[bookport] Re: NLS downloadable books
- From: "Nicki Keck" <favorite.blend@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 08 Jul 2007 14:10:23 -0400
One question, though. If you get the victor Stream or, eventually, the
BookPort 2, could you not just download the books and transfer them via USB?
Would you still need to transfer them to a cartridge?
_____
From: bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bookport-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx]
On Behalf Of DanFlasar@xxxxxxx
Sent: Sunday, July 08, 2007 1:13 PM
To: bookport@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bookport] NLS downloadable books
Okay, here's some valid information about the NLS books.
I've been a beta tester for the NLS download site for their digital
talking books. The site already exists and has since at least since early
November. Books are being added at a rate of around 100-200/week. We play
them on modified Victor Readers (a slot to insert an SD chip was added).
It is not the machine that will be distributed. There are about 100 beta
testers who keep in touch via listserv in their evaluations of the projects
download speed, download errors, navigability of the digital books, problems
with unzipping the files, problems in playing the files and so on. The
emphasis is on the ease of use of the download site. We have discussed all
the questions brought up in this thread many, many times so I will answer
them to the best of my ability.
1. Yes, NLS will be distributing a free player to all patrons. This machine
will replace the current cassette players, which are no longer being
produced. Cassettes will be phased out entirely by 2012. I've seen the
machine at a lecture given by the project manager. It will come in two
forms - one is a simplified one for those who don't want to do things like
add bookmarks or download their own books. The other is the more advanced
system similar in function to the Victor Reader.
2. There will be no software reader for the books. So far, they have not
been able to come up with an adequate copyright protection mechanism.
3. The books will be available in two ways: you can call your NLS
affiliated library (or get on the web as now, choose your book and request
it to be mailed to you. The books will come on a special cartridge holding
an SD chip. The cartridges must be returned to the library after reading
is completed. Cartridges will be available for sale from various sources so
you can download your own books.
4. For those so interested (like all of us beta testers and probably all
of you), you will be able to go to the website and download your books to
your PC or some removable media. But the books must then be transferred to
a cartridge. You may, by the way, copy your books from a library cartridge
to your PC. You may keep the books, but you may not, of course, distribute
them.
5. The machines will be distributed as stated, to veterans first - if they
want them, then to those who specifically request them, then to the general
readership. Most people are not early adaptors so you should have a good
chance of receiving a machine within the next year. The plan is to start
sending the first units out in early 2008.
6. I honestly don't know when the site will open up to the general
readership - I'd heard this Fall, though. It is moot unless you have a
Victor Stream. Someone mentioned a modified Victor Reader such as the ones
issued to us. As far as I know, those are NOT for sale they were
specifically created for our beta project, but I could be wrong about that.
The Bookport 2 is the only other announced NLS digital book reading platform
but as we all know, it's not out yet. There will no doubt be others.
7. I have heard that there will be a project to beta test the new players
but I have no info on that.
8. Unlike RFB&D books, the NLS books will not be searchable by page
number, which was a big disappointment to many of us. But we can navigate,
in general, by part, section, heading, chapter and subheading. Really good
for magazines, poetry and nonfiction.
9. No, you can't get access to the site, even to look. It is
hyper-secured, nor can you join the discussion list.
10. I like the new NLS books very much, I like the new player a lot, I
love being able to download books (which can take a bit of time depending on
your line speed. If you use a modem, it will take a very long time because
these aren't text files - they're audio files. it will be worth the wait,
however.
An Editorial:
I know it's common in some circles to criticize the NLS or the federal
government. I feel the need to provide a reality check. It is
disingenuous to slam the government or an agency because they are not able
to provide a free, and necessary, service like the Talking Books program to
us as quickly as we would like. You all know that there was an unexpected
snag in funding a month ago. NLS did not get as much funding as needed so a
delay is not unreasonable. I don't work for the feds - or any state or local
government, nor am I a fan of the current administration. But I consider the
service NLS has provided to me ever since I lost my vision to be a lot
better than those provided by the private sector which, with rare
exceptions, has to be dragged kicking and screaming to provide access to all
citizens, regardless of ability or disability.
Dan F.
_____
See what's free at AOL.com <http://www.aol.com?ncid=AOLAOF00020000000503> .
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