[nfbwatlk] Fw: Latest Info on Victor Reader Stream Delivery-- andOther Info

[Nightingale, Noel]

Mike:

Thank you for forwarding this information about the Stream.  I am
beginning to feel shafted for my purchase of the Stream at the
convention because it doesn't appear that the Stream will do anything
that was advertised at the convention when it arrives at my door,
including play NLS downloaded books or books from audible.com.  Or, am I
misreading the information you sent?  Also, if there is no external
battery charger, how will one charge the battery

Noel 

-----Original Message-----
From: nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org [mailto:nfbwatlk-bounces at nfbnet.org]
On Behalf Of Mike Freeman
Sent: Tuesday, August 28, 2007 5:06 PM
To: NFB of Washington Talk
Subject: [nfbwatlk] Fw: Latest Info on Victor Reader Stream Delivery--
andOther Info

----- Original Message -----
From: David Andrews
To: dtb-talk at nfbnet.org ; vrstream at ogts.net ;
promotion-technology at nfbnet.org ; dtb-test at listserv.loc.gov ;
nabs-l at nfbnet.org
Sent: Monday, August 27, 2007 9:16 AM
Subject: [Promotion-technology] Latest Info on Victor Reader Stream
Delivery-- and Other Info


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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