumanWare has discussed the player
> authorization process
> with NLS.  The development of an NLS web form and NLS operational
> procedures for the download project are currently under way. As soon
> as NLS concludes
> this process, Victor Reader Stream users will be able to register for
> NLS download book service through a simple web form on the NLS web
> site. Once the
> patron is registered for NLS download book service HumanWare will be
> able to supply the patron with the required software decryption code
> to install on
> the Stream. The decryption code will be sent from HumanWare through a
> simple email attachment.
>
> Q. Will the Stream play the future book cartridges that NLS will  
> distribute?
>
> A. Yes, if the Stream is properly authorized to play NLS books as
> explained above. Once the player is authorized, the user may attach
> an NLS book cartridge
> to the Stream using a short cable supplied with the Stream. Once
> attached the user may play the book. HumanWare also plan to sell an
> optional book cartridge
> holder which can be attached to the back of the player allowing the
> NLS book cartridge to be inserted and played as an integral part of
> the player. This
> book cartridge holder will be sold as an option when the NLS book
> cartridges are made available. Since HumanWare has not yet
> manufactured the optional
> cartridge holder its price is not yet known.
>
> Q. Will Stream play Audible.com books?
>
> A. Yes, but not on the first player shipments. HumanWare has
> negotiated with Audible to support the Audible books and is presently
> working on the technical
> implementation for the Stream. This work will not be completed in
> time for September 10 initial player shipments. But will be provided
> as soon as possible
> thereafter as a free software upgrade.
>
> Q. Do I have to return the Stream to my dealer to get the software  
> upgraded?
>
> A. No. Stream firmware upgrades consist of a single file that is
> downloaded from HumanWare's web site. You simply download that file
> to your computer, copy
> it to the root of an SD card, and insert the card in the player while
> it is plugged to AC power. Stream will recognize the special file and
> automatically
> update its internal software. Audio announcements will inform you of
> the start and end of the update process. It takes approximately 1 to
> 2 minutes to
> update the player.
>
> Q. Will Stream play RFB&D books?
>
> A. Yes, this is planned but it will not be ready for the initial
> September 10 players. RFB&D books are also encrypted and any player
> must be authorized
> with a decryption key to play them. HumanWare is working now with
> RFB&D and will provide the necessary decryption key to all Stream
> customers who request
> it and who are also RFB&D members. No additional charge will be made
> for the ability to play RFB&D books. As soon as we have
> confirmed  the process with
> RFB&D more information will be provided.
>
> Q. Will Stream play WMA protected books such as those from the
> Unabridged library or NetLibrary.com sources?
>
> A. HumanWare plans to provide the ability to play WMA protected books
> on the Stream and is researching this. No delivery date is available
> at this time.
>
> Q. Will Stream play BRF files such as those from NLS Web-Braille and
> other sources?
>
> A. HumanWare plans to provide the ability to play BRF Braille files
> on the Stream and is researching this. No delivery date is available
> at this time.
>
> Q. Will I be able to obtain a spare battery for my Stream?
>
> A. Yes. You may purchase it from HumanWare. The price in the U.S. is  
> $29.00
>
> Q. Can I buy an external battery charger for the Stream?
>
> A. No. At this time HumanWare does not have an external battery
> charger for the Stream.
>
>
>
>
>
> David Andrews and white cane Harry.
>
>
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