[access-uk] Re: Internet Radio latest
- From: "Dave Taylor" <dave@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2008 07:42:59 -0000
Hi,
Ray, I couldn't agree more. I took Jackie's point that it is nice to escape
from the computer for once, but as far as I can see, it really is the easiest
way to do a lot of things. Sure, it only costs a couple of quid to put a decent
TTS system into most gadgets these days, but until a manufacturer of mainstream
gadgets does it we're severely limited. Radios on mobile phones aren't the
easiest to use, though they are namageable, but only any good if you want to
use the headphones all the time.I wouldn't be entirely surprised to see FM
radio on future versions of humanware products, the BrailleNote already has
one, but FM is so limited these days. I really think that a tiny laptop will
become the way forward for us for most things, using wireless networks. We'll
essentially have one computer with a huge hard disk, and lots of smaller ones
around the house running entirely off the network. I suspect even internal CD
drives will start to disappear, keyboards will get smaller and battery life
will increase, so the laptop will become more like the notetakers we are used
to.
Cheers
Dave
From: Ray's Home
Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:53 PM
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Internet Radio latest
Graham, agree completely with what you say belowe but one or two thoughts on
this, and hope Jackie might find them useful too.
If we want an accessible version of the internet radios you can buy at Argos
with the many stations they offer, then what really is the way forward?
I'm beginning to ask myself whether a pure and simple accessible internet radio
will in fact appear, or at least one that goes beyond voice tagging. As I see
it, you are realy talking here about something that is in essence not far short
of a regular computer specialised to link to internet audio streams. So, I ask
myself, if we want complete flexibility like we're accustomed to on our PCs,
then maybe a laptop-like device is something like what we'll end up with.
Then again one of the many specialized portable devices on the market could be
adapted for the purpose, or the way things are going, a mobile phone?
On reflection maybe in the TNAUK/Orion option things have been simplified and
customised to offer what it is believed the market for this device is likely to
want. Those wanting something more may have to waite a little longer and
perhaps for another developer to look at a possibly younger and wider market?
Cannot help but think of the Guide software as a sort of comparison here, and
wonder if that model of limitation and keep it easy is what's being aimed at.
From Ray
I can be contacted off-list at:
mailto:ray-48@xxxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
Graham Page
Sent: 25 March 2008 5:00PM
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Internet Radio latest
Ray, all I would say about modern voices such as Real Speak is that I have
worked with a few new access technology users recently. I am used to working
with a screenreader and prefer eloquence but many find RealSpeak Daniel better
despite it being a little unresponsive. I think that using a high quality
voice such as this would be a fair compromise that would allow an
understandable voice to be used while allowing most people to work with it.
Regards
Graham
Graham Page
Home Phone: 0207 265 9493
Mobile: 07753 607980
Fax: 0870 706 2773
Email: gpage@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MSN: gabriel_mcbird@xxxxxxxxxxx
Skype: gabriel_mcbird
----- Original Message -----
From: Ray's Home
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, March 22, 2008 2:47 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: Internet Radio latest
Jackie, great news that you'l be doing a review of the talking internet
radio. Your comments made me realise that I've probably not understood how
this thing works, with voice tagging. I'd sort of assumed there'd be a TTS in
there. this seems a serious limitation if adding voice tags is only doable by
someone running a special program or something, or maybe it is done simply by
someone hooking the thing up to a PC.
I can see why they'd want to settle for human voice identification of
stations if this unit's aimed at older people, though there are good human
sounding voices these days. TTS would be so much more flexible and hassel-free
though in use.
What I would want is the ability to update myself. Maybe there is an Orion
model that does allow for this, but I may contact them to see what the position
is regarding this. Maybe you are planning to get an answer to this sort of
question?
I don't sub to Brian Hartgen's infotech, but wonder if he's looked at this.
From Ray
I can be contacted off-list at:
mailto:ray-48@xxxxxxxx
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]On Behalf Of
Jackie Cairns
Sent: 21 March 2008 9:44AM
To: Access UK Mailing List
Subject: [access-uk] Internet Radio latest
Hi Listers
I promised to report back to the group when I had something new to tell you
about the saga of Internet radio, and more specifically, the device I was
hoping to allow TNAUK, or Sound Talking, to let me try out.
Well the Orion Webbox arrived yesterday for me to try out. I have it on
the basis I can write a review, which Ted Davis needs to sanction before it is
published. Nevertheless, I certainly intend to make it fair and honest, as
always.
But my initial thoughts are these. The box itself is flat, with a speaker
on the top and five small round buttons, as well as a rotary volume/pause
control. All the relevant sockets, including mains, phonos and RJ45 connection
are on the back.
When you turn on the Webbox, the lady from Solutions Radio, where the box
is manufactured in Holland, announces the unit and offers a menu. This menu is
full of TNAUK, RNIB, Calibre and other publication choices, but also local
radio stations and national radio stations. Of course, I made a beeline for
these. On this trial unit, there are lots of national BBC stations that you
would expect to find on DAB or FM/MW, but some extras. Local radio stations
include a selection from around the country. To be honest, if I was buying the
radio, I would want its memory filled to capacity with as many stations as
possible.
The radio, in simple terms, is easy to operate. You go into menus, select
what you want, and press the back key to get out of them and return to the
previous layer.
Based on what I've seen so far, there is an awful lot of work still to do.
It's very TNAUK/RNIB/Calibre oriented, and that does worry me considerably. I
can see why a lot of people would like to have the entire collection of
subscription titles from TNAUK on there, as well as a variety of RNIB or
Calibre books. But I think the radio side of it - which is my primary interest
- will lag behind. Firstly, all stations are tagged, and we know what that
means in terms of future-proof continuity. If you want a station included, Ted
has assured me it can be added, but I have grave reservations about that in the
long term.
So folks, while I'm still exploring, and want to write something fair and
constructive for publication, my advice is hang onto your dosh for now if you
want more of a radio than a DAISY player full of books and magazines.
Jackie
Email: cairnsplace@xxxxxxx
Skype Name: Cairnsplace
__________ NOD32 2971 (20080325) Information __________
This message was checked by NOD32 antivirus system.
http://www.eset.com
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No virus found in this incoming message.
Checked by AVG.
Version: 7.5.519 / Virus Database: 269.22.0/1341 - Release Date: 24/03/2008
15:03
Other related posts:
