Victor Reader Stream User Guide
About VICTOR READER STREAM
HumanWare is proud to introduce VICTOR READER STREAM, the powerful digital talking book player.
VICTOR READER STREAM is designed as an advanced high performance DAISY MP3 player for students, professionals, or on-the-go people who have extensive reading needs. It allows you to transfer content from your PC to its removable flash memory card and provides advanced navigation of multiple formats including DAISY, MP3, and electronic text. Acknowledgement
HumanWare wishes to thank the CNIB Library for recording the VICTOR READER STREAM User Guide.
©Copyright 2007. All rights reserved, HumanWare Canada.
This User Guide is protected by copyright belonging to HumanWare, with all rights reserved. The User Guide may not be copied in whole or in part, without written consent from HumanWare.
Table of Contents
1. Overview of VICTOR READER STREAM
1.2 Physical Description of VICTOR READER STREAM
1.2.1 Front Face of the Player
1.2.3 Right Side of the Player
1.2.5 Back side of the Player (Battery Compartment)
1.2.6 USB Cartridge Holder (optional)
1.3.1 Turning the Player On and Off
1.3.2 Player Reset Using Power Button
1.4 Inserting or Removing the SD CARD
1.8 Transferring Files Between Your PC and Stream
2.1 Changing Volume, Speed, Tone
3.5 Text-to-Speech Navigation Elements
3.6.1 Recall skippable elements
3.7 Bookshelf Navigation - Key
3.8 User Guide - Key 1 (Press and hold)
3.12 Confirm, Lock and Cancel - Pound (#) and Star (*) keys
3.13.1 Available Information Items
6. Listening to Music and Non-DAISY BOOKS
6.3 Using Other Books and Music Bookshelves
6.4 Characteristics that Differ Between Other Books and Music Bookshelves
9. HumanWare Contact Information
10. End User License Agreement.
1. Overview of VICTOR READER STREAM
1.1 Unpacking the Player
The package contains the following items:
VICTOR READER STREAM
Rectangular rechargeable battery
Power cord
Carrying pouch
Long USB cable to connect to the PC
Short USB cable to connect to a USB memory stick.
Earbuds
Warranty card
Optional SD memory card (if purchased separately)
Documentation CD
In some countries the package may also contain a card to fill out to purchase an optional extension to your basic warranty. If you find this card and are interested in the extended warranty please return the card within 30 days. If you have difficulty filling out the card or wish more information please contact HumanWare:
Toll Free: 1 888 723-7273 (Canada & U.S.A.)
Telephone: 1 (819) 471-4818
E-mail: ca.sales@humanware.com
1.2 Physical Description of VICTOR READER STREAM
1.2.1 Front Face of the Player
The face of the player can be divided into three sections:
In the upper section is a speaker on the left corner and built-in microphone on the right corner.
The middle section contains a telephone style numeric keypad with a raised dot on the number 5 key. This numeric keypad is used to move through the structure of a book as well as enter bookmark, page, or heading numbers. Above the 1 key is the Go To Page key. The Go To Page key allows you to go directly to a desired page. Above the 3 key is the Bookmark key. It is used to insert bookmarks at reading positions that you want to return to later. Between the Go To Page and Bookmark keys is an LED indicator. This LED glows steady when the Stream is powered on and blinks while the Stream is off and recharging the battery.
The bottom section contains the Play/Stop key, which is located between the Rewind and Fast Forward key. Above the Play/Stop key, is the Sleep key.
There is a raised line below the number pad and above the Sleep key to separate the middle and bottom sections.
1.2.2 Left Side of the Player
On the left side of the player, near the top corner, is the Power/Toggle button. You press and hold this button to power on and off the player. When the player is on, you press this same Power button to toggle the volume, speed and tone settings. Next to it, are two triangular buttons. These are the Up and Down buttons used to increase or decrease the respective volume, speed or tone selected with the toggle button. These settings are saved between sessions. For your convenience, separate volume settings are saved for each of the built-in speaker and headphones.
1.2.3 Right Side of the Player
On the right side of the player, near the top corner, is the earphones jack which can also be used to connect an external speaker. Next to it is the microphone jack. Halfway down the right side between two rough surfaces is the Record button which has a raised dot in the middle.
1.2.4 Top Edge of the Player
Located on the top edge, on the left corner is a mini USB connector. This is used to access books on USB storage devices using the included USB cables. Next to it, in the middle, is the SD memory card slot. On the right is the power input jack. It is used to connect the player to an electrical outlet to recharge the battery.
1.2.5 Back side of the Player (Battery Compartment)
The battery compartment is located in the back of the player. To remove the battery door, press on the finger pads and slide the door down and off. You may also find it easier to grip the player around the curved bottom end with your fingers on the keypad and the heel of your palm on the battery door. Then squeeze gently against the door and slide it down and off. You will find a semi-circular opening at the top center of the battery compartment. You will notice that the battery has a circular tab on one edge. Insert the battery by fitting this circular tab into the corresponding semi-circular opening of the battery compartment. The battery cannot be inserted incorrectly as it will only fit in the proper orientation. Secure the battery compartment by sliding the door back on, ensuring it locks in place.
The fully charged battery will provide up to 15 hours playtime. However, battery playtime may be reduced in the following cases :
If the battery is charged for less than 4 hours.
Extensive use of book navigation commands.
High volume level or High Speed playback.
After about 400 recharge cycles the battery capacity will start to reduce.
The battery will automatically recharge if needed whenever the player is plugged to AC power. If the player is powered Off and plugged in, the power LED indicator will blink if the battery is recharging. The player can also be used while recharging but in this case the LED will glow steady instead of blink. A full recharge takes up to 4 hours.
When the player is not connected to a power outlet, and staying in pause mode for more than 30 minutes, it will shut Off automatically to save the battery.
1.2.6 USB Cartridge Holder (optional)
Your Victor Reader Stream can accommodate an optional USB cartridge holder connected to the back of the player. This optional cartridge holder must be purchased as an accessory. The use of the USB cartridge holder is for members of the NLS (National Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped) library in the United States. The NLS library talking books will be distributed on special book cartridges that can be inserted into this holder so they may be played on the Stream. The cartridge holder includes an integral USB connector to allow the player to access the data on the book cartridge.
If you have not purchased the USB cartridge holder you may still play books on an NLS cartridge or books on a USB memory stick by connecting either to the USB connector on the top left corner of the Stream using the short USB cable provided. The USB cartridge holder is only needed if you wish to have the NLS book cartridge connected to the player without using the cable.
To attach the NLS cartridge holder:
Hold the player in one hand with its backside facing up. Make sure the short curved side points towards you. Notice the indentation found in the middle of the short curved side of the player.
Align the curved end of the player with the curved end of the cartridge holder. The cartridge holder's notch should fit into the player's indentation.
With the notch in place, bring the player and the cartridge holder together. The cartridge holder's two fastening clasps will lock into corresponding slots at the top of the player.
To remove the cartridge holder, simultaneously press the two buttons on the sides of the holder. This will release the fastening claps and allow you to remove the cartridge holder.
1.2.6.1 Copying NLS Book Cartridge to SD Card - Key 3
If you prefer to read the NLS book from the SD card then you can use key 3 to copy the book from the NLS cartridge to the DAISY bookshelf of your SD card. To perform the copy:
Load the book cartridge into the cartridge holder or connect the cartridge to your Stream using the provided short USB cable
Use the Stream Bookshelf key 1 to browse to the NLS book on the cartridge
Press 3 to start copying the book.
1.3 Power Button
1.3.1 Turning the Player On and Off
To turn the player On, press and hold the Power key, which is located on the left side of the player, near the top corner. You will hear a beep and a welcome message.
To turn the player Off, press and hold the Power key again. You will hear two beeps indicating the player is powering Off.
1.3.2 Player Reset Using Power Button
Devices with multiple layers of complex software such as the Stream may become unresponsive if a software lock occurs. If the Stream does not respond to any key presses including power off, hold down the Power button for 7 seconds to force a player hard reset.
1.4 Inserting or Removing the SD CARD
To insert and remove the SD card follow these steps:
- Hold the player facing you. The SD card slot is on the top edge of the player in the centre.
- One corner of the SD card is cut at a 45 degree angle.
This cut corner should be at the bottom left when you insert the card into the player slot. If the card is not oriented properly it will resist insertion. The card has a small write-lock tab on its right edge. This tab should be in the down position if you plan to write information on the card such as recording or deleting voice notes. If you only listen to books, the tab can be put in the up position to write protect the SD card.
- Push the card down into the slot until it clicks into place.
- To remove the card push down on the top edge to release it. Then pull it out.
1.5 Memory Card Detection
When playing the contents of an SD card and it is removed from the player, the player will switch to the first book on the USB source (if any) or enter the key describer mode.
If the player is powered on with both an SD card and USB source present, the system will scan the SD card first and will select the last book played. If the last book read is not present, it will select the first available book present on the SD card. If no books are found on the SD card, then the system will scan for books on a USB source.
1.6 Bookshelf Structure
The Stream recognizes various book types which are saved in separate folder structures called Bookshelves. You select the Bookshelf you want to read with multiple presses of the Bookshelf (1) key. You move backward and forward along each Bookshelf using the 4 and 6 keys. The Bookshelf list is circular. On the SD or USB source each Bookshelf is stored within a reserved folder name beginning with "$VR". Within each of these reserved folders (Bookshelves) there may be user defined subfolders containing separate books or categories of files. You may put other folders and files on the SD card but it is only the contents of the $VR reserved folders that define the Stream bookshelves. The Bookshelf structure and usage are defined in the following table.
1.7 Other Reserved File Names
The Stream may create other file names beginning with "$VR" on the SD or USB data source. Removing or altering these files could result in unpredictable behavior.
Reserved Folder | Bookshelf | Book Type | Usage |
$VRDAISYNISO | DAISY | DAISY 2.x, DAISY NISO | The files comprising each of your DAISY or DAISY NISO books should be saved in separate subfolders under this folder. Use the 4/6 keys to move backward and forward between books. Press PLAY to select the book. In this bookshelf the current reading position is saved separately for each book. |
$VROtherBooks | Other Books | Non DAISY recorded books (MP3,Wav) | The files comprising each books should be saved in separate subfolders under this folder. Folders may be nested. Use the 4/6 keys to move between books. Press PLAY to select the book. In this bookshelf the current reading position is saved separately for each book. Playback stops at the end of the last file of each book. |
$VRText | Text | Text files (txt,html, XML) | Same usage as $VROtherBooks. |
$VRMusic | Music | Recorded music (MP3,Wav, OGG) | Set up nested folders containing music files. For example, the structure could be genre, artist, album, and tracks. Navigate using 2/8 keys to choose folder or file navigation level and then move within that level using 4/6 keys. Playback continues from the last file of one folder to the first file of the next folder. Random play mode (set with Menu 7) applies only to the Music bookshelf. A current position is created for each book, but there can only 3 books at a time (SD, USB and Cartridge). |
$VRNotes | Notes | AMR-WB+ audio files recorded by the Stream. | This is a single list of files recorded by the Stream where each file is given an incremental number for each separate recording. The $VRNotes folder is created when you insert a non write-protected card. |
1.8 Transferring Files Between Your PC and Stream
To connect Stream to your PC, turn the power off on the Stream, connect one end of the long USB cable to the mini USB on the top left edge of the Stream and the other end to your PC's USB port. Then turn the Stream back on. Windows will recognize the Stream SD card as a USB drive and you can then use Windows Explorer to transfer files back and forth. If you have an SD card reader on your PC, it will be faster to transfer files using the PC card reader than using the USB cable with Stream. If you are not familiar with file transfers using Windows Explorer you may want to try installing the optional Stream companion software provided on your Stream CD. It has a separate User Guide also found on the CD.
The Stream must remain powered on while connected to the PC. While connected, its controls will not function. When you disconnect from the PC, you will need to power off the Stream.
You can switch SD cards in the Stream while connected but before removing the SD or disconnecting the Stream be sure to use the Safely Remove Hardware function on the Windows System Tray.
2. Basic Functions
2.1 Changing Volume, Speed, Tone
When the Stream is on, press the Power button on the top left side to toggle volume, speed, or tone settings. Use the up/down arrows on the left side just below the Power button to raise or lower the selected setting. There is a beep to mark the upper and lower range of each control. If the book is not playing, STREAM will announce the setting position. For tone and speed there is also a beep to mark the normal or 0 position. This indicates either a flat tone setting or normal speed setting.
2.2 Play/Stop
To start playing a book, press the Play/Stop key.
To stop playing a book, press the Play/Stop key again.
NOTE: Like the Pound (#) key, you can also press Play/Stop to confirm an operation or end a numeric entry. If you confirm or end with Play/Stop then playback will start at the same time.
2.3 Rewind and Fast Forward
These keys allow you to go backward or forward quickly. You will hear the recording at a faster speed.
Press and hold the Rewind or Fast Forward key until you reach the desired spot, the movement of the Rewind or Fast Forward keys will accelerate the longer you hold the key down. For each few seconds you hold the keys you will move forward or backward 1 minute, 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, 15 minutes and so on. The largest jump is 5 minutes. STREAM will announce the time jumps and play a normal speed clip between each time jump.
If you simply press and release Fast Forward or Rewind instead of holding it down, playback will jump forward or backward by 5 seconds.
2.4 Key Describer Mode
If an SD or USB source is present: Press and hold the Info (0) key to access the Key Describer Mode. Press and hold the Info key again to exit the Key Describer Mode.
When no SD or USB source is present, the Key Describer mode will be activated automatically.
While in Key Describer mode you may press any key to hear its function.
3. Numeric Key Functions
3.1 Numeric Keypad List
1: Bookshelf if pressed, User Guide if pressed and held
2: Navigation element
3: Delete
4: Back
5: Where am I?
6: Forward
7: Menu
8: Navigation Element
9: Text-to-Speech / Recorded modes toggle
*: Cancel
0: Info if pressed, Key Describer Mode if pressed and held
#: Confirm / Keypad Lock
3.2 Navigation Keys
STREAM allows you to navigate by chapter, section, page, time jump, paragraph, or any other existing indexed element defined by the producer of the book.
Use the 2 and 8 keys to choose a navigation level. These differ from book to book but typically level 1 means chapter, level 2 means section, and level 3 means sub-section and so on. In DAISY NISO books, the book producer may have defined the level names in which case the Stream will announce them. The page element may not be present on all books. The phrase level is usually the smallest navigation element but this is defined by the book producer. First, choose a navigation level (chapter, page, etc.), using the 2 and 8 keys. Then use the 4 and 6 keys to move backward and forward between elements at the selected level. The 2 and 8 keys will announce only the levels available for the book. The phrase is always provided but its extent depends on the book producer.
3.3 Navigation Undo Feature
The 4 and 6 keys act as an undo of each other. For example, if you accidentally press the 6 key causing playback to jump to the next element you can press the 4 key within 10 seconds and return to where you were. Similarly, the 6 key will undo the last jump caused by the 4 key if pressed within 10 seconds.
3.4 Time Jump Navigation Mode
Time Jump navigation can be selected using the 2 and 8 keys.
Press the key 4 to move Backward or the key 6 to move Forward by the jump interval.
The Time Jump interval can be set at 1, 5, 10 minutes using the Menu key (7).
3.5 Text-to-Speech Navigation Elements
When Stream is in Text-to-speech mode there will be additional text navigation levels added to the up/down (2/8) key rotation. These include the text elements: page, paragraph, line, sentence, word, and character. Page and line elements are defined arbitrarily as 25 lines per page and 80 characters per line. As with other navigation levels, you move between elements of the selected level using the 4/6 (left/right) keys. Note that the Page element will only be available when no Daisy pages are defined in the book.
3.6 Skippable elements
VICTOR READER STREAM supports the following skippable elements: Footnote, Page number, Production note and Sidebar.
Skippable element can be set as Play, Skip or On Demand, see the Configuration Menu for details. When a skippable element is encountered during playback, VICTOR READER STREAM behaves as follows:
Play : The element is always played.
Skip : The element is never played.
On Demand : The element is not played but added to the recall list and the element's name is announced. Note that On Demand option is not available for page and line number elements.
3.6.1 Recall skippable elements
On Demand skippable elements can be recalled with the Pound key.
STREAM remembers up to 5 skipped On Demand elements. The last added element will be the first to be recalled. Pressing the Pound key multiple times will recall the prior element in the list. When an element is recalled, the name of the element is played and playback starts at the beginning of the element. When the end of the element is reached, the message "Return to text" is played and the book position will return to where it was when the Pound key was pressed.
During the playback of a recalled element, the user may press Cancel (* key) to quit playing the recalled element and return to the main text of the book.
3.7 Bookshelf Navigation - Key 1
Press the Bookshelf (1) key multiple times to rotate through the circular list of Bookshelves. Bookshelves contain different types of books and files as defined in the section, Bookshelf Structure. You move backward and forward along a Bookshelf using the 4 and 6 keys. Confirm the choice with the Pound (#) or Play keys. STREAM will start to play from where you left off in the selected book.
3.8 User Guide - Key 1 (Press and hold)
You can access the built-in user guide at any time by pressing and holding key 1. Press and hold 1 again to exit
3.9 Delete Function - Key 3
When browsing the DAISY bookshelf you can use the 3 key to delete a book or, while browsing the Audio Notes list, you can use the 3 key to delete an Audio Note. Press 3 to delete the selected item and Stream will ask you to confirm. Press the pound key to delete or any other key to cancel the delete.
3.10Where am I ? - Key 5
The Where am I key will announce your reading position without interrupting the reading process. Depending on the book type, STREAM will announce one or more of the page and heading numbers, section title, or file name.
3.11Playback mode - Key 9
There are two types of Playback modes available: Recorded and Text-To-Speech (TTS). For DAISY books with full text/full audio, use the 9 key to switch back and forth between the recorded audio and the same position in the equivalent electronic text. The synchronization depends on the book producer but typically text and audio are synchronized to the paragraph or sentence element.
The last used playback mode is saved between reading sessions. Only the modes available for the selected book will be available for selection with 9 key. If the book is only recorded or only text then the appropriate mode is automatically selected and the 9 key has no choices available. If the player has two TTS installed then the 9 rotation is recorded, TTS1, and TTS2.
3.12 Confirm, Lock and Cancel - Pound (#) and Star (*) keys
The Pound (#) key allows you to confirm an operation or end a numeric entry such as a page number.
The Star (*) key allows you to cancel an operation.
If you press and hold the # key it will also lock the keypad. To unlock, press keys 1, 2, and 3 in sequence. There is one exception to the keyboard locking and it is the hard reset. This will always be available so while holding down the power key for 2 seconds will not power down the player, keeping the key held for the required hard reset time will still perform a hard reset on release.
3.13Info - Key 0
The Info (0) key announces book, player, and battery information. There are two ways to access the information.
Press the Info (0) key. All information items will be announced. Or press the Info (0) key and press key 4 or 6 to move backward or forward through the items.
To cancel the Info messages, press the Star (*) or Play keys.
You can also press and hold the Info key to enter and exit Key Describer Mode.
3.13.1 Available Information Items
Book title
Number of pages and total time
Playtime elapsed and playtime remaining
Number of Bookmarks set in the book
Total Headings in the book
Whether the player is operating on battery or AC power, if on AC power, whether the battery is charging or not charging
Current Battery Level: High, Medium, Low and Very Low
VICTOR READER STREAM model number, software version number, number of user authorization keys (if any), and serial number.
4. Advanced Functions
4.1 Go to Page
The Go to Page function allows you to go directly to a desired page.
Press the Go to Page key, the upper one in the left column. Enter a page number. Press the Pound (#) key to go to the selected Page, VICTOR READER STREAM will confirm the entered Page number. Or press the Play/Stop key to have VICTOR READER STREAM start playback from the chosen page.
To cancel, press the Cancel (*) key.
4.2 Go to Heading
If you press the Go to Page key twice it allows you to enter a heading number relative to the start of a DAISY book. This is useful for books that do not have page markers. For example, you could jump directly to a chapter by going to its heading number rather than advancing chapter by chapter.
End your heading number entry with # key to move to that heading or end with Play to move and start playback.
4.3 Go to Book
If you are browsing the Bookshelf the Go to Page key becomes a Go to Book key allowing you to enter a relative book number on a given Bookshelf which is useful for Bookshelves that contain many books.
4.4 Recording Audio Notes
You can use Stream for voice recordings which are called audio notes. These notes will be saved on the SD memory card in the $VRNotes folder. Each recording is assigned an incremental numeric filename. You can record using either the built-in microphone or an external microphone plugged into the microphone jack just below the headphone jack. The built-in microphone is omnidirectional which is useful for recording meetings or lectures while an external directional microphone may be better for recording interviews.
There are two ways of recording notes. You can either use the quick-record feature or use the standard procedure.
To quick-record a note, press and hold the Record button located on the right side of the player. A message and beep will be heard. Talk into the player's integrated microphone (located on the upper right corner) or into an external microphone. To end quick recording, release the Record button.
To record a long message, press the Record button located on the right side of the player to start the recording. To pause and restart recording, press the Play/Stop button. Press the Bookmark key during the recording to insert a bookmark. To end the recording, press the Record button again. Use the star (*) at any point to cancel the recording.
Voice memos are encoded using the AMR-WideBand+ (AMR-WB+) audio codec. If you wish to access these files using your computer, you will need to download a AMR-WB+ decoder.
To listen to your audio notes use the Bookshelf (key 1) to find the Notes bookshelf. Then, use the 4 and 6 keys to move from note to note. There is only one level of notes so nested folder navigation is not possible.
4.5 Bookmarks
Bookmarks allow you to return to a place quickly and easily. You can place a virtually unlimited number of bookmarks in the same book. The Bookmark key lets you insert and return to bookmarks, hear them listed or remove them.
4.5.1 Go to Bookmark
Press the Bookmark key, once or until you hear ‘go to bookmark'. Enter the number of the bookmark you wish to go to. Press the Pound (#) key. VICTOR READER STREAM will go to the bookmark and announce its number. Or, press the Play/Stop key. STREAM will go to the requested bookmark and begin playback.
4.5.2 Insert Bookmark
Press the Bookmark key, twice or until you hear ‘insert bookmark'. You can also access this function by holding the Bookmark key down instead of pressing it twice. Enter the number from 1 to 99998 that you wish to assign to the Bookmark. Press the Pound (#) key to confirm or the Play/Stop key to confirm and start playback. The bookmark will be stored in memory.
NOTE: If you confirm without entering a number, VICTOR READER STREAM will assign the first available bookmark number.
NOTE: If you enter 99999 as the bookmark number, an invalid entry message will be announced and the action will be cancelled, since this number is reserved to remove all bookmarks. See Remove Bookmark.
4.5.3 Insert audio Bookmark
To record an audio bookmark, do the following:
a) Press the Bookmark key twice or until you hear ‘insert bookmark'.
b) Enter the number you wish to assign to the Bookmark. You may skip this step and a number will be assigned automatically.
c) Press the Record key and recite your message. You may press Record again to pause, and again to resume recording.
d) Press the Record key again to end the recording.
e) To cancel, press the * key.
Audio bookmarks are limited to a maximum of one minute. If the one-minute limit is reached the recording is stopped and the bookmark is saved.
Audio bookmarks may be recorded during the playback of books or audio notes. You may even create a simple bookmark while recording an audio note. This would be useful to mark an important comment made during a lecture or meeting that you are recording.
The bookmark will be stored in memory and the associated recording will be stored on the SD card in a reserved folder named $VRAudioBmk. You should not modify any files within this folder. The recorded files are linked to the simple bookmarks in internal memory. The recorded file name format is x_y_z.3GP where x is the first 13 characters of the book title text, y is an 8-character computer generated unique book id, and z is a 6 digit bookmark number. For bookmarks placed in MP3 files or audio notes there is no book title. In these cases, x will be "Other______", "music___", or "AudioNote____", respectively.
4.5.4 Highlight Bookmark
Highlight Bookmarks are used to define the Start and the End positions of a passage for later playback. Setting highlight bookmarks is a great way to study important passages in text books.
4.5.4.1 Start Highlight Bookmark
Press the Bookmark key, 3 times or until you hear "Start highlight bookmark".
Enter a bookmark number followed by the Pound (#) or Play/Stop key.
NOTE: You can omit entering the bookmark number in which case STREAM will assign the first available bookmark number.
4.5.4.2 End Highlight Bookmark
After setting the starting position, navigate to the point where you wish to mark the end of the highlight.
Press the Bookmark key, 3 times or until you hear "End highlight bookmark". The current position is set as the ending position. If the end position is placed before the start position, they will be switched. The message "Highlight bookmark X inserted" is then played. The user can also cancel the highlight bookmark by pressing the Cancel key. The message "Cancelled" is then played. In both cases, the state reverts to Start. Press the Pound (#) key or Play/Stop key to confirm.
NOTE: When a highlight bookmark starting position is set but not the ending position, its highlight bookmark number becomes unavailable. STREAM will announce "Bookmark X already exists" if the user enters a regular bookmark with this number.
NOTE: If you remove the book or power off the STREAM before closing the highlight, highlight will be auto-completed.
4.5.4.3 Go to Highlight Bookmark
When going to a highlight bookmark, If you end the bookmark number entry with the Play/Stop key, playback will start from this current position and stop at the highlight bookmark ending position. If the Confirm key was used, Stream will position at the bookmark but not play. While playing the highlighted passage you can jump to the beginning by tapping the Rewind key and jump to the end by tapping Fast Forward. At the end of the highlight you can play it again by tapping Rewind.
4.5.4.4 Highlight Bookmark List
When a highlight bookmark is reached with the bookmark list, playback will stop at the highlight bookmark ending position. A highlight that was started but hasn't been closed yet will not be listed.
4.5.4.5 Remove Highlight Bookmark
When deleting a highlight bookmark, the "Highlight bookmark X removed" message will be announced. It is possible to delete a highlight bookmark that was started but not closed. This action reverts the highlight bookmark state to Start.
4.5.5 Bookmark List
Press the Bookmark key, four times or until you hear ‘bookmark list'.
Press the key 4 or key 6 to go from one bookmark to the next. Each time you press the key, you will hear the number of the next bookmark and playback will begin. Press the Pound (#) key to confirm the current position and continue play.
Press the Star (*) key to exit the Bookmark list.
NOTE: The bookmark list always contains one bookmark for the beginning and end of book. Bookmarks are sorted by their position in the book not by the bookmark number.
4.5.6 Remove Bookmark
Press the Bookmark key, five times or until you hear ‘remove bookmark'. Enter the number of the Bookmark you wish to remove. Press the Pound (#) key to confirm.
To remove all the Bookmarks in a book, first press the Bookmark key five times or until you hear ‘remove bookmark', then press the key 9 five times (enter number 99999). Then press the Pound (#) key to confirm.
4.6 Sleep Mode - Sleep key
The Sleep Mode key lets you program a delay period, after which the player will shut down automatically.
Press the Sleep Mode key to program a shutdown delay of 15 minutes. Each additional "Sleep Mode" keystroke will add 15 minutes delay, up to a maximum of 60 minutes. The next key press will disable the Sleep Mode and the cycle starts over. When Sleep mode is activated, the LED will blink during the last minute.
NOTE: Pressing the Sleep key when Sleep is already active will announce the Sleep time remaining.
5. Configuration Menu - Key 7
The VICTOR READER STREAM can be customized using the Configuration menu.
To open the Menu, press the Menu (7) key. Pressing the Menu key again will switch to the next Menu. Browse Menu Items with the Up/Down (2, 8) keys, use the Left/Right (4, 6) keys to select an Item's value and press Pound key to confirm. Press Cancel (*) or any other key to exit the Menu.
5.1 Menus and Menu Items List
The list of available menus in their respective order is shown below. Note that the first listed values in the list are the factory default settings.
Menu | Menu Item | Values |
Playback & Navigation | Playback | Normal, Loop, Random (music only) |
Time Jump | 1 minute, 5 minutes, 10 minutes | |
Skip | All | Play, Skip, On Demand, Custom |
Footnote | Play, Skip, On Demand | |
Page number | Play, Skip | |
Production note | Play, Skip, On Demand | |
Sidebar | Play, Skip, On Demand |
5.1.1 Playback
There are three Playback modes Normal, Loop and Random.
5.1.1.1 Normal
Normal is the default, normal unaltered Playback mode. Note that, the Normal Playback mode will be set by default when changing to a new book.
5.1.1.2 Loop
When selecting the Loop mode, Playback will play repeatedly, it will automatically restart again at the beginning when reaching the end of a book.
5.1.1.3 Random
When selecting the Random mode, Playback will play randomly all the elements in the Music Bookshelf list. Once the whole list has been played, Playback will start again at the beginning of the list.
5.1.2 Skip
The Skip Menu contains the configuration options for the skippable elements. Play is the default value.
Menu Item | Values |
All | Play, Skip, On Demand, Custom |
Footnote | Play, Skip, On Demand |
Page number | Play, Skip |
Production note | Play, Skip, On Demand |
Sidebar | Play, Skip, On Demand |
Selecting the Custom value allows you to set different options for each of the Skip elements. Otherwise; the option you select applies to all elements.
6. Listening to Music and Non-DAISY BOOKS
The following section provides general rules and information on listening to music and non-DAISY books (called Other Books). File formats supported include Wav, MP3, AMR-WB+, OGG Vorbis. Book files should be grouped in subfolders of the reserved $VROtherBooks folder on the SD card. Music files should be grouped in subfolders of the reserved $VRMusic folder.
The maximum file name length, including the file path, is 512 characters (includes media/book path). When scanning the memory card at insertion, any folder or file with a full path name greater than 512 will be ignored.
6.1 Other Books Bookshelf
The following table provides an example of how book files may be grouped in folders. Folders are numbered in the order in which they are found starting with the root, assuming it contains files. Books need to be in subfolders of \$VROtherBooks. All books in this folder but not in any subfolder will be ignored.
Path | May Contain Audio Files | Book # |
\$VROtherBooks | Yes |
|
\$VROtherBooks/Drama | No |
|
\$VROtherBooks/Drama/BookA | Yes | 1 |
\$VROtherBooks/Drama/BookB | Yes | 2 |
\$VROtherBooks/Mystery/ | Yes | 3 |
\$VROtherBooks/Mystery/BookC | Yes | 4 |
\$VROtherBooks/Mystery/BookD | Yes | 5 |
6.2 Music Bookshelf
The following table provides an example of how music files may be grouped in folders. Folders are numbered in the order in which they are found starting with the root, assuming it contains files. If a $VRMusic folder is present, the root is not scanned for audio files. When no $VRMusic folder is present and no DAISY/NISO books were found in the root, the entire card is scanned for music files with the exception of folders starting with $VR.
Note: Whenever you alter the structure of the Music bookshelf by adding or removing files the current play position will always return to the first file of the first folder.
Path | May Contain Audio Files | Folder # |
\$VRMusic\ArtistA | No |
|
\$VRMusic\ArtistA\Album1 | Yes | 1 |
\$VRMusic\ArtistA\Album2 | Yes | 2 |
\$VRMusic\ArtistB\ | No |
|
\$VRMusic\ArtistB\Album1 | Yes | 3 |
\$VRMusic\ArtistB\Album2 | Yes | 4 |
6.2.1 Playlists
The Music Bookshelf may contain playlists. A playlist is a text file containing a list of supported audio files to play. It must have the file extension of "m3u". A playlist cannot link to other playlists. A playlist is considered to be a folder for navigation purposes.
6.3 Using Other Books and Music Bookshelves
The 2 and 8 keys are used to select folder or file navigation level and the 4 and 6 keys move from folder to folder or file to file. The Stream's Text-to-Speech will announce the names of files and folders. Note that the Folder Level is not available for Other Books.
Where am I?: Pressing the Where am I? key will report the file number, the name of the current file in Text-to-Speech, and the time elapsed in the current book in hours / minutes / seconds.
Go to file: Press the Go to Page key once VICTOR READER STREAM will go to a specified file (or track) within the current folder.
Enter the file/track number, If no number is entered, default will be the current file/track. Press Confirm to move to the chosen file/track. Or, press Play/Stop to move to the chosen file/track and start playing.
Go to folder: Press the Go to Page key twice STREAM will go to a specified folder. Enter the folder number. If no number is entered, default will be the current folder. Press the Confirm key to move to the first file of the chosen folder and STREAM prompts "Go to file". Note that the Go to Folder option is not available for Other Books.
The user will then enter the desired file number. If no number is entered, 1 is assumed. Press the Confirm key to move to the chosen file and the message "File X" is announced. Or, press the Play/Stop key to move to the chosen file and start playing.
Pressing the Info (0) key will announce the following information :
Number of files and folders (Not available for Other Books)
Total play time
Time elapsed
Playing Time remaining
Number of Bookmarks
Battery or Power Cord Current Battery Level: High, Medium, Low and Very Low VICTOR READER STREAM model number, software program version number, user key(s) (if any), and serial number.
6.4 Characteristics that Differ Between Other Books and Music Bookshelves
The following table lists characteristics that differ between the Other Books and Music bookshelves.
| Other Books | Music |
Next/Previous folder | Not available | If the current file is the first or the last file of a folder, the Left/Right arrows will switch to the last or the first file of the previous or the next folder respectively. |
Next/Previous file | Playback is restricted to the current folder when navigating between files at the file level. | If the current file is the first or the last file of a folder, the Left/Right arrows will switch to the last or the first file of the previous or the next folder respectively. |
Randomize | Not available | All files in the Music Bookshelf are played in random order. Use left/right (4/6) keys to move to the previous/next file in the randomized order. Only the File level is available. |
Continuous play | Playback loops within a single folder. | Playback continues from the last file of one folder to the first file of the next folder. If Random play is set then playback loops through the randomized playlist. |
Current reading position | Saved separately for each folder (book). | Only one reading position is saved for the entire music structure.
|
7. Updating Stream Software
HumanWare may from time to time offer new versions of the Stream software.
The software update file is usually downloaded from the HumanWare web site.
To update your Stream:
- Copy the HumanWare software update file to the root of an SD card or USB stick.
- Connect the Stream to a power outlet.
- Power on the player and insert the card.
- The update will start and report the new version number that is being installed. The installation takes 2 to 3 minutes.
- After the update is done, the player will power off.
- You may then remove the update file from the SD card or USB stick.
8. Technical Specifications
Victor Reader Stream Specifications:
Size: 117 x 66 x 22mm (4.6 x 2.6 x 0.85 in.)
Weight with battery: 180g (6oz)
3.5mm stereo Headphone jack
3.5mm mono external microphone jack. Nominal Input Level: 0.707Vrms. Input Impedance: 20K
Built-in mono omnidirectional microphone
Built-in 16mm 325mW speaker
Battery: Li-Ion, 3.7V nominal, 2AH
Battery recharge time: 4 hours
Battery Playtime: 15 hours continuous play of DAISY book using headphones
Power Supply: Switching type AC/DC. Input 100V - 240V, 50 - 60Hz suitable for multiple countries with plug adapter
Operating temperature range: +5 to +45 degrees Celsius
Battery charging temperature range : +5 to +35 degrees Celsius
Storage temperature: -20 to +40 degrees Celsius
Operating humidity: 5% to 90% (non-condensing)
Storage humidity: 5% to 95% (non-condensing)
USB OTG compliant interface
USB 2.0 host interface (rear of player) for optional book cartridge holder
Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) card slot version 1.10 supports up to 2gb SD cards and 4gb/8gb SDHC cards
DAISY formats: DAISY 2, 2.02 , DAISY NISO Z39.86 2002,/2005
Audio Codecs: MP3, MPEG2, Wav PCM, Wav ADPCM, AMR-WB+, OGG Vorbis.
Text-to-Speech: Nuance Vocalizer
Voice Recording: Mono AMR-WB+ encoding (.3GP files)
DRM: DAISY 2002 PDTB1 (so called IPP) and 2006 PDTB2 (so called DRM)
9. HumanWare Contact Information Head Office
445, rue du Parc Industriel
Longueuil, Québec
Canada J4H 3V7
Service
1030, René-Lévesque Blvd.
Drummondville, Québec
Canada J2C 5W4
Telephone: 1 (819) 471-4818
Toll-free (Canada & USA): 1 (888) 723-7273
Fax: 1 (819) 471-4828
E-mail: mailto:info@humanwarevisuaide.com
Website: http://www.humanwarvisuaide.com/
10. End User License Agreement By using this product (Victor Reader Stream) you agree to the following minimum terms.
1. License Grant. HumanWare grants to End User a non-exclusive, non-transferable right and license to use the Software on this product.
2. Ownership of Software. End User acknowledges that HumanWare retain all right, title and interest in and to the original, and any copies, of software which is incorporated into this product. End User agrees not to: modify, port, translate, decompile, disassemble, reverse engineer, or make public in any way the software of this Product.
This product includes software developed by the OpenSSL Project for use in the OpenSSL Toolkit (http://www.openssl.org/)