[Dtb-talk] Victor Reader Stream

[Fred Wurtzel]

Hello,

I have owned the Victor Stream and the Book Port.  I think the Stream is a
pretty robust piece of hardware.  It is lacking in a few places compared to
the Book Port and is better in a couple.

The Stream does what it claims to do pretty well.  Its number 1 advantage is
that it will play NLS downloadable audio books.  Its recorder is far
superior to the Book Port. The external speaker is just right and an
improvement from the Book Port which had no speaker.

Some of its shortcomings are1. No clock.  2.  No alarms.  3. no Braille text
editor.  4. the file transfer procedures are way too complicated.  5.
Unlike Book Port, the stream will not automatically update its software and
firmware.  Again, the update procedures are way too complicated compared to
Book Port.  6.  The stream requires safe disconnect of hardware in order to
safely disconnect it from the computer.  I do not understand this
requirement since I have never experienced any problem with any other device
including the Book Port.


A major improvement for the Stream is the bookmarking functions.  There are
several options for bookmarking, including a recorded note, that make this
feature a truly great feature for students or anyone wishing to keep notes
when reading a book.

I like the rechargeable battery.  It plays a good long time between charging
and charges fairly quickly.

With the latest update, the music fidelity is very nice for playing
MP3's.

I am glad there is no built-in belt clip as there was on the Book Port.
However, the supplied carrying case is poorly designed since it allows the
Stream to fall out.  This has happened to me and a friend.  My friend,
unfortunately dropped his in the toilet causing him to replace the unit.
When mine fell out, the SD card came out.   There is an optional case
available from some place.  It may be a worthwhile investment.

The victor feels nice in your hand and the controls are pretty logical.  The
DAISY navigationkeys are not dedicated, requiring the user to select the
level of navigation separate from actually navigating.  This is an extra
step but is only a small bother occasionally causing one to move too far or
incorrectly and having to relocate one's place.  Usually simply reversing
the misstep will recover immediately.

This is my unscientific and anecdotal review of the stream compared to
another similar device.  I hope it is helpful.  It is a good device and I
think you will enjoy using it.

Cordially,

Fred Wurtzel

-----Original Message-----
From: dtb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:dtb-talk-bounces at nfbnet.org] On
Behalf Of Donnie
Sent: Sunday, April 13, 2008 1:30 AM
To: dtb-talk at nfbnet.org
Subject: [Dtb-talk] Victor Reader Stream

Hi All

If any of you have the Victor Reader Stream, I'm interested in your opinions
on this technology.  I'm thinking of purchasing one.

Donnie

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