[access-uk] Re: Internet Radio latest

  • From: "Jackie Cairns" <cairnsplace@xxxxxxx>
  • To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
  • Date: Tue, 25 Mar 2008 19:17:58 -0000

Hi Ray

I have now completed my review of the Orion Web Box, subject to Ted's approval. 
 My concerns still remain in the tagging system, which I don't think is viable 
long term.  Also, I don't like the way that stations have to be added by 
SoundTalking, and not the user.

My review is fair, balanced and informative, but it depends on whether Ted 
Davis gives me permission to publish it.  Once he does, I am happy to let 
anyone read it who wants a copy.

Jackie

Email: cairnsplace@xxxxxxx
Skype Name: Cairnsplace
  ----- Original Message ----- 
  From: Ray's Home 
  To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx 
  Sent: Tuesday, March 25, 2008 5:53 PM
  Subject: [access-uk] Re: Internet Radio latest
  Hi Ray
  I have now completed my review of the Orion Web Box and submitted it to Ted 
Davis for his approval.  Once I get that, whoever wants to read it may do so 
gladly.

  I wouldn't buy it in its present guise.  Personally, it doesn't have a long 
shelf life in its current format.  The tagging system is costly and not 
future-proof enough.  I wish it had something like TTS, which would make it 
more practicable for the long term.  In addition, I don't like the relability 
the user has on SoundTalking to update it each time they want a station added.  
That's not viable long term either I don't think.  These are my main thoughts.  
I have been fair and balanced in my review, but whether it sees the light of 
day depends at the moment.

  Jackie



  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


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