[access-uk] Re: [BCAB] Satellite radio
- From: "Jackie Cairns" <jackie.cairnsplace@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "'BCAB Discussion List'" <bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Tue, 3 Apr 2012 09:58:38 +0100
I'm cross-posting to Access-UK for the benefit of Sonata users subscribed
there.
Hi Graham
I think Tune In cost me something like 59p, and I think it's great and very
accessible with VoiceOver. I am going to download OoTunes and see what it
is like. I already have iBlink Radio, but don't use it anywhere as much as
Tune In.
Incidentally, I can update people on the Sonata Plus as I spoke to Wireless
For the Blind yesterday, just for my own curiosity following someone's
forwarded post to this list about it.
The upshot is this. The new version is NOT an upgrade, so those who already
have a Sonata cannot trade in or have the machine upgraded in any capacity.
The Sonata Plus has a new motherboard in it, and its advantages over the
existing model are:
1. The configuration menu now speaks, which means you can put in your own
wireless key without sighted assistance. Additionally, you can put in
multiple network keys that the machine will remember, useful if you move it
around.
2. The new Sonata comes with an SD card slot, and supports cards up to
32GB. It also comes with two USB ports that will allow you to connect a pen
or CD player even.
3. There is now the facility to be able to speed up and alter the pitch of
the voice, but I am not clear if this includes the material you are
listening to such as an audio book or podcast.
4. Calibre is coming on board within the next few months, so you will be
able to have a bookshelf of their titles.
5. Apparently, wireless and general accessibility is faster, though the
shape and controls on the unit are exactly the same as they are on the
original unit. They have now replaced what I describe as the kettle lead
with a power pack, presumably to make more room inside the machine for the
new board.
I was informed that they are doing a "special" price on the new Sonata of
£349 at the moment. As they are a charity, they will not consider
trade-ins, and only people on means-tested benefits can apply for one on
permanent loan. There is an annual charge of £25 for those who buy their
own, and this fee is paid if you have one on permanent loan.
I was told that the voice has changed, but the person I talked to didn't
know what the new voice is. Now whether this means the voice on start-up
and configuration menu, or the list you choose from, I don't know.
Anyway that's as much as I know if that helps.
Kind Regards,
Jackie Cairns
-----Original Message-----
From: bcab-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Graham Page
Sent: 03 April 2012 05:22
To: 'BCAB Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [BCAB] Satellite radio
Hi Jackie and all.
I'm about 3 days behind on messages so appologies if I'm repeating what
others have said.
There's a paid and a free version of tune in. I think the main difference
is that you can record with the paid version. It's worth paying for just to
support the developers though as it's hardly expensive.
There is also a radio app called ootunes which is also inexpensive that has
many of the same stations but it seems to have a greater range of internet
only feeds. There is also the free IBlink radio which is a convenient of
all the blindness related radio services and podcasts.
Regards
Graham
-----Original Message-----
From: bcab-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Jackie Cairns
Sent: 30 March 2012 10:02
To: 'BCAB Discussion List'
Subject: Re: [BCAB] Satellite radio
i Pele
Like you, I'm not an iTunes fan either, but I absolutely love my iPod Touch,
so put up with the software so I can get to where I want to be with it.
I've now sussed out how to create playlists and stopped the annoying
repetition of the same track. There is a great radio app that I think only
cost me 59p called Tune In, and you would love it. You can search for
stations all over the place, and add them to your favourites list. I'm
waiting for my new hifi system to arrive, the tuner on which has the ability
to let you put in your broadband key so you can stream around the house
using your iPod etc. God knows how that works, but the guys have promised
to show me. I may have to call upon the advice of a certain Gordon K who
seems to know about all things Apple.
Pele, iTunes apart, I think you would love the iPod Touch with its range of
radio apps, and is probably the best all-rounder for music, sport etc. I
know the Plextalk Pocket does as you describe, but give me the iPod Touch
any day over it, though this is obviously subjective.
Kind Regards,
Jackie Cairns
-----Original Message-----
From: bcab-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of Pele West
Sent: 30 March 2012 09:05
To: BCAB Discussion List
Subject: Re: [BCAB] Satellite radio
Hi Wendy and Everyone
Can I put in a word for the Plextalk Pocket which can pic up internet
stations if you have a wireless router.
You can put the radio feeds on an SD card and arrange them in folders to
make them more accessible. You can also go to them by number, so if you know
what number a station is on your list you can go direct.
I have not used the Ipod Touch as I hate Itunes, but the Plextalk seems to
work for me.
Incidentally, does anyone know if the new Panasonic televisions can be
programmed to receive internet radio stations?
Pele West
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