Skype Notes

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

If you're a Windows 10 user then you'll most likely be aware that you 
can already use a version of Skype built right into the operating system 
itself, the Desktop version of Skype is no longer available nor is it 
being developped.



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: Tecsun PL660

[Dane Trethowan]

The choice is yours but personally I wouldn't touch the PL660, I 
wouldn't buy the PL880, I'd go for the bigger S-8800.




On 11/26/2017 10:33 PM, Rich De Steno wrote:
Amazon and other web sites are selling the Tecsun PL-880 for a cent or 
two under $160.


  Here is the Amazon link:


https://www.amazon.com/Tecsun-PL880-Conversion-Shortwave-Reception/dp/B00GJ51NVA 




Rich De Steno
On 11/26/2017 5:00 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

I’m not sure in US dollars unfortunately.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s 
you put in the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”






On 26 Nov 2017, at 8:52 pm, Brian Olesen <br...@blindkom.dk> wrote:

Hi Dane,
What does such beasts cost?

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af 
Dane Trethowan

Sendt: 26. november 2017 00:38
Til: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Emne: Re: Tecsun PL660

hi!

Well you're going to have to make a few decisions as to which radio 
you buy, all Tecsun radio sets have pros and cons.


The Synchronus detection is better on the PL-660 however sideband is 
far better on the PL880.


On the PL-880 Sideband can be tuned in steps of 10KHZ which makes 
for very accurate recognition of signals whereas with the PL-660 you 
have to use a BFO control which drifts and requires fine adjustment, 
in other words its the sort of thing one wouldn't expect on a modern 
radio of today, something you found on radios 40 years ago.


Even though the PL-660 has the better sync I'd still go and buy the 
Tecsun PL-880 or even consider the new Tecsun S-8800.


Both the PL-880 and S-880 have far better sound than the Tecsun PL-660.

The S-8800 has - overall - better sensitivity on all bands than any 
other Tecsun radio I've tried.


Sideband on the S-8800 has the same sort of tuning as found on the 
PL-880.


Tuning on the S-8800 is silky smooth with that perfect "analogue 
tuning"
feel, the S-8800 comes with a handy remote control which controls 
most functions.


The manual for the S-8800 is very well written.



On 11/26/2017 6:40 AM, tim cumings wrote:

hi, Dane.
I am thinking about purchasing either the PL 660 or the PL 880.
do you have any comments about the sideband reception in the 
synchronous to text you on the 660 versus the 880?


Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 10, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Dane Trethowan 
<grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:


Hi!
If I recall correctly there is a list member who is looking for 
information on buttons and controls for his Tecsun PL-660 radio.
A document has been released by Tecsun Radio Australia to aid 
Blind users of this radio and I link to it thus.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a
-blind-user.pdf?dl=0
<https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-
a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0>


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 
1’s you put in the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”






--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 
one's you put in the ground and not the electric light one's."

**










--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: Tecsun PL660

[Dane Trethowan]

I’m not sure in US dollars unfortunately.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 26 Nov 2017, at 8:52 pm, Brian Olesen <br...@blindkom.dk> wrote:
> 
> Hi Dane,
> What does such beasts cost?
> 
> Brian
> 
> -Oprindelig meddelelse-
> Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Dane 
> Trethowan
> Sendt: 26. november 2017 00:38
> Til: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
> Emne: Re: Tecsun PL660
> 
> hi!
> 
> Well you're going to have to make a few decisions as to which radio you buy, 
> all Tecsun radio sets have pros and cons.
> 
> The Synchronus detection is better on the PL-660 however sideband is far 
> better on the PL880.
> 
> On the PL-880 Sideband can be tuned in steps of 10KHZ which makes for very 
> accurate recognition of signals whereas with the PL-660 you have to use a BFO 
> control which drifts and requires fine adjustment, in other words its the 
> sort of thing one wouldn't expect on a modern radio of today, something you 
> found on radios 40 years ago.
> 
> Even though the PL-660 has the better sync I'd still go and buy the Tecsun 
> PL-880 or even consider the new Tecsun S-8800.
> 
> Both the PL-880 and S-880 have far better sound than the Tecsun PL-660.
> 
> The S-8800 has - overall - better sensitivity on all bands than any other 
> Tecsun radio I've tried.
> 
> Sideband on the S-8800 has the same sort of tuning as found on the PL-880.
> 
> Tuning on the S-8800 is silky smooth with that perfect "analogue tuning" 
> feel, the S-8800 comes with a handy remote control which controls most 
> functions.
> 
> The manual for the S-8800 is very well written.
> 
> 
> 
> On 11/26/2017 6:40 AM, tim cumings wrote:
>> hi, Dane.
>> I am thinking about purchasing either the PL 660 or the PL 880.
>> do you have any comments about the sideband reception in the synchronous to 
>> text you on the 660 versus the 880?
>> 
>> Sent from my iPhone
>> 
>>> On Nov 10, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> 
>>> wrote:
>>> 
>>> Hi!
>>> If I recall correctly there is a list member who is looking for information 
>>> on buttons and controls for his Tecsun PL-660 radio.
>>> A document has been released by Tecsun Radio Australia to aid Blind users 
>>> of this radio and I link to it thus.
>>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a
>>> -blind-user.pdf?dl=0 
>>> <https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-
>>> a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0>
>>> 
>>> 
>>> **
>>> “For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you 
>>> put in the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> **
> "For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you 
> put in the ground and not the electric light one's."
> **
> 
> 
> 
> 

Re: Tecsun PL660

[Dane Trethowan]

About the same on both but again the audio quality of the PL-880 is better.

If you want ultimate FM sensitivity and selectivity in a Tecsun radio 
then forget about both these models and go for the new S-8800.




On 11/26/2017 11:20 AM, Casey wrote:

hi you may have already answered this.

But how is the 660 on f.m  and the 880 on the same?





On 11/25/2017 5:37 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

hi!

Well you're going to have to make a few decisions as to which radio 
you buy, all Tecsun radio sets have pros and cons.


The Synchronus detection is better on the PL-660 however sideband is 
far better on the PL880.


On the PL-880 Sideband can be tuned in steps of 10KHZ which makes for 
very accurate recognition of signals whereas with the PL-660 you have 
to use a BFO control which drifts and requires fine adjustment, in 
other words its the sort of thing one wouldn't expect on a modern 
radio of today, something you found on radios 40 years ago.


Even though the PL-660 has the better sync I'd still go and buy the 
Tecsun PL-880 or even consider the new Tecsun S-8800.


Both the PL-880 and S-880 have far better sound than the Tecsun PL-660.

The S-8800 has - overall - better sensitivity on all bands than any 
other Tecsun radio I've tried.


Sideband on the S-8800 has the same sort of tuning as found on the 
PL-880.


Tuning on the S-8800 is silky smooth with that perfect "analogue 
tuning" feel, the S-8800 comes with a handy remote control which 
controls most functions.


The manual for the S-8800 is very well written.



On 11/26/2017 6:40 AM, tim cumings wrote:

hi, Dane.
I am thinking about purchasing either the PL 660 or the PL 880.
do you have any comments about the sideband reception in the 
synchronous to text you on the 660 versus the 880?


Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 10, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Dane Trethowan 
<grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:


Hi!
If I recall correctly there is a list member who is looking for 
information on buttons and controls for his Tecsun PL-660 radio.
A document has been released by Tecsun Radio Australia to aid Blind 
users of this radio and I link to it thus.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0 
<https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0> 




**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 
1’s you put in the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”













--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: Tecsun PL660

[Dane Trethowan]

hi!

Well you're going to have to make a few decisions as to which radio you 
buy, all Tecsun radio sets have pros and cons.


The Synchronus detection is better on the PL-660 however sideband is far 
better on the PL880.


On the PL-880 Sideband can be tuned in steps of 10KHZ which makes for 
very accurate recognition of signals whereas with the PL-660 you have to 
use a BFO control which drifts and requires fine adjustment, in other 
words its the sort of thing one wouldn't expect on a modern radio of 
today, something you found on radios 40 years ago.


Even though the PL-660 has the better sync I'd still go and buy the 
Tecsun PL-880 or even consider the new Tecsun S-8800.


Both the PL-880 and S-880 have far better sound than the Tecsun PL-660.

The S-8800 has - overall - better sensitivity on all bands than any 
other Tecsun radio I've tried.


Sideband on the S-8800 has the same sort of tuning as found on the PL-880.

Tuning on the S-8800 is silky smooth with that perfect "analogue tuning" 
feel, the S-8800 comes with a handy remote control which controls most 
functions.


The manual for the S-8800 is very well written.



On 11/26/2017 6:40 AM, tim cumings wrote:

hi, Dane.
I am thinking about purchasing either the PL 660 or the PL 880.
do you have any comments about the sideband reception in the synchronous to 
text you on the 660 versus the 880?

Sent from my iPhone


On Nov 10, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:

Hi!
If I recall correctly there is a list member who is looking for information on 
buttons and controls for his Tecsun PL-660 radio.
A document has been released by Tecsun Radio Australia to aid Blind users of 
this radio and I link to it thus.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0
 
<https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0>


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”








--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's 
you put in the ground and not the electric light one's."

**

ABC Radio Direct URL's

[Dane Trethowan]

This page contains direct URL's for most ABC Radio stations in 
Australia, they can be pasted into VLC, used with Total Recorder etc


http://radio.abc.net.au/help/streams

--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

World-Wide SDR page

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

I posted a link to this yesterday and my post has subsubsequently 
generated a lot of questions about the SDR unit which is used on the 
page for the various locations and receivers listed.


The Kiwi-SDR is the name of the SDR used.

The Kiwi-SDR is powered by another computer such as a Raspberry Pi, 
Beagle etc so for this eMail document I'll assume that the user of such 
a device is using a Beagle computer to both power and to programme the 
Kiwi-SDR unit.


Back to the SDR unit, its a simple box with an Internet Jack, antenna 
block connections and a 5V dc input so all one really needs to do - once 
Computer and software are in place - is to get into the Kiwi-SDR via 
your web browser and programme it from the web interface - define 
frequency coverage, administrative password and so on, find a suitable 
place for the antenna and then enjoy the radio from anywhere.


The most asked question is where can the radio be purchased? Well i 
don't know about people in the US but I can tell you that the Kiwi-SDR 
must be available given the few US SDR sites listed on the page.


If you're in Australia then head to 
https://core-electronics.com.au/kiwisdr-kit-seeed-studio.html?utm_source=google_shopping=EAIaIQobChMI0MTUneTO1wIVhQ4rCh1AQglEEAYYAiABEgKE5_D_BwE 
for further information


In Australia the Kiwi-SDR is sold with a Beagle computer, SD card with 
software, antenna and connecting leads so all the user has to do is to 
connect up and programme.


I'm going to get one of these Kiwi-SDR kits myself next year as I'd very 
much like to have a SDR radio as part of my web page, I've not done 
anything serious to my web page for 12 years but now I have the 
insentive to at last do something, the Blind Cool Tech - renamed Blind 
Fools Wreck - will also be going up onto the site along with the 
Fosseltech museum but one thing at a time .


The complete Kiwi-SDR along with the various bits and pieces costs 
around $500 Australian but I think that if you're into radio it will be 
money very well spent.


I spent hours yesterday and today tuning into all sorts of signals 
received by these SDR'S, evaluating signal strengths, comparing notes, 
looking up regions on maps etc.


I should also tell you that the majority of Kiwi-SDR owners have done a 
superb job with their equipment. Audio quality is good in the main and 
most have orientated their antenna systems well to avoid noise and 
interference.



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Worldwide Web SDR: A Fantastic Site

[Dane Trethowan]

Okay, here's a link to a whole heap of Kiwi-SDR units.

These are software defined radios that can be set up for use over the 
Internet, try one and see for yourself.


http://sdr.hu/?top=kiwi

--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's 
you put in the ground and not the electric light one's."

**

Windows 10 Skype

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Wondering what list members think of the Skype App that comes part of 
Windows 10.


For the most part I like the layout but it does appear at first glance 
that the user doesn't have all the controls and settings available in 
the "Stand-Alone" Windows Desktop version of Skype, the ability to 
customise settings such as audio input and output, sounds for events etc.



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: .m3u8

[Dane Trethowan]

On 11/18/2017 12:22 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

VLC Media Player has no problems with this.



On 11/18/2017 12:08 PM, Georges Zaynoun wrote:

I wonder which player can play this type of file properly?
I try to open this link:
http://stream.lebanese-forces.com/live/RLL/playlist.m3u8
from outside Windows Media Player it says it might be able to open it 
but it doesn't, but from inside it WMP can play a minute or so then 
stops and I have to ctrl+u again and enter to play it, VLC and WinAMP 
didn't play it, help please.






--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: zoom h1 recorder

[Dane Trethowan]

Regarding the microphones? I've never heard that before.

The USB is simple, when the power is off and the Zoom H1 is connected to 
the computer then the Zoom H1 acts as a storage device enabling you to 
transfer files from the Zoom H1 to your computer and vica versa.


When power is on and the Zoom H1 is connected to a computer the computer 
powers the Zoom H1 which can be most useful.


Be sure that your H1 has the most recent software update applied which 
enables some new features and fixes some bugs, one was really nasty - if 
the battery went flat whilst recording then part of your recording would 
wander into space -, the problem is fixed so that everything is written 
to SD card until the point when power is interrupted.


Listen to Neil's review, he talks about a few tips and tricks which 
you'll find useful.




On 11/14/2017 11:18 PM, Aidan wrote:

Thank you so much.
Just too things:
Do you find that the build in mics go softer when they get loud
noises? That is not a good thing, and also, when you connect it to pc,
does it bring up options for choosing the audio sound cardt or storage
device? Such as olympus? How do you select them?

On 14/11/2017, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:

The time and date can be set and I've done it a couple of times, when
you turn the unit on you hold down the "Stop/Record" button from memory
and that puts you into the settings mode for time and date.

The values start from a default and I think its year, month, day, hour
then minute and a press of the "Stop/Record" button advances to the next
set of digits.

Only problem is I don't remember exactly what the default values are as
its been ages since I've bothered setting the thing.

You can also perform software updates and format SD cards by holding
down other buttons whilst turning the Zoom H1 on.

As far as MP3? Yes, I've recorded in specific MP3 modes and again - from
memory - you can select between 128 and 320K which I've done.

I used my T-Coil of my hearing isntruments to determine what bit rates
the MP3 was set to, you can also change the sampling rate I think bout
again not sure though it would all come back to me if I picked up the unit.

Do not under estimate the MP3 encoder in the Zoom H1, you could for
example set the encoding to 128K and record for hours and hours, a most
useful logging tool for example.

The format slide switch switches between MP3 and wave so you need to use
the Forward/Rewind up/down buttons whilst in "Standby" mode to set the
various MP3 bit rates - when the format switch is in MP3 format mode -
or the various bit and sample rates for wave - when the format switch is
in the Wave format mode -.

Once sample and bit rates are set then they are memorised until the
machine is reset so you can switch between your favourite wave and MP3
format settings with the format switch.

Whilst I've recorded a lot in MP3 I never really bothered with it for
most recording applications.

I used a 16GB card in my machines so I had plenty of space at my
disposal for hours of good quality wave recording.

I also concluded that - if I wanted MP3 encoding - it was just as easy
to copy my recorded wave files from the Zoom H1 to the Mac or PC and do
the encoding there.

I've found the review of the Zoom H1 handy recorder as featured on Blind
Cool Tech - Blind Fools Wreck if you prefer - and I link to it here so I
hope you'll find that useful.

https://www.dropbox.com/s/qvtpzdtpsq420sl/bct1502ZoomH1RecorderReview.mp3?dl=0



On 11/14/2017 9:42 PM, Aidan wrote:

Hamit, good idea there. They must get the message somehow.
So dain what do you do when setting the time and date? And I guess you
never change the bitrate for mp3? I guess that is not possible with a
slide switch? Is wave the default?

On 14/11/2017, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:

Hi!

There's been a Podcast on the Zoom H1 done on Blind Cool Tech, I have
the whole archive here so I'll dig about, see if I can find it.

In the meantime - having been a very very happy Zoom H1 user for the
last 7 years - I can tell you that the unit is very useable though you
need to be aware of a few things before you start recording.

The H1 does have an auto recording level function but recovery time and
actual functionality seems to be very poor but there are ways around
this.

Use the auto level as a reference point to set your manual recording
level to and then start recording in manual level mode.

After the recording is done you can normalise it using your computer.

The recorder has a default sampling rate of 44.1KHZ at 16 bit and
normally there would be no need to change this.

One can tell where the sampling rate is set but in order to do this -
unless you can read the screen - you need some way of picking up the
magnetic fields the processor etc of the recorder, the induction T-Coil
of my hearing instruments is just fine for this, other options might be
a sensitive phone amplifie

Re: zoom h1 recorder

[Dane Trethowan]

The time and date can be set and I've done it a couple of times, when 
you turn the unit on you hold down the "Stop/Record" button from memory 
and that puts you into the settings mode for time and date.


The values start from a default and I think its year, month, day, hour 
then minute and a press of the "Stop/Record" button advances to the next 
set of digits.


Only problem is I don't remember exactly what the default values are as 
its been ages since I've bothered setting the thing.


You can also perform software updates and format SD cards by holding 
down other buttons whilst turning the Zoom H1 on.


As far as MP3? Yes, I've recorded in specific MP3 modes and again - from 
memory - you can select between 128 and 320K which I've done.


I used my T-Coil of my hearing isntruments to determine what bit rates 
the MP3 was set to, you can also change the sampling rate I think bout 
again not sure though it would all come back to me if I picked up the unit.


Do not under estimate the MP3 encoder in the Zoom H1, you could for 
example set the encoding to 128K and record for hours and hours, a most 
useful logging tool for example.


The format slide switch switches between MP3 and wave so you need to use 
the Forward/Rewind up/down buttons whilst in "Standby" mode to set the 
various MP3 bit rates - when the format switch is in MP3 format mode - 
or the various bit and sample rates for wave - when the format switch is 
in the Wave format mode -.


Once sample and bit rates are set then they are memorised until the 
machine is reset so you can switch between your favourite wave and MP3 
format settings with the format switch.


Whilst I've recorded a lot in MP3 I never really bothered with it for 
most recording applications.


I used a 16GB card in my machines so I had plenty of space at my 
disposal for hours of good quality wave recording.


I also concluded that - if I wanted MP3 encoding - it was just as easy 
to copy my recorded wave files from the Zoom H1 to the Mac or PC and do 
the encoding there.


I've found the review of the Zoom H1 handy recorder as featured on Blind 
Cool Tech - Blind Fools Wreck if you prefer - and I link to it here so I 
hope you'll find that useful.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/qvtpzdtpsq420sl/bct1502ZoomH1RecorderReview.mp3?dl=0



On 11/14/2017 9:42 PM, Aidan wrote:

Hamit, good idea there. They must get the message somehow.
So dain what do you do when setting the time and date? And I guess you
never change the bitrate for mp3? I guess that is not possible with a
slide switch? Is wave the default?

On 14/11/2017, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:

Hi!

There's been a Podcast on the Zoom H1 done on Blind Cool Tech, I have
the whole archive here so I'll dig about, see if I can find it.

In the meantime - having been a very very happy Zoom H1 user for the
last 7 years - I can tell you that the unit is very useable though you
need to be aware of a few things before you start recording.

The H1 does have an auto recording level function but recovery time and
actual functionality seems to be very poor but there are ways around this.

Use the auto level as a reference point to set your manual recording
level to and then start recording in manual level mode.

After the recording is done you can normalise it using your computer.

The recorder has a default sampling rate of 44.1KHZ at 16 bit and
normally there would be no need to change this.

One can tell where the sampling rate is set but in order to do this -
unless you can read the screen - you need some way of picking up the
magnetic fields the processor etc of the recorder, the induction T-Coil
of my hearing instruments is just fine for this, other options might be
a sensitive phone amplifier.

The H1 has 3 switches on the back, all of which are toggle switches and
by default are set to down which is the off position, those switches are
low-cut filter, manual/auto recording level and recording format - Wave
or MP3 -.

When the recorder is switched on it defaults to the "Standby" mode
meaning the unit is ready to record when the "Record/Stop" button is
pressed, the button is easily identifiable by its size and the round
circle which encloses it on the front of the recorder.

Whilst recording press the "Play" button - a small round button marked
with a dot in later H1 models - to mark a position in a recording, press
the "Record/stop" button to end a recording and press again to start a
new recording, recordings can be manipulated when on your computer with
a Sound editor.

During playback recordings can be erased, use the forward/back buttons
to move amongst your recordings and press the "Erase" button on the
recording you wish to delete - the erase button is slightly indented
from the rest of the buttons -.

At this point the display brings up a confirmation dialog and I'm not
sure exactly what you do here, I think you

Re: Sound Forge 11 Question

[Dane Trethowan]

Yep, I've seen that problem too but can't remember how I fixed it and if 
the MS Framework thing was responsible, I do know that I found others 
were having similar issues thanks to Google.


Has anyone been using Sound Forge Audio Studio 12 and how have they 
found that.




On 11/14/2017 11:13 AM, steve.jacob...@visi.com wrote:

Dane,

Do you know if this also corrects the problem where Sound Forge thinks that it 
has not been activated yet?  I have this problem but it disappears if one runs 
it as administrator.  I also understand that gets around the low memory problem 
but have not encountered that.

Best regards,

Steve Jacobson

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: Monday, November 13, 2017 2:40 PM
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Re: Sound Forge 11 Question

Check to see that Microsoft Framework is properly installed, you'll find
what you want there in add/remove components/features.

Once this is done uninstall/remove Sound Forge and try the installation
again.

The error you're encountering should be fixed.



On 11/14/2017 7:32 AM, Quinten Pendle wrote:

Hi all

   


I recently bought SF 11 together with Samplitude, and installed it on both
my computers. On both pc's I can't even open a 30 second file in Sound Forge
due to apparent low memory, even though on my work machine there's 2 tb hd
space, 16 gig ram and an 8 core processor.

Also, I can confirm that no other program is running in the background while
I have SF open.

Is there a way to solve this? I would appreciate any help an  suggestions.

   


All the best

Quinten Pendle

   



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: zoom h1 recorder

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

There's been a Podcast on the Zoom H1 done on Blind Cool Tech, I have 
the whole archive here so I'll dig about, see if I can find it.


In the meantime - having been a very very happy Zoom H1 user for the 
last 7 years - I can tell you that the unit is very useable though you 
need to be aware of a few things before you start recording.


The H1 does have an auto recording level function but recovery time and 
actual functionality seems to be very poor but there are ways around this.


Use the auto level as a reference point to set your manual recording 
level to and then start recording in manual level mode.


After the recording is done you can normalise it using your computer.

The recorder has a default sampling rate of 44.1KHZ at 16 bit and 
normally there would be no need to change this.


One can tell where the sampling rate is set but in order to do this - 
unless you can read the screen - you need some way of picking up the 
magnetic fields the processor etc of the recorder, the induction T-Coil 
of my hearing instruments is just fine for this, other options might be 
a sensitive phone amplifier.


The H1 has 3 switches on the back, all of which are toggle switches and 
by default are set to down which is the off position, those switches are 
low-cut filter, manual/auto recording level and recording format - Wave 
or MP3 -.


When the recorder is switched on it defaults to the "Standby" mode 
meaning the unit is ready to record when the "Record/Stop" button is 
pressed, the button is easily identifiable by its size and the round 
circle which encloses it on the front of the recorder.


Whilst recording press the "Play" button - a small round button marked 
with a dot in later H1 models - to mark a position in a recording, press 
the "Record/stop" button to end a recording and press again to start a 
new recording, recordings can be manipulated when on your computer with 
a Sound editor.


During playback recordings can be erased, use the forward/back buttons 
to move amongst your recordings and press the "Erase" button on the 
recording you wish to delete - the erase button is slightly indented 
from the rest of the buttons -.


At this point the display brings up a confirmation dialog and I'm not 
sure exactly what you do here, I think you press "stop/record" to 
confirm or any other button to cancel, been a while since I've used the 
unit.


Anyway good luck and I hope you enjoy your H1 just as much as I've 
enjoyed mine.




On 11/14/2017 9:25 AM, Aidan wrote:

Hello.
Does anyone no if Neil did a podcast on this, if so, can you pass it on please?
Probibly the only zoom you can used with comfort?
I did email them before to ask if they can make their recorders
accessible, but they din't even answer me.
I guess no luck there.
I think they not aware of the importance of recording good quality for
us as well.
If they include human speech, they don't have to pay so much extra
costs such as olympus does with the dm7 since it uses tts.
And maybe a staff member will do it for free? who noes?



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: Sound Forge 11 Question

[Dane Trethowan]

Check to see that Microsoft Framework is properly installed, you'll find 
what you want there in add/remove components/features.


Once this is done uninstall/remove Sound Forge and try the installation 
again.


The error you're encountering should be fixed.



On 11/14/2017 7:32 AM, Quinten Pendle wrote:

Hi all

  


I recently bought SF 11 together with Samplitude, and installed it on both
my computers. On both pc's I can't even open a 30 second file in Sound Forge
due to apparent low memory, even though on my work machine there's 2 tb hd
space, 16 gig ram and an 8 core processor.

Also, I can confirm that no other program is running in the background while
I have SF open.

Is there a way to solve this? I would appreciate any help an  suggestions.

  


All the best

Quinten Pendle

  



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's 
you put in the ground and not the electric light one's."

**

Re: Tecsun PL660

[Dane Trethowan]

Well the manual is accessible but whether you’ll be able to follow it or not is 
a different story .


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 12 Nov 2017, at 2:27 am, tim cumings <thcumi...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> hi, Dane. Do you know if there is an accessible manual for the 880?
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Nov 10, 2017, at 6:36 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi!
>> If I recall correctly there is a list member who is looking for information 
>> on buttons and controls for his Tecsun PL-660 radio.
>> A document has been released by Tecsun Radio Australia to aid Blind users of 
>> this radio and I link to it thus.
>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0
>>  
>> <https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0>
>> 
>> 
>> **
>> “For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put 
>> in the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> 

Tecsun PL660

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!
If I recall correctly there is a list member who is looking for information on 
buttons and controls for his Tecsun PL-660 radio.
A document has been released by Tecsun Radio Australia to aid Blind users of 
this radio and I link to it thus.
https://www.dropbox.com/s/2aq8zbpz2x7wkgm/PL660-tips-and-tricks-for-a-blind-user.pdf?dl=0
 



**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”

Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

We'll agree to disagree then.

Humanware only wants to support a part of the market they know they can 
extract money from, those Humanware can preach to and easily convince 
that Humanware are the only solution on Planet Earth, a bit like the 
Church of Scientology.




On 11/10/2017 7:57 AM, Mary Otten wrote:

More to go wrong or more to enable more people to use the device.  I
don't own one, but I still know plenty of blind folks who do much
better with buttons than with touch; were that not true, HumanWare
wouldn't make this stuff.

Mary




--

**
"Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
**

Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

Apologies as I didn’t know you had an Amazon Echo but that’s as far as 
the apology goes.
Remembering skills? I have skills on my Amazon Echo and yes, its 
probably not used as much as yours would be given the Amazon echo is not 
fully supported in Australia but I do indeed know what skills I have on 
my system and - if I’m in any doubt - then I can look up and manage what 
I have installed on the Amazon Echo web page.
I don’t buy the argument about small company’s and lack of resources 
these days, I’ve been using hearing instruments for over 30 years and - 
over that time - the price has changed radically along with the 
technology which suggests to me that - unlike Humanware - small 
company’s in the hearing instruments market - once again a very small 
and specialist market - want to put their clients - those who have 
hearing difficulty’s and need to use their products - first.
In recent years of course we’ve seen a huge shift in the hearing 
instruments market to using the instrument as such as a secondary device 
and something more substantial - Mobile phone - as the primary 
processing device which in tern has both brought more power to the 
instrument and brought the price down.
I’m not suggesting for one moment that the latter point of using two 
devices be used in the case of Humanware as one “Stand-Alone” device is 
what’s required here however Humanware are not acknowleding changing 
technology, not keeping up with the mainstream.

Accessibility should be all and not just for a few.


On 10 Nov 2017, at 8:48 am, Mary Otten <maryot...@comcast.net 
<mailto:maryot...@comcast.net>> wrote:


Yes, I have an Amazon echo. It’s of limited utility in my opinion, 
partly because although there are so many skills, finding them and 
then remembering what you have is well, not easy. But I do have one. 
Now why would I want to repeat that whole thing with a device from 
humanware, which, given the small market, would probably cost at least 
twice or three times as much? Who is argument is ridiculous here? Add 
voice input to something for sure. But for a small company like 
humanware to make a single use voice activated speaker would be the 
height of stupid.

Mary


Sent from my iPhone

On Nov 9, 2017, at 1:27 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net 
<mailto:grtd...@internode.on.net>> wrote:


That argument is just ridiculous, have you ever used an Amazon Echo 
or a Google home? you can only interact with those devices the one 
way, with your voice!


Obviously you use an App or a Web Page to set these devices up but 
once that's done? Well you either talk and use the device or you fall 
silent and the device drops dead too.





On 11/10/2017 7:59 AM, Mary Otten wrote:
I never said that voice input wouldn't be good, just that having it as
the sole method would not be a good idea; not at all practical.




--

**
"Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
**





**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of 
the halfwits in this world behind.

Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

That argument is just ridiculous, have you ever used an Amazon Echo or a 
Google home? you can only interact with those devices the one way, with 
your voice!


Obviously you use an App or a Web Page to set these devices up but once 
that's done? Well you either talk and use the device or you fall silent 
and the device drops dead too.




On 11/10/2017 7:59 AM, Mary Otten wrote:

I never said that voice input wouldn't be good, just that having it as
the sole method would not be a good idea; not at all practical.




--

**
"Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
**

Re: accessible digital recorder with editing

[Dane Trethowan]

No, the H1 doesn't have a Pre-record buffer but i'm sure some of the 
other Zoom models do.


The H1 for waht it is presents a very basic audio recorder designed to 
do a job and do it very well, record audio at a very bargain basement 
price though there's nothing bargain basement about the recordings 
theZoom H1 makes.




On 11/10/2017 11:43 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:
I could be wrong but I believe the H1 has pre record too. I'll have to 
re listen to Neal's podcast. By the way for the person who started 
this thread define accessable. These recorders are cirtainly usable as 
Neal and Dain and others use them. But you must be able to deal with 
remembering menus remembering where you are at what time, and deal 
with the fact that there's no sound period at all. I just bring this 
up cause I sometimes turn off the beeps on my LS-14 i almost said 100. 
I wish I had a 100. But anyways I turn off the beeps on the 14 and I 
sometimes can get thrown off by not hearing anything. I guess in a 
sence I've been spoiled by using stuff like a Plextalk most of the 
time. So yeah let's not forget what 1 person calls accessible may not 
be to someone else.



On 11/9/2017 3:23 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
The whole point of these digital recorders is to “Record” audio and 
then use with a computer afterwards if necessary for editing, 
organisation, tweaking of Audio characteristics and so on.
All the recorders I have - Zoom H1, Sony PCM-d50 and Olympus DM4 - 
have capabilities to create new files on the fly or mark positions 
within the file at the push of a button.
As far as I know the PCM-d50 is the only recorder I own with the 
“Pre-Record Buffer” which is dead handy when you’re making live 
recordings, never miss a thing!
Good luck if you can find a Sony PCM-d50 . And if you do find 
one then you’ve certainly struck gold!



**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s 
you put in the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”






On 9 Nov 2017, at 11:49 pm, Fanus <buys.fa...@gmail.com> wrote:

Hello Dane & list
Does one get an accessible digital recorder with editing 
capabilities. A friend of mine is a member of a choir. The choir 
master records the songs for her but everytime she makes a mistake 
she must start from scratch resulting in the creation of a new 
file.  They are looking for a recorder which allows for stopping the 
recording and rewind to just before the error and then resume. Does 
one get such a recorder? I suppose it could be handy for lawyers and 
doctors.

Regards
Fanus



---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus



--

**
"Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
**

Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

Well enjoy wasting your time then.


> On 10 Nov 2017, at 9:09 am, Peter Scanlon  wrote:
> 
> Good point you make about those seconds wasting time. 
> Today, so much time can be wasted deleting crap emails or social media
> stuff, that wastes time in business or study.
> Especially as it takes us longer to identify a not wanted message than a
> sighted person.
> 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Brian
> Olesen
> Sent: Friday, November 10, 2017 8:14 AM
> To: 'PC Audio Discussion List' 
> Subject: SV: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek
> 
> Hey Mary,
> You are so perfectly right, and to tell you the truth it's not only blind
> people who feels this way.
> But fascion is playing many of it's tricks on people you know.
> Also a dedicated device for special needs is wonderful.
> For example with a Victor you don't really need to care about power loss or
> battery drainage.
> Charge it once every second day, and you can read on and on as long as you
> like.
> Also manipulating the audio is a time consuming process. Lets say you need
> to go to a certain page in a daisy book with touch, or find a special fraze.
> This is technically speaking possible, but will always and I mean always
> take much longer with touch then with regular keys.
> If you're a student and is planning to study for 5 years these seconds
> becoming minutes becoming hours, becoming days, actually counts against the
> biological human clock, and would be a great unnecessary waist of precious
> time.
> Yes off course I do own the app Voice Dream Reader, and loves it, but
> believe me. I use my Stream 95 % of the time instead.
> I could use my nice Hims U2, and honestly don't know why I don't. Maybe
> because of it's size. But this little handy pocket device feels more like
> reading a real book then using apps for all purposes in life. :-)
> 
> Best regards
> Brian
> 
> -Oprindelig meddelelse-
> Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Mary Otten
> Sendt: 9. november 2017 21:58
> Til: PC Audio Discussion List 
> Emne: Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trekagainst the biological human
> clock.
> 
> More to go wrong or more to enable more people to use the device.  I don't
> own one, but I still know plenty of blind folks who do much better with
> buttons than with touch; were thaIf you're a student and is planning to
> study for 5 years these seconds being minutes becoming hours becoming days
> actually count t not true, HumanWare wouldn't make this stuff.
> 
> Mary
> 
> 
> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

That’s obviously a personal thing isn’t it? I mean there are plenty of people 
who use Voice commands with their iPhone and Siri, Android phone with Google 
assistant and Goodness only knows how many other GPS and Entertainment devices 
out there.
All new cars sold these days have facilities to accept Voice Commands along 
with Bluetooth speakers etc.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 10 Nov 2017, at 1:33 am, Mary Otten <maryot...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> VoiceCommands as an adjunct to an existing device could be good, although I 
> really can’t imagine using one out in public with GPS or or on a bus or 
> whatever. That’s why say it should be an adjunct if they did it. But doesn’t 
> the stream run on Linux? My guess is there aren’t any APIs that would let 
> them use, for instants, Alexa. For my money, with the exception of doing 
> things on the actual device, his voice assistance are vastly overrated. More 
> often than not, you get something that makes you look on the web for what 
> they found, or you get a non-response. We are definitely not in the Star Trek 
> days, so the fact that human where hasn’t come out with something actually 
> like a home or an echo makes perfect sense to me. If they just came out with 
> one of the speaker things, nobody would buy it. Why would you want to buy a 
> specialized speaker made by humanware, when the mainstream ones are after all 
> voice activated. What possible value add it could there be? That’s why I say 
> having some kind of voice deal that would actually let you use your device 
> with voice under the right circumstances could be good.
> 
> Mary
> 
> Mary
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Nov 8, 2017, at 9:05 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:
>> 
>> So another new product from humanware but again I think they're missing so 
>> many points as Humanware tend to do these days in my opinion.
>> 
>> Yeah okay, we know about Talking Book players and we've used them for years.
>> 
>> Yeah, we know about GPS navigation products and we use iPhones and other 
>> similar devices.
>> 
>> So it does surprise me that Humanware hasn't brought out a voice activated 
>> device like the Google Home or Amazon Echo that does all this sort of stuff.
>> 
>> Anyway here's the new device from our dear friends at Humanware so make what 
>> you will of this.
>> 
>> http://store.humanware.com/heu/victor-reader-trek-talking-book-player-gps.html
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> **
>> "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
>> **
>> 
>> 
> 
> 

Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

Yep it has buttons, more to go wrong.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 10 Nov 2017, at 5:37 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
> 
> The good thing about Victor is it has real buttons. No need for voice 
> command. 
> I agree doing voice command in public can be a problem. 
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Mary Otten
> Sent: Friday, November 10, 2017 1:33 AM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
> Subject: Re: Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek
> 
> VoiceCommands as an adjunct to an existing device could be good, although I 
> really can’t imagine using one out in public with GPS or or on a bus or 
> whatever. That’s why say it should be an adjunct if they did it. But doesn’t 
> the stream run on Linux? My guess is there aren’t any APIs that would let 
> them use, for instants, Alexa. For my money, with the exception of doing 
> things on the actual device, his voice assistance are vastly overrated. More 
> often than not, you get something that makes you look on the web for what 
> they found, or you get a non-response. We are definitely not in the Star Trek 
> days, so the fact that human where hasn’t come out with something actually 
> like a home or an echo makes perfect sense to me. If they just came out with 
> one of the speaker things, nobody would buy it. Why would you want to buy a 
> specialized speaker made by humanware, when the mainstream ones are after all 
> voice activated. What possible value add it could there be? That’s why I say 
> having some kind of voice deal that would actually let you use your device 
> with voice under the right circumstances could be good.
> 
> Mary
> 
> Mary
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On Nov 8, 2017, at 9:05 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:
>> 
>> So another new product from humanware but again I think they're missing so 
>> many points as Humanware tend to do these days in my opinion.
>> 
>> Yeah okay, we know about Talking Book players and we've used them for years.
>> 
>> Yeah, we know about GPS navigation products and we use iPhones and other 
>> similar devices.
>> 
>> So it does surprise me that Humanware hasn't brought out a voice activated 
>> device like the Google Home or Amazon Echo that does all this sort of stuff.
>> 
>> Anyway here's the new device from our dear friends at Humanware so make what 
>> you will of this.
>> 
>> http://store.humanware.com/heu/victor-reader-trek-talking-book-player-gps.html
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> **
>> "Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
>> **
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
> 

Re: Digital Recorders (Sony PCM-D50)

[Dane Trethowan]

Very accessible, see the link to Neil’s review.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 9 Nov 2017, at 11:31 pm, Anders Holmberg <and...@pipkrokodil.se> wrote:
> 
> Hi!
> How accessible is it?
> I guess if you’re lucky with it it must be very accessible.
> By the way i saw a nice little recording device which was just a microphone 
> with 2 or three buttons on.
> Also a built in headphone jack and a slot for an micro sd card.
> The price was to high but it seemed to do its job very nice.
> /A
> 
>> 9 nov. 2017 kl. 06:18 skrev Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net>:
>> 
>> Hi!
>> 
>> Well I guess at different times in our lives we all "Get Lucky" and such a 
>> time happened to me a few weeks ago.
>> 
>> I managed to purchase - in good condition - a Sony PCM-D50 digital audio 
>> recorder.
>> 
>> These recorders are at the low end of the professional recorder ranger from 
>> Sony and yet they do an excellent job, note the test I did with the recorder 
>> with a sample from the W9 speaker system.
>> 
>> I managed to find a review of the recorder which was originally distributed 
>> via the Blind Cool Tech website.
>> 
>> So what's the fuss? Listen here 
>> https://www.dropbox.com/s/l9v97jx1hjmivgb/bct1167SonyPCMD50RecorderReview.mp3?dl=0
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> **
>> "For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you 
>> put in the ground and not the electric light one's."
>> **
>> 
>> 
> 
> 

Digital Recorders (Sony PCM-D50)

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Well I guess at different times in our lives we all "Get Lucky" and such 
a time happened to me a few weeks ago.


I managed to purchase - in good condition - a Sony PCM-D50 digital audio 
recorder.


These recorders are at the low end of the professional recorder ranger 
from Sony and yet they do an excellent job, note the test I did with the 
recorder with a sample from the W9 speaker system.


I managed to find a review of the recorder which was originally 
distributed via the Blind Cool Tech website.


So what's the fuss? Listen here 
https://www.dropbox.com/s/l9v97jx1hjmivgb/bct1167SonyPCMD50RecorderReview.mp3?dl=0



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's 
you put in the ground and not the electric light one's."

**

Humanwear Victor Reader Stream Trek

[Dane Trethowan]

So another new product from humanware but again I think they're missing 
so many points as Humanware tend to do these days in my opinion.


Yeah okay, we know about Talking Book players and we've used them for years.

Yeah, we know about GPS navigation products and we use iPhones and other 
similar devices.


So it does surprise me that Humanware hasn't brought out a voice 
activated device like the Google Home or Amazon Echo that does all this 
sort of stuff.


Anyway here's the new device from our dear friends at Humanware so make 
what you will of this.


http://store.humanware.com/heu/victor-reader-trek-talking-book-player-gps.html

--

**
"Always Look On The Bright Side Of Life"
**

Re: software to tag mp3 files?

[Dane Trethowan]

Nice! so there's a choice of at least two packages out there, I've 
already mentioned MP3 Tag Studio.




On 11/9/2017 3:13 AM, John Gurd via Pc-audio wrote:

I've used Tag and Rename for years. It is very rich in features and accessible 
with Jaws. I can't remember how much I paid for it.

http://www.softpointer.com/tr.htm

John


-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: 04 November 2017 00:45
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: software to tag mp3 files?

I very much look forward to seeing your tutorials.
In the meantime? I’ll use MP3 Tag Studio to get the job done.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”





On 3 Nov 2017, at 6:02 pm, Robert Godridge <rgodrid...@gmail.com> wrote:

Well, I just did it once and next time when you press the down arrow
you can select it.
The beauty of mp3tag is if you have a folder of files you want to tag,
hit applications key, then press 3 or go down to the mp3tag option in
your context menue and it'll do the entire directory, then select all
and you're done.
I can help somewhat if you like.


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On 11/3/17, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:

It’s the ability to do it with multiple files that is needed.
For me I get confused with the conversion process
Where you need to put in a series of characters such as %artist% -
%album% -
%track% - %title%

P.


-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Robert
Godridge
Sent: Friday, November 3, 2017 5:35 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: software to tag mp3 files?

also if you don't mind doing each file individually you can edit them
in winamp, go to propperties, alt and 3.


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Virus-free. https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com




On 11/3/17, Robert Godridge <rgodrid...@gmail.com> wrote:

There's a forum. I've googled all my queeries and I've found
explanations for them. If you mean mp3tag.


https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
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Virus-free. https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com




On 11/3/17, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:

Like Adam, I have found this program difficult. I wish there was a
tutorial.



-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of
Robert
Godridge
Sent: Friday, November 3, 2017 5:25 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: software to tag mp3 files?

https://www.mp3tag.de/
I wouldn't be without this. Goes nicely into the context menue.


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target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com




On 11/3/17, Adam Morris <li...@damorris.com> wrote:

Hi all,

Wondering what software people use apart from iTunes to tag mp3 f

Windscreens for field recorders

[Dane Trethowan]

H!
As users of field recording equipment will know, the outdoor recording you’re 
making is gravely enhanced by the use of a windscreen.
I’ve found a range of windscreens that actually work incredibly well and they 
won’t cost you an arm and a leg to purchase.
I’ve bought a couple of Gutman windscreens, one for the Sony PCM-d50 and 
another for the Olympus DM4.
The Gutman windscreens are absolutely wind proof.
My Sony PCM-D50 recorder came with the standard Sony Windscreen option but - 
whilst the Sony looks similar to the Gutman - in that it too feels like a soft 
toy - that’s where any common ground ends, the Sony allows wind through to the 
microphones.
I found my Gutman Windscreens on eBay and each was around $30 Australian with 
postage included.


**

Those with negative attitudes are a problem, those with positive outlooks are 
the solution.

Re: Amazon Echo Show

[Dane Trethowan]

Just curious, what location are you in?


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 6 Nov 2017, at 8:17 am, Aidan <aidan.smartt...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> I would love to have the google home. But not available in my location.
> Enjoy.
> 
> On 05/11/2017, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:
>> Hi!
>> 
>> Is anyone on list using one of these devices and - if so - how are they
>> going with it?
>> 
>> I'm very happy with my Amazon Echo products here, the original Echo
>> Alexa, the Dot and Tap though they don't get used as much as the Google
>> Home does but that should change radically this time next year when
>> Amazon should be well and truly launched in Australia.
>> 
>> 
>> --
>> 
>> **
>> "For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you
>> put in the ground and not the electric light one's."
>> **
>> 
>> 
>> 
> 

Amazon Echo Show

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Is anyone on list using one of these devices and - if so - how are they 
going with it?


I'm very happy with my Amazon Echo products here, the original Echo 
Alexa, the Dot and Tap though they don't get used as much as the Google 
Home does but that should change radically this time next year when 
Amazon should be well and truly launched in Australia.



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Definitive Technology W9 Speaker

[Dane Trethowan]

Here's another speaker right up there with the wonderful B A5 and a7 
speakers.


I've had one of these for around about a year not.

The W9 is bigger than the A7 so you'll need to find a reasonable table 
for this one though it can be put up against a wall as it has no bass port.


The W9 is driven by 6 drivers, - 2 tweeters, 2 woofers and 2 side firing 
mid range drivers make up the set -.


emerse yourself in 180 wats RMS of Digital Amp power.

The W9 cannot be connected to the USB port of a computer but it does 
have a Toslink Digital input, an Analogue Aux-In and can stream from the 
Play-Fi App so all your radio and music needs should be well and ttruly 
taken care of.


Here's a recording of the Definitive Technology W9 in full flight made 
on my Sony PCM-D50 Digital recorder.


The W9 is at the bed head, and I'm standing at the foot of the bed with 
the recorder, yep gold old fassioned built-in microphones used here folks.


You'll notice that I tweak the levels of the recording slightly at the 
beginning of the track.


https://www.dropbox.com/s/zr7gbe1nznbuz5q/Recording%20of%20the%20Definitive%20Technology%20W9%20Speaker.flac?dl=0

--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Windows 10 Voice Recoerder

[Dane Trethowan]

Its a very nice app to use and the quality of the resulting recordings 
is certainly better than some Voice Recorders I've heard.



--

**
"For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the one's you put in 
the ground and not the electric light one's."
**

Re: software to tag mp3 files?

[Dane Trethowan]

I very much look forward to seeing your tutorials.
In the meantime? I’ll use MP3 Tag Studio to get the job done.


**
“For the gardener nothing is more handier than bulbs, I mean the 1’s you put in 
the ground and not the electric light 1’s.”




> On 3 Nov 2017, at 6:02 pm, Robert Godridge  wrote:
> 
> Well, I just did it once and next time when you press the down arrow
> you can select it.
> The beauty of mp3tag is if you have a folder of files you want to tag,
> hit applications key, then press 3 or go down to the mp3tag option in
> your context menue and it'll do the entire directory, then select all
> and you're done.
> I can help somewhat if you like. id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
> 
>   
> href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
> target="_blank"> src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif;
> alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;"
> />
>   Virus-free.  href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
> target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com
>   
>   
>  height="1">
> 
> On 11/3/17, Peter Scanlon  wrote:
>> It’s the ability to do it with multiple files that is needed.
>> For me I get confused with the conversion process
>> Where you need to put in a series of characters such as %artist% - %album% -
>> %track% - %title%
>> 
>> P.
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Robert
>> Godridge
>> Sent: Friday, November 3, 2017 5:35 PM
>> To: PC Audio Discussion List 
>> Subject: Re: software to tag mp3 files?
>> 
>> also if you don't mind doing each file individually you can edit them
>> in winamp, go to propperties, alt and 3.> id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
>> 
>>  
>>> href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
>> target="_blank">> src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif;
>> alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;"
>> />
>>  Virus-free. > href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
>> target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com
>>  
>>  
>> > height="1">
>> 
>> On 11/3/17, Robert Godridge  wrote:
>>> There's a forum. I've googled all my queeries and I've found
>>> explanations for them. If you mean mp3tag.>> id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
>>> 
>>> 
>>>>> href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
>>> target="_blank">>> src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif;
>>> alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;"
>>> />
>>> Virus-free. >> href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
>>> target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com
>>> 
>>> 
>>> >> height="1">
>>> 
>>> On 11/3/17, Peter Scanlon  wrote:
 Like Adam, I have found this program difficult. I wish there was a
 tutorial.
 
 
 
 -Original Message-
 From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of
 Robert
 Godridge
 Sent: Friday, November 3, 2017 5:25 PM
 To: PC Audio Discussion List 
 Subject: Re: software to tag mp3 files?
 
 https://www.mp3tag.de/
 I wouldn't be without this. Goes nicely into the context menue.>>> id="DAB4FAD8-2DD7-40BB-A1B8-4E2AA1F9FDF2">
 

>>> href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
 target="_blank" src="https://ipmcdn.avast.com/images/icons/icon-envelope-tick-round-orange-animated-no-repeat-v1.gif;
 alt="" width="46" height="29" style="width: 46px; height: 29px;"
 />
Virus-free. >>> href="https://www.avast.com/sig-email?utm_medium=email_source=link_campaign=sig-email_content=webmail;
 target="_blank" style="color: #4453ea;">www.avast.com


 >>> height="1">
 
 On 11/3/17, Adam Morris  wrote:
> Hi all,
> 
> Wondering what software people use apart from iTunes to tag mp3 files
> that aren't copied from a cd?
> 
> I know of someone who is given files made up by a communityradio
> station
> that need tagging.
> 
> 
> I've tried mp3 tag but haven't had much luck.
> 
> 
> 
> 
> --
> 
> Adam Morris
> Jaws certified 2016

More on Play-Fi

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

I'm off to demo two Wireless Speaker systems on the weekend and both are 
from Polk Audio, the Omni S2 and the Omni s6.


The S2 is the portable Wi-Fi player and the S6 is the premium 
"Stand-alone" offering.


Both these Speaker units have the Play-Fi Wireless Open eco system 
built-in so that makes them truly flexible and able to play high quality 
audio such as HD, High res etc.


Being Play-Fi compatible means that these spekaer units can be used as 
multi room components.


The S2 portable runs on a rechargeable battery and has Bluetooth 
streaming as well as the aforementioned Play-Fi streaming. The S6 can 
have Bluetooth added with the addition of a USB Bluetooth adapter, I'm 
not sure whether this adapter is a specific Polk Audio item or readily 
available off the shelf so to speak, I hope my questions will be 
answered on Saturday.


Whilst both the S2 and S6 can obviously join a Wi-Fi network I also know 
that - again with the help of a USB adapter - the S2 can be wired to a 
LAN if you'd prefer.


Polk Audio have several devices in the Omni line-up, a Pre-amp, a 
Soundbar and an adapter that can be connected to an existing system to 
enable Play-Fi compatibility.


More details next week.


--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Android phones are very personal

[Dane Trethowan]

And that they are.

I've been playing with two new Android phones over the past month or so, 
the Samsung S8 and the Sony xPeria X-Performance, both of which are 
superb pieces of technology.


So time to make a decision as to what I'll keep and - to my surprise if 
you like - I much prefer the xPeria experience what it comes to Android 
phones.


I acknowledge just how good Samsung phones are and I've now used 3 of 
them starting with the Note4, then progressing to the S6 and finally the 
S8 so why do I prefer the Sony xPeria?


The audio is far better and - to me - audio and video is a very 
important factor when it comes to a Smart Phone.


More Bluetooth standards are supported with the xPeria phone though this 
probably wont' be a concern to others as it is for me, I have a Sony 
Personal Music Player which works right out of the box when paired to 
the xPeria phone using Sony's "LDAC" lossless Bluetooth protocol, of 
course one can use APTX Lossles Bluetooth which is a common standard but 
- whatever standard you choose to or are forced to use - the xPeria 
phone will tell you what standard of Bluetooth you're using and I've not 
seen any other phone do this.


The volume control of both Bluetooth device and phone are seamlessly 
integrated with each other thus you don't need to set both controls 
independently, users of Bluetooth headsets or spekaers would know how 
first you have to adjust the Bluetooth volume of the Phone - normally to 
100% - and then adjust the volume level of the headset or speaker, with 
xPeria just one volume adjustment needs to be changed.


I love the idea of the Volume notification bar that appears near the top 
of the screen when the volume up/down key is pressed, here you find all 
the volume controls for for sounds the phone makes - ring tone, media 
voluem, notification alert volume and so on - so a simple tap on one of 
these controls in the notification volume sets focus to the control so 
you can then decrease/increase the volume for the particular sound with 
the volume up/down buttons, just swipe the Volume notification bar out 
of the way when you're finished with it.


I'm using the latest Talkback on the Xperia phone even though it did 
take me a little while to get up and running, i've documented this well 
and truly on list.


I've reset the phone several times since and gone through the 
installation procedure without a hitch thankfully.


Security options are a plenty in the settings and I really like the idea 
of the fingerprint reader in the "Power" button, that's exactly where a 
fingerprint reader should be on every phone in my view, just so well 
thought out.


The dedicated "Two-Step" camera button is a nice touch though I've not 
made full use of this yet .


The stereo spekaers on the front of the phone make a huge difference 
even when listening to Google Talkback.


And to the final point of the Sony xPeria which swayed me, the excellent 
Backup and Restore facilities offered by default with this phone, the 
most thorough and precise I've seen in any Android device to date.


I stress again that the above is only my opinion so do your research if 
you're looking around for a phone, I'd be absolutely happy if I had no 
choice but to continue using the Samsung Galaxy S8 but I'm even happier 
with the Sony xPeria.



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

Top 5 Best Hi-Res Audio Music Download Sites | Sony US

[Dane Trethowan]

Some wonderful stuff here.
If your equipment doesn't handle DSD format then other formats may be 
available such as FLAC and ALAC.

https://www.sony.com/electronics/best-music-download-sites-hi-res-audio

--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

DTS Play-Fi: set your wireless music free!

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

This article/review on Play-Fi is a bit dated but still worth the read 
if you're into Wi-Fi, wireless music and streaming as I am.


Personally I think Apple's Airplay is on the point of Retirement given 
there are so many better options such as Play-Fi available on devices now.


I'm very glad to see Sonos getting some good competition at long last.

I'm not saying Sonos systems are bad rather they're close and not 
flexible, Play-Fi and other systems challenge and change that.


Anyway read on and make your own judgement.

http://www.techhive.com/article/2856180/home-audio/dts-takes-on-sonos-we-go-ears-on-with-three-play-fi-multi-room-audio-devices.html


--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

Sound Forge Pro for Mac

[Dane Trethowan]

Sorry everyone, forgot to include a link in my last eMail so here it is, this 
takes you directly to the shopping basket so you may add your purchase with the 
discount applied.


> https://shop.magix.com/en_US/magix/basket/?_pA=56038xea85&_sT=audio&_pOBS=true=LF7vLfQzsOpgzusV_source=newsletter_medium=mail_content=SFPmac_campaign=US_21_vcs_sfpmac
>  
> 


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Sound Forge Pro For Mac

[Dane Trethowan]

Just a reminder that Sound Forge Pro For Mac is available for $149, today’s the 
last day.

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Sony Xperia X-Performance, answering Machine

[Dane Trethowan]

The Sony Xperia phone is the first I've used that has an independent 
answering machine App, by independent I mean independent of a Voicemail 
service.


The App seems quite accessible and easy enough to set up, just record 
your greeting, set the time for the answering machine to activate on an 
imcoming call and that's it.


There are several ways to play back messages left on the answering 
machine, the easiest way is to go into the Call Log and double-tap the 
answering machine message iCon next to the entry.


The other method involves going into the Answering Machine App found 
under settings/Calls/Xperia Answering Machine., play the message you 
wish to hear by double-tapping on it, audio can be heard either through 
the earpiece - default - or through the stereo speakers, - headphones 
will also work when connected -.


To delete a message double-tap and hold that message to select it, the 
phone then goes into "Select Mode", a checkbox is displayed next to each 
message which can be toggled for selection.


Double-Tap the "Delete" iCon near the top right of the screen and you're 
done.


I sincerely hope Sony conteinues to develop the Answering Machine App as 
it has a lot of potential, as is the Answering Machine presents a 
convenient and accessible alternative to traditional Voicemail services 
which can be a little tricky sometimes to set up.



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

Re: How Do You Manage Playlist in VLC?

[Dane Trethowan]

I bet your pardon, I was getting confused with the Mac version, you can however 
take it from me that R burns random play on/off for the Windows PC version.

> On 24 May 2017, at 1:01 pm, Kenny  wrote:
> 
> I'm using VLC media player Version 2,2,5,1
> . I see no reference to "Random" under the Playback menu?
> 
> And I would like to be able to move tracks up and down in the playlist 
> according to what order I wish to hear them played in.
> 
> Maybe I'm doing something wrong, but none of the buttons as I'm using the 
> [Tab] key to navigate the main Window have text labels associated with them?
> 
> Do I need to alter some settings?
> 
> At 09:43 PM 5/23/2017, you wrote:
>> A very easy way to shuffle tracks, r is for random and you’ll see random 
>> in the playback menu, in fact you’ll find a lot if you have a look through 
>> the menu system.
>> So what aspects of Playlists do you want to manage?
>> 
>> > On 24 May 2017, at 11:27 am, Kenny  wrote:
>> >
>> > Hello,
>> >
>> > I'm liking the speed in which the VLC Media Player plays audio files. 
>> > Doesn't seem to be an easy way to manage a Playlist though. Also doesn't 
>> > seem to be an easy way to tell the program to "Shuffle" tracks during 
>> > playback.
>> >
>> > Can someone hear tell me is this program accessible enough to perform 
>> > simple playlist tasks using JAWS? Most of the buttons are not it seems.
>> >
>> >
>> 
>> **
>> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
>> halfwits in this world behind.
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: How Do You Manage Playlist in VLC?

[Dane Trethowan]

A very easy way to shuffle tracks, r is for random and you’ll see random in the 
playback menu, in fact you’ll find a lot if you have a look through the menu 
system.
So what aspects of Playlists do you want to manage?

> On 24 May 2017, at 11:27 am, Kenny  wrote:
> 
> Hello,
> 
> I'm liking the speed in which the VLC Media Player plays audio files. Doesn't 
> seem to be an easy way to manage a Playlist though. Also doesn't seem to be 
> an easy way to tell the program to "Shuffle" tracks during playback.
> 
> Can someone hear tell me is this program accessible enough to perform simple 
> playlist tasks using JAWS? Most of the buttons are not it seems.
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Samsung Galaxy S8 Multi Media Options

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Here's something I've noticed with the Samsung Galaxy S8, the Samsung 
Connections manager, this App may be available in the S7, I'm not sure.


Anyway the point of the Manager is to manage all your connected devices 
to the phone in a single place, everything from Bluetooth paired 
keyboards and speakers to DLNA devices such as servers, speakers and so on.


So what use is the Connection manager? Let's take a pretty basic example.

When you first launch the manager you're prompted to "Add A Device, 
Double-tapping the "Add Device" iCon brings up a list of devices the 
phone finds on your network or already connected Bluetooth devices, 
select the Devices you wish to add.


From there you can go back to the "My Devices screen and see your added 
Devices, select them etc.


Now suppose you have a pair of DLNA compatible speakers and you've added 
them, double-tapping your speakers from the My Devices screen brings up 
several optiosn and these options depend on the device you've added, - 
in this case only one option may be visible that being "Audio" as its a 
pari of speakers we've connected to -.


Double-Tapping this coice brings up a list of audio Apps such as the 
Samsung Music Player, for my S8 I had to install this App as an addition 
but that only took several seconds.


So the Music App then launches and there you are! the music on your 
phone ready to play and manipulate with the audio coming out of your 
connected speakers.


This approach is certainly a different one to what I was used to when 
using my Galaxy S6 but its a nice touch and certainly more useable and 
flexible.



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

Google I/O 2017: Televisions set to talk back as Google Assistant comes to Android TV

[Dane Trethowan]

I look forward to this.
Already using Google Talkback on my Sony Android Television so - if the Samsung 
and Sony phones I have are anything to go by - Google Assistant is really going 
to enhance the Television which is already an impressive entertainment gadget.
I’m hoping perhaps I’ll get the Assistant working on my Neo Android Set Top box?


> http://www.theage.com.au/technology/gadgets-on-the-go/google-io-2017-televisions-set-to-talk-back-as-google-assistant-comes-to-android-tv-20170519-gw8t7m.html?deviceType=text
>  
> 


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Sound Forge 3 For Mac Upgrade Offer

[Dane Trethowan]

Just got this from Magix, you can upgrade to Sound Forge 3 for Mac for $149.

I haven't used that software in a good while, when I last tried Sound 
Forge 3 for Mac there were parts which weren't accessible however that 
was quite some time ago and Voiceover has come a long way since that 
time, yep take no notice of what you hear, Apple are still refining 
Voiceover .



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Sony Xperia X-Performance Phone: From A Multi Media Perspective

[Dane Trethowan]

If people are interested in the accessibility of this phone - which is very 
good - then please take the time to follow me on Twitter @grtdane where I write 
up my findings as I continue my exploration.
We know Sony of its audio and video products so therefore I guess its no 
surprise to find audio and video coming at you the moment you get the phone out 
of its box, go through the start-up wizard with everything up and running.
The first thing one notices are the two stereo speakers - one at each end on 
the front of the phone at opposite ends of the screen -, makes for stellar 
sound compared to what I’m used to with speakers on the bottom of phones.
Each speaker looks like a small coin slot - typical of an earpiece speaker on a 
phone - but they go much louder than that.
Going through the settings to perform a general setup and Tweak of the device I 
was pleasantly surprised to discover that the phone had been discovering things 
on my home network which is what its connected to, all my media devices were 
listed there - both Server and renderer - so it was just a matter of me setting 
rules for each device, allowing or denying the phone access and so on.
A tap in the notifications area of the screen gives you access to your devices 
for streaming to and from, you also have the ability to “Cast” to compatible 
devices though I’ve stayed away from doing this for the time being, speech is 
also cast along with music and that’s not something I wish to do though I’m 
quite positive I’ll find a way around this given time.
One can also gain access to the Phone itself as a media device from other 
equipment on your Network thus uploading music and videos and having them 
organised in the appropriate folders on the Phone is a snap and there’s no 
connection require to a computer or similar for file transfer.
Bluetooth comes naturally with premium phones and the Sony Xperia X-Performance 
is no exception.
The phone has the best implementation of Bluetooth I’ve come across for any 
mobile device.
Many of you will be familiar with the 2 volume controls you get when pairing a 
Bluetooth device, a volume control on the Bluetooth device itself and one on 
the phone. The Sony integrates these controls into one so turning the volume 
down on the phone turns the volume down on the speaker with speech telling you 
what the percentage of the volume is as its changed, a nice touch but then 
again that’s the way a volume control should behave.
I also was shocked to hear the Screen Reader tell me that my phone was now 
paired to an APTX device - the B is indeed a Bluetooth device able to handle 
APTX -, Sony have done their job well!
So time to get down to business and listen to a range of files but I wasn’t at 
all surprised as all sounded as I expected them to though the one real 
surprised was that the Phone was able to handle DSD files without complaint.
That’s all for now.

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: listening to time signals using pc?

[Dane Trethowan]

In Australia there are many who do but no store can be set by them as satellite 
links and so on delay the transmission.
In the US many stations - particularly the CBS News stations - have time 
signals but even those are often at least one second delayed.
As I’ve already mentioned they’re not used now and thus little attention is 
paid to their accuracy so we come back to WWV which is probably the most 
accurate audible time signal on the planet and can be heard world-wide.

> On 21 May 2017, at 10:13 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
> 
> AM Radio stations used to have time signals on the hour. Not many still use 
> this. 
> I think it’s a pity.
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
> Trethowan
> Sent: Sunday, 21 May 2017 6:04 AM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
> Subject: Re: listening to time signals using pc?
> 
> The simplest explanation is that a time signal allows you to calibrate your 
> time piece manually.
> 
> Let's go back in time say to when WWV first went on the air back in the late 
> 1920's.
> 
> At that time, clocks and other time pieces weren't too reliable and - in some 
> cases - needed to be calibrated daily with a Time Signal, WWV being one of 
> the earliest around.
> 
> So you tuned your radio to WWV and waited for the stroke on the 0 second of 
> the minute, "58, 59 0", long note which started the count up to the next 0 
> second of the next minute.
> 
> WWV has announcements to indicate the time coming up, "At The Time 9 Hours 48 
> Minutes Co-ordinated Universal time", that way the person setting the time 
> piece has time to be ready for the 0 second stroke.
> 
> Of course modern-day time signals such as WWV/WWVH do far more than that 
> these days and there's a whole host of different signal services around.
> 
> The future of time signals is shaky given that most clocks now can adjust 
> themselves thanks to the Internet or an Atomic Clock time signal so no need 
> for a human to be involved in the calibration process.
> 
> You can find more details about WWV etc on Google - despite what you might 
> hear from those who ought to know better > - and Wikipedia.
> 
> 
> 
> On 21/05/2017 5:55 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:
>> What's this time signal thing anyways? What's it do exactly?
>> 
>> 
>> On 5/14/2017 4:30 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
>>> There's absolutely no point listening to a time signal service such 
>>> as WWV on a PC as what you hear would be delayed by the time you hear 
>>> it thus setting the time by such a method would be completely 
>>> inaccurate.
>>> 
>>> Still the best way to set time is to tune into WWV/WWVH on a 
>>> Shortwave receiver on 2.5, 5, 10, 15 or 20MHZ, the higher frequency's 
>>> come in well during the afternoon.
>>> 
>>> WWV was recently upgraded, there was talk of it going off the air.
>>> 
>>> WWV has been in operation since 1927, impressive.
>>> 
>>> You can phone WWV/WWVH and hear them that way though again what you 
>>> hear will be delayed at least by a quarter of a second, more likely 
>>> longer.
>>> 
>>> These are US phone numbers
>>> 
>>> WWV 3034997111
>>> 
>>> WWVH 8083354363
>>> 
>>> You can patch these two different numbers together to simulate 
>>> exactly what you'd hear if you tuned to one of the abovementioned 
>>> frequency's on a Shortwave Radio.
>>> 
>>> In Australia the best way to set your time piece manually is to find 
>>> a station with an accurate local time signal, I say accurate because 
>>> some are delayed by at least a second owing to satellite links being 
>>> used, ABC being a case in point so that can't always be relied upon.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 14/05/2017 2:43 PM, Adam Morris wrote:
>>>> Hi all,
>>>> 
>>>> Does anyone know of a site or way I can receive a time signal like 
>>>> wwv using a pc?
>>>> 
>>>> Have tried google but links I found don't work.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
>> ---
>> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
>> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
>> 
>> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> **
> "Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if 
> you were going to live forever"
> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: listening to time signals using pc?

[Dane Trethowan]

The simplest explanation is that a time signal allows you to calibrate 
your time piece manually.


Let's go back in time say to when WWV first went on the air back in the 
late 1920's.


At that time, clocks and other time pieces weren't too reliable and - in 
some cases - needed to be calibrated daily with a Time Signal, WWV being 
one of the earliest around.


So you tuned your radio to WWV and waited for the stroke on the 0 second 
of the minute, "58, 59 0", long note which started the count up to the 
next 0 second of the next minute.


WWV has announcements to indicate the time coming up, "At The Time 9 
Hours 48 Minutes Co-ordinated Universal time", that way the person 
setting the time piece has time to be ready for the 0 second stroke.


Of course modern-day time signals such as WWV/WWVH do far more than that 
these days and there's a whole host of different signal services around.


The future of time signals is shaky given that most clocks now can 
adjust themselves thanks to the Internet or an Atomic Clock time signal 
so no need for a human to be involved in the calibration process.


You can find more details about WWV etc on Google - despite what you 
might hear from those who ought to know better > - and Wikipedia.




On 21/05/2017 5:55 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:

What's this time signal thing anyways? What's it do exactly?


On 5/14/2017 4:30 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
There's absolutely no point listening to a time signal service such 
as WWV on a PC as what you hear would be delayed by the time you hear 
it thus setting the time by such a method would be completely 
inaccurate.


Still the best way to set time is to tune into WWV/WWVH on a 
Shortwave receiver on 2.5, 5, 10, 15 or 20MHZ, the higher frequency's 
come in well during the afternoon.


WWV was recently upgraded, there was talk of it going off the air.

WWV has been in operation since 1927, impressive.

You can phone WWV/WWVH and hear them that way though again what you 
hear will be delayed at least by a quarter of a second, more likely 
longer.


These are US phone numbers

WWV 3034997111

WWVH 8083354363

You can patch these two different numbers together to simulate 
exactly what you'd hear if you tuned to one of the abovementioned 
frequency's on a Shortwave Radio.


In Australia the best way to set your time piece manually is to find 
a station with an accurate local time signal, I say accurate because 
some are delayed by at least a second owing to satellite links being 
used, ABC being a case in point so that can't always be relied upon.




On 14/05/2017 2:43 PM, Adam Morris wrote:

Hi all,

Does anyone know of a site or way I can receive a time signal like 
wwv using a pc?


Have tried google but links I found don't work.







---
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

MP3 Is Dead!

[Dane Trethowan]

Yep subject line says everything, the format is dead and no new licences 
will be issued to continue supporting or developing the format.


MP3 has had a truly remarkable run when you think about it, almost 20 
years and the format has ben at the heart of changing the way we listen 
to music.


Now there are more efficient formats such as AAC out there and Lossless 
compressed formats such as FLAC, storage space has increased and so it goes.


There will be people who use MP3 for a long time to come but those will 
become fewer as more people adopt other methods.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

[Dane Trethowan]

So by that do you mean that Goldwave can't see the Cue sheet embedded in 
the FLAC file until its decoded? I suppose that makes a lot of sense.


Players such as VLC can see the embedded Cue file.



On 16/05/2017 5:01 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  Yes it does but they are only accessible once you then decompress the
file again but they are preserved in the save process.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane
Trethowan
Sent: 15 May 2017 19:33
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Yes, Goldwave handles FLAC files but the question is can it save the Cue
points in a FLAC file? I'll do some research on this myself I I could
actually find this useful given all the CD ripping I do for the archive.



On 16/05/2017 3:58 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  Yes, it handles Flac files.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane
Trethowan
Sent: 15 May 2017 18:31
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Course if you were to save to another format FLAC for example - assuming
Goldwave supports this function - you could save your Cue points in the
file.



On 16/05/2017 3:16 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  I'm assuming you have already recorded the tapes and saved them as

Wave

files.  You could have saved them as mp3 when you finished the recording

but

as you mentioned cue points, you can't save these as mp3.  However if the
recording process is complete then open the files you want converted.

Now

the Cue points you spoke of  I imagine you have inserted these at points
where you want a new track to begin?  If this be so then you need to

split

that file into individual tracks.  When you have done that then you can

do

a

batch conversion of the individual Wave files into mp3 files.  Gold Wave
will do all of that for you.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Vinny
Samarco
Sent: 15 May 2017 17:20
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Hi,
   I need to turn wave files of Music recorded with goldwave into mp3
files.  How do I do this?   Of course there is the matter of dealing
with the Q points  in gw, so I hope there is an easier way to work with
these files. .
   Wat I am doing is taking hundreds of cassettes of music, and trying

to

put them on mp3 files for eventually playing on sd cards, or cds.  I have
made a number of these at 32 bit wav files.
   Is there any other program besides gw that will help me do this?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Vinny




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

[Dane Trethowan]

Yes, Goldwave handles FLAC files but the question is can it save the Cue 
points in a FLAC file? I'll do some research on this myself I I could 
actually find this useful given all the CD ripping I do for the archive.




On 16/05/2017 3:58 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  Yes, it handles Flac files.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane
Trethowan
Sent: 15 May 2017 18:31
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Course if you were to save to another format FLAC for example - assuming
Goldwave supports this function - you could save your Cue points in the
file.



On 16/05/2017 3:16 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  I'm assuming you have already recorded the tapes and saved them as

Wave

files.  You could have saved them as mp3 when you finished the recording

but

as you mentioned cue points, you can't save these as mp3.  However if the
recording process is complete then open the files you want converted.  Now
the Cue points you spoke of  I imagine you have inserted these at points
where you want a new track to begin?  If this be so then you need to split
that file into individual tracks.  When you have done that then you can do

a

batch conversion of the individual Wave files into mp3 files.  Gold Wave
will do all of that for you.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Vinny
Samarco
Sent: 15 May 2017 17:20
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Hi,
  I need to turn wave files of Music recorded with goldwave into mp3
files.  How do I do this?   Of course there is the matter of dealing
with the Q points  in gw, so I hope there is an easier way to work with
these files. .
  Wat I am doing is taking hundreds of cassettes of music, and trying

to

put them on mp3 files for eventually playing on sd cards, or cds.  I have
made a number of these at 32 bit wav files.
  Is there any other program besides gw that will help me do this?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Vinny




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

[Dane Trethowan]

Course if you were to save to another format FLAC for example - assuming 
Goldwave supports this function - you could save your Cue points in the 
file.




On 16/05/2017 3:16 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  I'm assuming you have already recorded the tapes and saved them as Wave
files.  You could have saved them as mp3 when you finished the recording but
as you mentioned cue points, you can't save these as mp3.  However if the
recording process is complete then open the files you want converted.  Now
the Cue points you spoke of  I imagine you have inserted these at points
where you want a new track to begin?  If this be so then you need to split
that file into individual tracks.  When you have done that then you can do a
batch conversion of the individual Wave files into mp3 files.  Gold Wave
will do all of that for you.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Vinny
Samarco
Sent: 15 May 2017 17:20
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Hi,
 I need to turn wave files of Music recorded with goldwave into mp3
files.  How do I do this?   Of course there is the matter of dealing
with the Q points  in gw, so I hope there is an easier way to work with
these files. .
 Wat I am doing is taking hundreds of cassettes of music, and trying to
put them on mp3 files for eventually playing on sd cards, or cds.  I have
made a number of these at 32 bit wav files.
 Is there any other program besides gw that will help me do this?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Vinny




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

[Dane Trethowan]

Okay my apologies I fforgot about the Cue points and you're absolutely 
right, that's the way to go about it.




On 16/05/2017 3:16 AM, Walter wrote:

Hi.  I'm assuming you have already recorded the tapes and saved them as Wave
files.  You could have saved them as mp3 when you finished the recording but
as you mentioned cue points, you can't save these as mp3.  However if the
recording process is complete then open the files you want converted.  Now
the Cue points you spoke of  I imagine you have inserted these at points
where you want a new track to begin?  If this be so then you need to split
that file into individual tracks.  When you have done that then you can do a
batch conversion of the individual Wave files into mp3 files.  Gold Wave
will do all of that for you.  Walter.

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Vinny
Samarco
Sent: 15 May 2017 17:20
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

Hi,
 I need to turn wave files of Music recorded with goldwave into mp3
files.  How do I do this?   Of course there is the matter of dealing
with the Q points  in gw, so I hope there is an easier way to work with
these files. .
 Wat I am doing is taking hundreds of cassettes of music, and trying to
put them on mp3 files for eventually playing on sd cards, or cds.  I have
made a number of these at 32 bit wav files.
 Is there any other program besides gw that will help me do this?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Vinny




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Turning wav files to mp3,see message

[Dane Trethowan]

Doesn't Goldwave have a feature where you can save to a different format 
say MP3?




On 16/05/2017 2:19 AM, Vinny Samarco wrote:

Hi,
 I need to turn wave files of Music recorded with goldwave into mp3 files.  
How do I do this?   Of course there is the matter of dealing with the Q 
points  in gw, so I hope there is an easier way to work with these files. .
 Wat I am doing is taking hundreds of cassettes of music, and trying to put 
them on mp3 files for eventually playing on sd cards, or cds.  I have made a 
number of these at 32 bit wav files.
 Is there any other program besides gw that will help me do this? 
Thanks in advance for any help.
Vinny


--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Upgrading Hi-Fi components

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi there!

I think one of the great joys I've had over the last 30 or so years is 
listening to music in ever increasing audio quality.


I was able - through luck and circumstance - get my hands on a hand made 
Microsieki CD Player 17 years ago which was in mink condition, for those 
who want to find out what's so special about this CD Player then your 
friend Google will find quite a bit of reading material for you.


The trick then was to find an integrated amp that would show off the 
best this CD Player could offer.


I had a Denon AVR2000 early model surround-sound integrated amp which - 
in 1992 - was a wonderful amp but I never seriously thought of it as an 
audio workhorse.


A couple of weeks ago a friend in Brisbane QLD - more than 1000 miles 
away from where I live - offered me his complete kit of Hi-Fi which 
included a Yamaha AS-1000 audiophile integrated amplifier, could this be 
the chance I've been looking for? Would this amp do justice to the 
Microsiki CD Player?


I negotiated a price and we then both had to work out how to get the 
gear from point A to point B, we were talking over 130 pounds here and 
the regular services such as Australia Post wouldn't have a bar of this 
sort of thing given the Amp and extra equipment had to be packed and 
then shipped.


We came across a firm called Pack And Send http://www.packandsend.com.au 
and they do exactly what their name suggests, give them the measurements 
of what needs packing, they'll give you a quote and - if you accept - 
they'll come out, take the goods away, pack them and send them.


Well the goods were packed and sent last Tuesday and I had them last 
Friday Afternoon, incredibly good going.


So I've connected the Amp to the CD Player and my dreams have come true, 
incredibly deep bass and a lovely silky top and that's just from the 
analogue audio ports onf the CD Player.


There's a little difference when listening through my Rotel DAC but not 
as much as I expected.


I expected the difference between listening to the DAC and the Analogue 
outputs of the CD Player to be greater given the age of the Microsiki CD 
Player but perhaps the hand picked components the CD Player is made from 
says a lot here.


Now to the AS-1000 amplifier and this piece is a true old school type 
amplifier, looking at it you're transported back in time to the 70s 
however this Amp is more modern than that.


The Amp does have a digital circuit which actually controls volume, 
Balance, Bass and treble even though the Amp has these controls as 
traditional analogue pots on the front, the pots don't actually control 
their respective functions in an analogue way rather they control the 
digital circut which in tern controls the output of each function.


When Balance etc are turned to their centre you hear a relay click as 
each is taken out of circuit - bypass or flat mode -, how very 
reassuring it is to hear those nice relays click off when the knobs 
reach their center positions and then click on again when they are moved.


The volume control again controls the volume through the digital circuit 
though it has a motor behind a gearbox which turns the knob when you use 
the volume up/down buttons on the remote control.


The AS-1000 should provide enough power at 90 Watts RMS per channel to 
drive most speakers.


I've not connected a turntable to the AS-1000 but when I do then the 
flexibility of the turntable arrangement will present itself, either a 
moving magnet or moving coil cartridge can be used.


If you wish to go further in your listening experience then you could 
connect either a pre-amp orp Power-amp  to this unit or perhaps a 
Sub-Woofer if you felt that way inclined, the AS-1000 has facilities for 
bi-amp speaker configurations.


The AS-1000 weighs in at 45 pound and has wooden sides with a font panel 
sparcely populated with knobs and dials, only what you need is here.


So you want to buy one of these amps new? Well I believe the Amp has 
been replaced with a newer model - the AS-1100 -, I did see a price of 
$2500 Australian on this amp several months ago so perhaps that gives 
you an idea of what you can expect to pay for one new.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

Re: listening to time signals using pc?

[Dane Trethowan]

There's absolutely no point listening to a time signal service such as 
WWV on a PC as what you hear would be delayed by the time you hear it 
thus setting the time by such a method would be completely inaccurate.


Still the best way to set time is to tune into WWV/WWVH on a Shortwave 
receiver on 2.5, 5, 10, 15 or 20MHZ, the higher frequency's come in well 
during the afternoon.


WWV was recently upgraded, there was talk of it going off the air.

WWV has been in operation since 1927, impressive.

You can phone WWV/WWVH and hear them that way though again what you hear 
will be delayed at least by a quarter of a second, more likely longer.


These are US phone numbers

WWV 3034997111

WWVH 8083354363

You can patch these two different numbers together to simulate exactly 
what you'd hear if you tuned to one of the abovementioned frequency's on 
a Shortwave Radio.


In Australia the best way to set your time piece manually is to find a 
station with an accurate local time signal, I say accurate because some 
are delayed by at least a second owing to satellite links being used, 
ABC being a case in point so that can't always be relied upon.




On 14/05/2017 2:43 PM, Adam Morris wrote:

Hi all,

Does anyone know of a site or way I can receive a time signal like wwv 
using a pc?


Have tried google but links I found don't work.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature

[Dane Trethowan]

Ah.. interesting idea.
There are of course third party devices appearing that will be compatible with 
both Home and Echo infra structures.

> On 13 May 2017, at 12:49 am, Gary Schindler <garys5...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> what I'm suggesting is that a second generation of the home will have a small 
> camera built into the speaker itself so persons can do video calling and see 
> one another on the 4-K screen for example. You may do what amazon calls drop 
> in. so people can check in on Grandma and so forth!
> 
> I should have clarified what I meant a little better.
> 
> -----Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 9:02 AM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List
> Subject: Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature
> 
> The Home does that already if you have a compatible Cast TV, most of the 
> modern TV’S have Cast compatibility.
> For example you might say to home, “Watch Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire 
> From Netflix on Lounge”, Lounge being the name you’ve given your TV.
> 
>> On 12 May 2017, at 10:59 pm, Gary Schindler <garys5...@comcast.net> wrote:
>> 
>> It is my guess that you will be able to cast to your tv with the Googgle 
>> Home so they won't need a screen on the device itself or the chrome cast 
>> device will have a camera in it for the video calls.
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
>> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 4:08 AM
>> To: PC Audio Discussion List
>> Subject: Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature
>> 
>> I'm sure Google will release a similar feature for their Home device
>> before long.
>> 
>> Google will probably want to integrate something like this with the
>> Hangouts App.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 12/05/2017 9:37 AM, Kenny wrote:
>>> Very nice review by you. I'll definitely keep this email for future 
>>> reference if I do decide to buy this item.
>>> 
>>> At 03:03 PM 5/11/2017, you wrote:
>>>> Here are my First impressions of the new Alexa calling feature using the 
>>>> IOS Alexa app!
>>>> 
>>>> The setup was pretty straight forward.
>>>> 
>>>> You are asked to sign into the app and enter your credentials and proceed 
>>>> to the setup. you will need to supply the phone number you will be using 
>>>> to receive and make calls on your mobile phone whether it be android or 
>>>> IOS.
>>>> 
>>>> When you continue you are sent a verification code to your mobile phone. 
>>>> once you are verified, you will here a chime on your Alexa device, and you 
>>>> are taken to a screen where you import your contacts, allow Alexa to use 
>>>> the microphone and so on.
>>>> 
>>>> Once this is all done, you are given a brief explanation of how to insert 
>>>> contacts to make calls and send messages, and so forth.
>>>> 
>>>> Making calls from the Alexa devices is quite easy to do. You say, Elexa 
>>>> call so and so. As long as the person in your contacts has the Alexa app 
>>>> on there phone, Alexa will make the call for you. Anyone can download the 
>>>> app and enable the calling feature. I would think they had better have an 
>>>> Amazon account though!
>>>> 
>>>> Making calls from the Alexa app itself is another matter. You search for a 
>>>> contact in your address book and tap it to make your call. If the person 
>>>> doesn’t answer,you don’t hear anything at all. You can’t power down 
>>>> the phone or anything. you don’t have voiceover to end the call. The 
>>>> only way I got voiceover back was to call myself with one of my Alexa 
>>>> devices. The phone vibrated and eventually I heard the Amazon ringtone and 
>>>> I could answer or decline my call. I think I will stick to using the Elexa 
>>>> devices to make calls.
>>>> 
>>>> When I called my self, the audio was quite clear. I then told my device at 
>>>> hand to hang up. it did and my phone when back to normal. I guess the 
>>>> other party you are talking to will have to end the calls, because there 
>>>> is no way to find the end call icon if you are totally blind because you 
>>>> have no voiceover.
>>>> 
>>>> I think the Alexa calling and message feature has potential, and I am 
>>>> waiting for some blind individual to buy the Echo show when it comes out 
>>>> and let all of us know how accessible it is.
>>>> 
>>>> If you call yourself for testing purposes, make sure the volume on the 
>>>> device is turned down low, or you will have ear splitting feedback.
>>>> The calls don’t show up in your IOS calls either.
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> **
>> "Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if 
>> you were going to live forever"
>> 
>> 
> 
> **
> Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
> halfwits in this world behind.
> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature

[Dane Trethowan]

The Home does that already if you have a compatible Cast TV, most of the modern 
TV’S have Cast compatibility.
For example you might say to home, “Watch Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire 
From Netflix on Lounge”, Lounge being the name you’ve given your TV.

> On 12 May 2017, at 10:59 pm, Gary Schindler <garys5...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> It is my guess that you will be able to cast to your tv with the Googgle Home 
> so they won't need a screen on the device itself or the chrome cast device 
> will have a camera in it for the video calls.
> 
> 
> -----Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
> Sent: Friday, May 12, 2017 4:08 AM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List
> Subject: Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature
> 
> I'm sure Google will release a similar feature for their Home device
> before long.
> 
> Google will probably want to integrate something like this with the
> Hangouts App.
> 
> 
> 
> On 12/05/2017 9:37 AM, Kenny wrote:
>> Very nice review by you. I'll definitely keep this email for future 
>> reference if I do decide to buy this item.
>> 
>> At 03:03 PM 5/11/2017, you wrote:
>>> Here are my First impressions of the new Alexa calling feature using the 
>>> IOS Alexa app!
>>> 
>>> The setup was pretty straight forward.
>>> 
>>> You are asked to sign into the app and enter your credentials and proceed 
>>> to the setup. you will need to supply the phone number you will be using to 
>>> receive and make calls on your mobile phone whether it be android or IOS.
>>> 
>>> When you continue you are sent a verification code to your mobile phone. 
>>> once you are verified, you will here a chime on your Alexa device, and you 
>>> are taken to a screen where you import your contacts, allow Alexa to use 
>>> the microphone and so on.
>>> 
>>> Once this is all done, you are given a brief explanation of how to insert 
>>> contacts to make calls and send messages, and so forth.
>>> 
>>> Making calls from the Alexa devices is quite easy to do. You say, Elexa 
>>> call so and so. As long as the person in your contacts has the Alexa app on 
>>> there phone, Alexa will make the call for you. Anyone can download the app 
>>> and enable the calling feature. I would think they had better have an 
>>> Amazon account though!
>>> 
>>> Making calls from the Alexa app itself is another matter. You search for a 
>>> contact in your address book and tap it to make your call. If the person 
>>> doesn’t answer,you don’t hear anything at all. You can’t power down 
>>> the phone or anything. you don’t have voiceover to end the call. The only 
>>> way I got voiceover back was to call myself with one of my Alexa devices. 
>>> The phone vibrated and eventually I heard the Amazon ringtone and I could 
>>> answer or decline my call. I think I will stick to using the Elexa devices 
>>> to make calls.
>>> 
>>> When I called my self, the audio was quite clear. I then told my device at 
>>> hand to hang up. it did and my phone when back to normal. I guess the other 
>>> party you are talking to will have to end the calls, because there is no 
>>> way to find the end call icon if you are totally blind because you have no 
>>> voiceover.
>>> 
>>> I think the Alexa calling and message feature has potential, and I am 
>>> waiting for some blind individual to buy the Echo show when it comes out 
>>> and let all of us know how accessible it is.
>>> 
>>> If you call yourself for testing purposes, make sure the volume on the 
>>> device is turned down low, or you will have ear splitting feedback.
>>> The calls don’t show up in your IOS calls either.
>> 
>> 
> 
> -- 
> 
> **
> "Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if 
> you were going to live forever"
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature

[Dane Trethowan]

I'm sure Google will release a similar feature for their Home device 
before long.


Google will probably want to integrate something like this with the 
Hangouts App.




On 12/05/2017 9:37 AM, Kenny wrote:
Very nice review by you. I'll definitely keep this email for future 
reference if I do decide to buy this item.


At 03:03 PM 5/11/2017, you wrote:
Here are my First impressions of the new Alexa calling feature using 
the IOS Alexa app!


The setup was pretty straight forward.

You are asked to sign into the app and enter your credentials and 
proceed to the setup. you will need to supply the phone number you 
will be using to receive and make calls on your mobile phone whether 
it be android or IOS.


When you continue you are sent a verification code to your mobile 
phone. once you are verified, you will here a chime on your Alexa 
device, and you are taken to a screen where you import your contacts, 
allow Alexa to use the microphone and so on.


Once this is all done, you are given a brief explanation of how to 
insert contacts to make calls and send messages, and so forth.


Making calls from the Alexa devices is quite easy to do. You say, 
Elexa call so and so. As long as the person in your contacts has the 
Alexa app on there phone, Alexa will make the call for you. Anyone 
can download the app and enable the calling feature. I would think 
they had better have an Amazon account though!


Making calls from the Alexa app itself is another matter. You search 
for a contact in your address book and tap it to make your call. If 
the person doesn’t answer,you don’t hear anything at all. You 
can’t power down the phone or anything. you don’t have voiceover 
to end the call. The only way I got voiceover back was to call myself 
with one of my Alexa devices. The phone vibrated and eventually I 
heard the Amazon ringtone and I could answer or decline my call. I 
think I will stick to using the Elexa devices to make calls.


When I called my self, the audio was quite clear. I then told my 
device at hand to hang up. it did and my phone when back to normal. I 
guess the other party you are talking to will have to end the calls, 
because there is no way to find the end call icon if you are totally 
blind because you have no voiceover.


I think the Alexa calling and message feature has potential, and I am 
waiting for some blind individual to buy the Echo show when it comes 
out and let all of us know how accessible it is.


If you call yourself for testing purposes, make sure the volume on 
the device is turned down low, or you will have ear splitting feedback.

The calls don’t show up in your IOS calls either.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: First impressions of the Alexa calling feature

[Dane Trethowan]

You took the words right out of my mouth, I was going to ask whether 
anyone had yet used this functionality of Alexa so thanks for letting us 
know your impressions.


Unfortunately this functionality isn't available in Australia as yet.



On 12/05/2017 5:03 AM, Gary Schindler wrote:

Here are my First impressions of the new Alexa calling feature using the IOS 
Alexa app!

The setup was pretty straight forward.

You are asked to sign into the app and enter your credentials and proceed to 
the setup. you will need to supply the phone number you will be using to 
receive and make calls on your mobile phone whether it be android or IOS.

When you continue you are sent a verification code to your mobile phone. once 
you are verified, you will here a chime on your Alexa device, and you are taken 
to a screen where you import your contacts, allow Alexa to use the microphone 
and so on.

Once this is all done, you are given a brief explanation of how to insert 
contacts to make calls and send messages, and so forth.

Making calls from the Alexa devices is quite easy to do. You say, Elexa call so 
and so. As long as the person in your contacts has the Alexa app on there 
phone, Alexa will make the call for you. Anyone can download the app and enable 
the calling feature. I would think they had better have an Amazon account 
though!

Making calls from the Alexa app itself is another matter. You search for a 
contact in your address book and tap it to make your call. If the person 
doesn’t answer,you don’t hear anything at all. You can’t power down the phone 
or anything.  you don’t have voiceover to end the call. The only way I got 
voiceover back was to call myself with one of my Alexa devices. The phone 
vibrated and eventually I heard the Amazon ringtone and I could answer or 
decline my call. I think I will stick to using the Elexa devices to make calls.

When I called my self, the audio was quite clear. I then told my device at hand 
to hang up. it did and my phone when back to normal. I guess the other party 
you are talking to will have to end the calls, because there is no way to find 
the end call icon if you are totally blind because you have no voiceover.

I think the Alexa calling and message feature has potential, and I am waiting 
for some blind individual to buy the Echo show when it comes out and let all of 
us know how accessible it is.

If you call yourself for testing purposes, make sure the volume on the device 
is turned down low, or you will have ear splitting feedback.
The calls don’t show up in your IOS calls either.


--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Skype For Windows New Interface

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Anyone had a look at this? I've been trying it here myself for a few 
days and its okay, easy enough to get around but a little different from 
the older Interface we know.


Perhaps my only complaint about this new style is that it attempts to 
show too much information at any one time.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: VLC Query

[Dane Trethowan]

https://wiki.videolan.org/Midi/



On 10/05/2017 7:26 PM, Andrea Sherry wrote:
My version of this program will not play .mid files. Is there a plugin 
I must install or a setting to change?


Andrea



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Samsung Galaxy S8 and Audio

[Dane Trethowan]

The Samsung Galaxy S8 is a real little power house without a doubt and 
that's just my observation after less than 12 hours exploring the device.
Obviously I can't go into everything I've found here given that this 
list discusses audio other than to say that Samsung have an obvious 
commitment and everything works as I thought it should.

I've ntoiced a few changes and surprises but nothing bad at all.
If anyone wishes to follow my journey with the S8 and follow me @grtdane 
on Twitter.


On 9/05/2017 11:38 PM, John Gurd wrote:

I saw some good reviews of this phone. If anything could make me jump ship from 
the iPhone maybe this could. I'll be interested to hear how you get on.

John


-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: 09 May 2017 11:57
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Samsung Galaxy S8 and Audio

Hi!

These are very first impressions I wish to share with you.

As you'd expect Samsung keep top marks for the sound of the internal speaker 
but the real surprise in audio comes with the supplied high quality AKH 
in-the-ear headset, no doubt the best headset I've ever heard that's come 
supplied with a phone, nice deep base, good crips top and very reasonable 
mid-range.

Not quite as good as some of the higher end cans I have but more than 
reasonable given what they are.

The cable is made from a strong Nylon material so won't break in a hurry.

Voice Assist - the default Samsung Screen Reader for their Galaxy phones
- has had quite an update with more features obvious.

Still setting up the device so will give more details on the audio side of 
things as I explore.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Samsung Galaxy S8 and Audio

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

These are very first impressions I wish to share with you.

As you'd expect Samsung keep top marks for the sound of the internal 
speaker but the real surprise in audio comes with the supplied high 
quality AKH in-the-ear headset, no doubt the best headset I've ever 
heard that's come supplied with a phone, nice deep base, good crips top 
and very reasonable mid-range.


Not quite as good as some of the higher end cans I have but more than 
reasonable given what they are.


The cable is made from a strong Nylon material so won't break in a hurry.

Voice Assist - the default Samsung Screen Reader for their Galaxy phones 
- has had quite an update with more features obvious.


Still setting up the device so will give more details on the audio side 
of things as I explore.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

The Fire TV with VoiceView from Amazon: An Accessibility Review - AccessWorld® - September 2016

[Dane Trethowan]

http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubnew.asp?DocID=aw170902

--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote

[Dane Trethowan]

Thanks for that, I’ll find the review and post a link here so you can compare 
it with what you know, may be helpful.

> On 6 May 2017, at 9:20 am, Mary Otten <maryot...@comcast.net> wrote:
> 
> I did not read the access world review, and only fairly recently got the fire 
> TV stick. But it works fine, although some apps are not accessible. All of 
> the Amazon stuff is accessible. Netflix is accessible. You can adjust the 
> voice speed and the volume. So I'm not sure what you might be looking for 
> specifically in terms of accessibility questions.
> Mary
> 
> 
> Sent from my iPhone
> 
>> On May 5, 2017, at 12:48 PM, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:
>> 
>> Hi!
>> 
>> Does anyone on list own one of these devices? If so then how are you finding 
>> it.
>> 
>> I read a review of the device in an issue of Access World last year, I know 
>> someone who just bought one and thus was curious to know if any further 
>> progress had been made with subsequent updates of the Amazon Fire firware, 
>> the VoiceView Screen Reader, the Voice Remote Controller etc.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> -- 
>> 
>> **
>> "Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if 
>> you were going to live forever"
>> 
>> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Fire TV Stick with Voice Remote

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Does anyone on list own one of these devices? If so then how are you 
finding it.


I read a review of the device in an issue of Access World last year, I 
know someone who just bought one and thus was curious to know if any 
further progress had been made with subsequent updates of the Amazon 
Fire firware, the VoiceView Screen Reader, the Voice Remote Controller etc.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Nokia 3310 relaunch: handset unveiled ahead of its mid-June release date | WIRED UK

[Dane Trethowan]

An interesting read, I had one of these phones for a while around 15 years ago 
I think it was and loved its simplicity however I wouldn’t myself go back to 
using one now and - even suppose I really wanted to - I wouldn’t be able to use 
it as Australia is fazing out or has fazed out many of the frequency’s this 
phone used and still is using.
Anyway a boom for those who just want to use “A Phone”


> http://www.wired.co.uk/article/nokia-3310-and-nokia-6-global-launch 
> 


**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Sorry but a lot of you still don't seem to get my point.

Yes, the VR Stream is designed with speech in mind that I grant you and 
I have absolutely no arguement with that but the internal speaker - even 
by speech standards - is not good, very mid-range yes but lacking top so 
some people may get confused with say S and F particularly given the 
fact that TTS is used a lot of the time.


Most devices these days - Smart Devices are a case in point - have very 
clear and chrisp tops that makes listening to music, speech etc very 
enjoyable and understandable.


To prove my point, go listen to a Daisy book on your VR Stream and then 
- using Voice Dream Reader or something similar - go listen to that book 
on your iPhone or whatever and you'll soon hear what I'm talking about.


Now if you like things that way - speech without a distinct top - then 
fine! but I think its a great shame that a good speaker is an omission 
on the VR Strea. Yep I grant you, the quality is far better than that 
found on the first generation of VR Stream.


I've not used a Plextalk Pocket but I have used other Plextalk machines 
and the speakers in those are absolutely fantastic.




On 4/05/2017 12:56 AM, Gary Schindler wrote:
Remember that the Victor stream was mostly meant to play talking books 
with a few features added for convenience. actually you can get an MP3 
player recorder for around $40.00 that has a better sounding speaker 
in it and records MP3 and wave files much better, but the caveat is 
that you are paying for accessible menus with the stream.


The Hims may be a better all around unit, but it costs twice as much 
money as the stream.


Humanware was the first to come out with a machine that played bard 
books even before NLS. Let's put everything in to context.


-Original Message- From: Chris Skarstad
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2017 9:05 AM
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I think that's just the point.  If you're a real audiofile who enjoys
high end audio from a device, and you're really picky about how stuff
sounds, the VR stream ain't for you.  Despite all the bad press the
player has gotten here, i'll still purchase one in the next few days and
report my findings.  I do think Bluetooth functionality is something
that is lacking and needs to be in a future update.  If some of the
other specialized players can have it, so can the stream.  But i'm
buying it, fully aware of this and I'm certainly ok with it.

I'll also report on the speed of downloading books via online services
like BARD.  I can always download the books manually and put them on the
stream that way.  It's good to know there are multiple ways of getting a
particular job like that done.


On 5/3/2017 8:58 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:
Ah well The Victors are more player anyways then recorder. The 
Plextalk Pocket is the thing ya want if ya want a recorder.



On 5/3/2017 5:14 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Ah okay so that problem still exists then? I was given to understand 
that later firmware updates had fixed this.

Too late to try that here now .


On 3 May 2017, at 6:44 pm, Tim Noonan <t...@timnoonan.com.au> wrote:

Sadly, the Stream Mic or line in creates very audible artefacts or 
whistles in recordings. Otherwise the stream would be a reasonable 
all-purpose player/recorder.


Regards
Tim

On 3 May 2017, at 6:02 pm, Dane Trethowan 
<grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:


I didn’t try the line-in recording function though I did note that 
- using this function - one can record to PCM Wave files at 44.1KHZ 
so surely this should be reasonable.
So if one really wanted to do high quality recordings one could use 
the line-in method and buy suitable equipment to take full advantage.



On 3 May 2017, at 5:43 pm, Jamie Kelly <otrja...@gmail.com> wrote:

The recording quality is ok for notes and meetings but not of high 
broadcast quality as with the bookport plus or Plextor Pocket range.


Jamie

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of 
Dane Trethowan

Sent: Wednesday, 3 May 2017 4:47 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as 
we’ve discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious 
limitation and - given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t 
really want to try and download a good quality audio stream.

And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
Another interesting point and its not critical just an 
observation, I wonder why Human ware didn’t include the ability to 
be able to browse NAS storage devices or other computers on a 
network for files? Just about every other device I know of these 
days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas this handy 
feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for users 
of a VR Stream.
Perhaps I’m talking about a future

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Well know, I don't have to remember that at all because we can argue - 
quite correctly - that we're paying a premium price for this technology, 
technology - hardware and software in the main - which is common place 
and in the public domain.




On 4/05/2017 12:41 AM, Gary Schindler wrote:
Let's remember when you buy the Victor stream you are paying for a 
player that plays specially formatted books with a few features for 
added convinceconveniences


-Original Message- From: Chris Skarstad
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2017 9:05 AM
To: pc-audio@pc-audio.org
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I think that's just the point.  If you're a real audiofile who enjoys
high end audio from a device, and you're really picky about how stuff
sounds, the VR stream ain't for you.  Despite all the bad press the
player has gotten here, i'll still purchase one in the next few days and
report my findings.  I do think Bluetooth functionality is something
that is lacking and needs to be in a future update.  If some of the
other specialized players can have it, so can the stream.  But i'm
buying it, fully aware of this and I'm certainly ok with it.

I'll also report on the speed of downloading books via online services
like BARD.  I can always download the books manually and put them on the
stream that way.  It's good to know there are multiple ways of getting a
particular job like that done.


On 5/3/2017 8:58 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:
Ah well The Victors are more player anyways then recorder. The 
Plextalk Pocket is the thing ya want if ya want a recorder.



On 5/3/2017 5:14 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Ah okay so that problem still exists then? I was given to understand 
that later firmware updates had fixed this.

Too late to try that here now .


On 3 May 2017, at 6:44 pm, Tim Noonan <t...@timnoonan.com.au> wrote:

Sadly, the Stream Mic or line in creates very audible artefacts or 
whistles in recordings. Otherwise the stream would be a reasonable 
all-purpose player/recorder.


Regards
Tim

On 3 May 2017, at 6:02 pm, Dane Trethowan 
<grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:


I didn’t try the line-in recording function though I did note that 
- using this function - one can record to PCM Wave files at 44.1KHZ 
so surely this should be reasonable.
So if one really wanted to do high quality recordings one could use 
the line-in method and buy suitable equipment to take full advantage.



On 3 May 2017, at 5:43 pm, Jamie Kelly <otrja...@gmail.com> wrote:

The recording quality is ok for notes and meetings but not of high 
broadcast quality as with the bookport plus or Plextor Pocket range.


Jamie

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of 
Dane Trethowan

Sent: Wednesday, 3 May 2017 4:47 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as 
we’ve discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious 
limitation and - given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t 
really want to try and download a good quality audio stream.

And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
Another interesting point and its not critical just an 
observation, I wonder why Human ware didn’t include the ability to 
be able to browse NAS storage devices or other computers on a 
network for files? Just about every other device I know of these 
days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas this handy 
feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for users 
of a VR Stream.
Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though 
hHumanware take my advice, don’t make the update too big or it 
will take until Christmas for the VR Stream users to download 
.
Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about 
that.



On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:

I love my Victor Stream.
The best thing about it is how easy it is to listen to and locate 
internet radio stations.



-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of
Hamit Campos
Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2017 3:07 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Yeah I've not heard this before either. But perhaps other people 
either didn't have the issue or they just axepted it.



On 5/1/2017 12:59 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to 
report

on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon
Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the
player won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player 
are as
slow as some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that 
this
is just now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out 
for

some time now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but

Re: OT maybe Grundig G3 radio

[Dane Trethowan]

No, the Kydo 1103 or G5 takes 4 standard AA cells, rechargeable or alkaline.



On 4/05/2017 12:30 AM, Bob Hicks wrote:

Yes, thanks for the info.  I also have the Reporter G2.  I need a
replacement battery for it.  Is that one you are referring too?

Have a great day!

Bob Hicks


-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane
Trethowan
Sent: Wednesday, May 03, 2017 9:58 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: OT maybe Grundig G3 radio

I have the previous model referred to in teh review, took it out to remember
the radio again as its been a while since I explored the machine.

Again I say that - if you can get the Kydo 1103 as its known now - then
you're getting a really hot little radio on all bands at a bargain price.

Okay, the 1103 doesn't have all the features and functionality of some of
the more expensive radio sets but for what.. $50? You're getting a little
baby that picks up the smell of an oily rag on Medium, Long, Shortwave and
FM.



On 3/05/2017 10:53 PM, Bob Hicks wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion.  I'll give that a try.

As for the radio, I only use it for basic needs and AM and FM work
just fine.

Have a great day!

Bob Hicks

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of
Dane Trethowan
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2017 9:22 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: OT maybe Grundig G3 radio

Hi!

Not at all surprised to hear this as the quality control for the G3
radio is nothing short of terrible, I'll put a link to the review of
this radio in this eMail.

So how to fix the sticky radio? I've had this problem before with
various radio sets and the short answer seems to be to get a dry cloth
dipped in amonia and with this thoroughly wipe the affected surface
though be sure to have a window open whilst you work.

Okay and now for the review of the G3 radio

Grundig Globe Traveler G3 | radiojayallen



On 3/05/2017 5:10 AM, Bob Hicks wrote:

Hello list.  This isn't exactly a pc audio question, but I have a
Grundig G3 Globe Traveler transistor radio which I use a lot because
TV sports broadcasters do too much bsing.  Radio broadcasters are
more

about the game.



My problem is this, all the external surfaces have become sticky.
Nothing in the house has this curse.  How can I get rid of the problem?




Also, I need a replacement battery for a Reporter G2 radio.  Is there
a Grundig support source state side?  Thanks






Have a great day!




Bob Hicks





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

I'm telling you now, - regardless of the bit rate - the speaker in the 
Stream could have a better sound, just plug a very average sounding 
spekaer you can get at the discount store and you'll soon see what I mean.


I really need to rack my brains to find anything I have here that sounds 
muffled at the top end as the Stream does, can't think of anything off hand.


Anyway the Stream's in the past for me now, time to look at the blaze ET 
and of course I'll be interested to hear the speakers in that unit 
though - judging by the one Hims Inc product I've owned - a Voice Sense 
- I'm expecting pretty good sound.




On 3/05/2017 11:16 PM, Hamit Campos wrote:
Yeah. Now I've not even seen the Blaze. So can't really Judge 1. But 
yeah as good as the Plextalks sound to me sure they're no Bose. But 
meh okay for MP3 at 32 kbps. I think this is why most DAISY players 
ain't real good. Cause DAISY books. Talking Books are mostly recorded 
at kinda low quality. Even for recording. If you're okay with CD 
audio, than fine. But none of these do Blu-Ray audio. Which is 96 KHZ 
at 24 bits. Or even better 192 KHZ. Oh and no XLR or Phantum Power. 
What I'm basicaly saying is that yeah there's loads and loads to nit 
pick and rightly so cause these things are so dam expensive but meh 
they are what they are and if you're okay with that what evs. Though 
now you could use the Bard app. I don't know where you are but here in 
the USA you can now use the app for Learning Ally which use to be 
RFB So these aren't so needed no more.



On 5/3/2017 9:05 AM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
I think that's just the point.  If you're a real audiofile who enjoys 
high end audio from a device, and you're really picky about how stuff 
sounds, the VR stream ain't for you. Despite all the bad press the 
player has gotten here, i'll still purchase one in the next few days 
and report my findings.  I do think Bluetooth functionality is 
something that is lacking and needs to be in a future update.  If 
some of the other specialized players can have it, so can the 
stream.  But i'm buying it, fully aware of this and I'm certainly ok 
with it.


I'll also report on the speed of downloading books via online 
services like BARD.  I can always download the books manually and put 
them on the stream that way.  It's good to know there are multiple 
ways of getting a particular job like that done.



On 5/3/2017 8:58 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:
Ah well The Victors are more player anyways then recorder. The 
Plextalk Pocket is the thing ya want if ya want a recorder.



On 5/3/2017 5:14 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Ah okay so that problem still exists then? I was given to 
understand that later firmware updates had fixed this.

Too late to try that here now .


On 3 May 2017, at 6:44 pm, Tim Noonan <t...@timnoonan.com.au> wrote:

Sadly, the Stream Mic or line in creates very audible artefacts or 
whistles in recordings. Otherwise the stream would be a reasonable 
all-purpose player/recorder.


Regards
Tim

On 3 May 2017, at 6:02 pm, Dane Trethowan 
<grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:


I didn’t try the line-in recording function though I did note that 
- using this function - one can record to PCM Wave files at 
44.1KHZ so surely this should be reasonable.
So if one really wanted to do high quality recordings one could 
use the line-in method and buy suitable equipment to take full 
advantage.



On 3 May 2017, at 5:43 pm, Jamie Kelly <otrja...@gmail.com> wrote:

The recording quality is ok for notes and meetings but not of 
high broadcast quality as with the bookport plus or Plextor 
Pocket range.


Jamie

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf 
Of Dane Trethowan

Sent: Wednesday, 3 May 2017 4:47 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as 
we’ve discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious 
limitation and - given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t 
really want to try and download a good quality audio stream.

And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
Another interesting point and its not critical just an 
observation, I wonder why Human ware didn’t include the ability 
to be able to browse NAS storage devices or other computers on a 
network for files? Just about every other device I know of these 
days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas this handy 
feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for 
users of a VR Stream.
Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though 
hHumanware take my advice, don’t make the update too big or it 
will take until Christmas for the VR Stream users to download 
.
Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about 
that.



On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:

I love my Victor Stream.
The best thing about 

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Okay normally I'd agree with you but in this case? We're not being picky 
about audio, fact is the speaker in the VR Stream 2nd generation - 
whilst a vast improvement on that of the 1st generation - is not a good 
speaker.





On 3/05/2017 11:05 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
I think that's just the point.  If you're a real audiofile who enjoys 
high end audio from a device, and you're really picky about how stuff 
sounds, the VR stream ain't for you. Despite all the bad press the 
player has gotten here, i'll still purchase one in the next few days 
and report my findings.  I do think Bluetooth functionality is 
something that is lacking and needs to be in a future update.  If some 
of the other specialized players can have it, so can the stream.  But 
i'm buying it, fully aware of this and I'm certainly ok with it.


I'll also report on the speed of downloading books via online services 
like BARD.  I can always download the books manually and put them on 
the stream that way.  It's good to know there are multiple ways of 
getting a particular job like that done.



On 5/3/2017 8:58 AM, Hamit Campos wrote:
Ah well The Victors are more player anyways then recorder. The 
Plextalk Pocket is the thing ya want if ya want a recorder.



On 5/3/2017 5:14 AM, Dane Trethowan wrote:
Ah okay so that problem still exists then? I was given to understand 
that later firmware updates had fixed this.

Too late to try that here now .


On 3 May 2017, at 6:44 pm, Tim Noonan <t...@timnoonan.com.au> wrote:

Sadly, the Stream Mic or line in creates very audible artefacts or 
whistles in recordings. Otherwise the stream would be a reasonable 
all-purpose player/recorder.


Regards
Tim

On 3 May 2017, at 6:02 pm, Dane Trethowan 
<grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:


I didn’t try the line-in recording function though I did note that 
- using this function - one can record to PCM Wave files at 44.1KHZ 
so surely this should be reasonable.
So if one really wanted to do high quality recordings one could use 
the line-in method and buy suitable equipment to take full advantage.



On 3 May 2017, at 5:43 pm, Jamie Kelly <otrja...@gmail.com> wrote:

The recording quality is ok for notes and meetings but not of high 
broadcast quality as with the bookport plus or Plextor Pocket range.


Jamie

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of 
Dane Trethowan

Sent: Wednesday, 3 May 2017 4:47 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as 
we’ve discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious 
limitation and - given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t 
really want to try and download a good quality audio stream.

And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
Another interesting point and its not critical just an 
observation, I wonder why Human ware didn’t include the ability to 
be able to browse NAS storage devices or other computers on a 
network for files? Just about every other device I know of these 
days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas this handy 
feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for users 
of a VR Stream.
Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though 
hHumanware take my advice, don’t make the update too big or it 
will take until Christmas for the VR Stream users to download 
.
Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about 
that.



On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:

I love my Victor Stream.
The best thing about it is how easy it is to listen to and locate 
internet radio stations.



-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of
Hamit Campos
Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2017 3:07 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Yeah I've not heard this before either. But perhaps other people 
either didn't have the issue or they just axepted it.



On 5/1/2017 12:59 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to 
report

on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon
Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the
player won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player 
are as
slow as some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that 
this
is just now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out 
for

some time now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but
maybe I skipped over it as I wasn't in the market for one at that
time, i'm not sure. I'll certainly let you guys know my 
experiences.







On 5/1/2017 12:41 PM, Evan Reese wrote:
As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and 
those

of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi
transceiver in it. Even when I'm 

Re: OT maybe Grundig G3 radio

[Dane Trethowan]

I have the previous model referred to in teh review, took it out to 
remember the radio again as its been a while since I explored the machine.


Again I say that - if you can get the Kydo 1103 as its known now - then 
you're getting a really hot little radio on all bands at a bargain price.


Okay, the 1103 doesn't have all the features and functionality of some 
of the more expensive radio sets but for what.. $50? You're getting a 
little baby that picks up the smell of an oily rag on Medium, Long, 
Shortwave and FM.




On 3/05/2017 10:53 PM, Bob Hicks wrote:

Thanks for the suggestion.  I'll give that a try.

As for the radio, I only use it for basic needs and AM and FM work just
fine.

Have a great day!

Bob Hicks

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane
Trethowan
Sent: Tuesday, May 02, 2017 9:22 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: OT maybe Grundig G3 radio

Hi!

Not at all surprised to hear this as the quality control for the G3 radio is
nothing short of terrible, I'll put a link to the review of this radio in
this eMail.

So how to fix the sticky radio? I've had this problem before with various
radio sets and the short answer seems to be to get a dry cloth dipped in
amonia and with this thoroughly wipe the affected surface though be sure to
have a window open whilst you work.

Okay and now for the review of the G3 radio

Grundig Globe Traveler G3 | radiojayallen



On 3/05/2017 5:10 AM, Bob Hicks wrote:

Hello list.  This isn't exactly a pc audio question, but I have a
Grundig G3 Globe Traveler transistor radio which I use a lot because
TV sports broadcasters do too much bsing.  Radio broadcasters are more

about the game.
   


My problem is this, all the external surfaces have become sticky.
Nothing in the house has this curse.  How can I get rid of the problem?

   


Also, I need a replacement battery for a Reporter G2 radio.  Is there
a Grundig support source state side?  Thanks

   

   


Have a great day!

   


Bob Hicks

   



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Ah okay so that problem still exists then? I was given to understand that later 
firmware updates had fixed this.
Too late to try that here now .

> On 3 May 2017, at 6:44 pm, Tim Noonan <t...@timnoonan.com.au> wrote:
> 
> Sadly, the Stream Mic or line in creates very audible artefacts or whistles 
> in recordings. Otherwise the stream would be a reasonable all-purpose 
> player/recorder.
> 
>   Regards
> Tim
> 
> On 3 May 2017, at 6:02 pm, Dane Trethowan <grtd...@internode.on.net> wrote:
> 
> I didn’t try the line-in recording function though I did note that - using 
> this function - one can record to PCM Wave files at 44.1KHZ so surely this 
> should be reasonable.
> So if one really wanted to do high quality recordings one could use the 
> line-in method and buy suitable equipment to take full advantage.
> 
>> On 3 May 2017, at 5:43 pm, Jamie Kelly <otrja...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> 
>> The recording quality is ok for notes and meetings but not of high broadcast 
>> quality as with the bookport plus or Plextor Pocket range.
>> 
>> Jamie
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
>> Trethowan
>> Sent: Wednesday, 3 May 2017 4:47 PM
>> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
>> Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>> 
>> Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as we’ve 
>> discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious limitation and - 
>> given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t really want to try and download 
>> a good quality audio stream.
>> And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
>> Another interesting point and its not critical just an observation, I wonder 
>> why Human ware didn’t include the ability to be able to browse NAS storage 
>> devices or other computers on a network for files? Just about every other 
>> device I know of these days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas 
>> this handy feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for 
>> users of a VR Stream.
>> Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though hHumanware take 
>> my advice, don’t make the update too big or it will take until Christmas for 
>> the VR Stream users to download .
>> Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about that.
>> 
>>> On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
>>> 
>>> I love my Victor Stream. 
>>> The best thing about it is how easy it is to listen to and locate internet 
>>> radio stations.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of 
>>> Hamit Campos
>>> Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2017 3:07 AM
>>> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
>>> Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>>> 
>>> Yeah I've not heard this before either. But perhaps other people either 
>>> didn't have the issue or they just axepted it.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 5/1/2017 12:59 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
>>>> I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to report 
>>>> on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon 
>>>> Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the 
>>>> player won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player are as 
>>>> slow as some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that this 
>>>> is just now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out for 
>>>> some time now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but 
>>>> maybe I skipped over it as I wasn't in the market for one at that 
>>>> time, i'm not sure. I'll certainly let you guys know my experiences.
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> 
>>>> On 5/1/2017 12:41 PM, Evan Reese wrote:
>>>>> As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those 
>>>>> of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi 
>>>>> transceiver in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says 
>>>>> that reception is poor.
>>>>> Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that 
>>>>> little package.
>>>>> Evan
>>>>> 
>>>>> -Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
>>>>> Sent: Monday, May 01, 2

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

I didn’t try the line-in recording function though I did note that - using this 
function - one can record to PCM Wave files at 44.1KHZ so surely this should be 
reasonable.
So if one really wanted to do high quality recordings one could use the line-in 
method and buy suitable equipment to take full advantage.

> On 3 May 2017, at 5:43 pm, Jamie Kelly <otrja...@gmail.com> wrote:
> 
> The recording quality is ok for notes and meetings but not of high broadcast 
> quality as with the bookport plus or Plextor Pocket range.
> 
> Jamie
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
> Trethowan
> Sent: Wednesday, 3 May 2017 4:47 PM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
> Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
> 
> Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as we’ve 
> discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious limitation and - 
> given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t really want to try and download a 
> good quality audio stream.
> And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
> Another interesting point and its not critical just an observation, I wonder 
> why Human ware didn’t include the ability to be able to browse NAS storage 
> devices or other computers on a network for files? Just about every other 
> device I know of these days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas 
> this handy feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for users 
> of a VR Stream.
> Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though hHumanware take my 
> advice, don’t make the update too big or it will take until Christmas for the 
> VR Stream users to download .
> Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about that.
> 
>> On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
>> 
>> I love my Victor Stream. 
>> The best thing about it is how easy it is to listen to and locate internet 
>> radio stations.
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of 
>> Hamit Campos
>> Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2017 3:07 AM
>> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
>> Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>> 
>> Yeah I've not heard this before either. But perhaps other people either 
>> didn't have the issue or they just axepted it.
>> 
>> 
>> On 5/1/2017 12:59 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
>>> I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to report 
>>> on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon 
>>> Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the 
>>> player won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player are as 
>>> slow as some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that this 
>>> is just now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out for 
>>> some time now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but 
>>> maybe I skipped over it as I wasn't in the market for one at that 
>>> time, i'm not sure. I'll certainly let you guys know my experiences.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 5/1/2017 12:41 PM, Evan Reese wrote:
>>>> As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those 
>>>> of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi 
>>>> transceiver in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says 
>>>> that reception is poor.
>>>> Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that 
>>>> little package.
>>>> Evan
>>>> 
>>>> -Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
>>>> Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
>>>> To: PC Audio Discussion List
>>>> Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>>>> 
>>>> Hi!
>>>> 
>>>> I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on 
>>>> my purchase.
>>>> 
>>>> Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in 
>>>> most respects.
>>>> 
>>>> The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - 
>>>> having already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, 
>>>> a bit of an annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a 
>>>> small BUniden hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for 
>>>> years, cost me $25 about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have 
>>>

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Yep and thanks for mentioning this, - now that I’ve seen the VR Stream - the 
Blaze ET will certainly be on my shopping list.
As to why the ET wasn’t mentioned before? Probably for the simple reason that 
we were wasting our collective time discussing the VR Stream .

> On 3 May 2017, at 5:15 pm, Brian Olesen <br...@blindkom.dk> wrote:
> 
> Hi,
> I don't know, why the Hims Blaze ET has not been menchened as it's a 
> scarrylly cool unit that also has Bluetooth support.
> https://hims-inc.com/products/blaze-et/
> 
> Best regards
> Brian
> 
> -Oprindelig meddelelse-
> Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Dane 
> Trethowan
> Sendt: 3. maj 2017 08:47
> Til: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
> Emne: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
> 
> Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as we’ve 
> discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious limitation and - 
> given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t really want to try and download a 
> good quality audio stream.
> And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
> Another interesting point and its not critical just an observation, I wonder 
> why Human ware didn’t include the ability to be able to browse NAS storage 
> devices or other computers on a network for files? Just about every other 
> device I know of these days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas 
> this handy feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for users 
> of a VR Stream.
> Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though hHumanware take my 
> advice, don’t make the update too big or it will take until Christmas for the 
> VR Stream users to download .
> Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about that.
> 
>> On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
>> 
>> I love my Victor Stream. 
>> The best thing about it is how easy it is to listen to and locate internet 
>> radio stations.
>> 
>> 
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of 
>> Hamit Campos
>> Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2017 3:07 AM
>> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
>> Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>> 
>> Yeah I've not heard this before either. But perhaps other people either 
>> didn't have the issue or they just axepted it.
>> 
>> 
>> On 5/1/2017 12:59 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
>>> I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to report 
>>> on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon 
>>> Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the 
>>> player won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player are as 
>>> slow as some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that this 
>>> is just now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out for 
>>> some time now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but 
>>> maybe I skipped over it as I wasn't in the market for one at that 
>>> time, i'm not sure. I'll certainly let you guys know my experiences.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>>> On 5/1/2017 12:41 PM, Evan Reese wrote:
>>>> As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those 
>>>> of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi 
>>>> transceiver in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says 
>>>> that reception is poor.
>>>> Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that 
>>>> little package.
>>>> Evan
>>>> 
>>>> -Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
>>>> Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
>>>> To: PC Audio Discussion List
>>>> Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>>>> 
>>>> Hi!
>>>> 
>>>> I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on 
>>>> my purchase.
>>>> 
>>>> Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in 
>>>> most respects.
>>>> 
>>>> The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - 
>>>> having already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, 
>>>> a bit of an annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a 
>>>> small BUniden hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for 
>>>> years, cost me $25 about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have 
>>

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Yep, convenient may be but the unit does have its limitations as we’ve 
discussed here, the Wi-Fi connectivity being a very serious limitation and - 
given the speed of the Wi-Fi - one wouldn’t really want to try and download a 
good quality audio stream.
And again we come to that bloody awful internal speaker.
Another interesting point and its not critical just an observation, I wonder 
why Human ware didn’t include the ability to be able to browse NAS storage 
devices or other computers on a network for files? Just about every other 
device I know of these days - that can play Internet radio stations - haas this 
handy feature which and I reckon it would be an absolute boom! for users of a 
VR Stream.
Perhaps I’m talking about a future VR Stream update though hHumanware take my 
advice, don’t make the update too big or it will take until Christmas for the 
VR Stream users to download .
Regarding my own streaM/ Its found a good home so I’m happy about that.

> On 2 May 2017, at 4:34 am, Peter Scanlon <sca...@tpg.com.au> wrote:
> 
> I love my Victor Stream. 
> The best thing about it is how easy it is to listen to and locate internet 
> radio stations.
> 
> 
> -Original Message-
> From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Hamit 
> Campos
> Sent: Tuesday, 2 May 2017 3:07 AM
> To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
> Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
> 
> Yeah I've not heard this before either. But perhaps other people either 
> didn't have the issue or they just axepted it.
> 
> 
> On 5/1/2017 12:59 PM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
>> I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to report 
>> on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon 
>> Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the player 
>> won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player are as slow as 
>> some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that this is just 
>> now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out for some time 
>> now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but maybe I 
>> skipped over it as I wasn't in the market for one at that time, i'm 
>> not sure. I'll certainly let you guys know my experiences.
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> 
>> On 5/1/2017 12:41 PM, Evan Reese wrote:
>>> As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those 
>>> of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi 
>>> transceiver in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says 
>>> that reception is poor.
>>> Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little 
>>> package.
>>> Evan
>>> 
>>> -Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
>>> Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
>>> To: PC Audio Discussion List
>>> Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation
>>> 
>>> Hi!
>>> 
>>> I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
>>> purchase.
>>> 
>>> Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
>>> most respects.
>>> 
>>> The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having
>>> already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an
>>> annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden
>>> hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25
>>> about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a
>>> product can't have everythint.
>>> 
>>> Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
>>> noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
>>> compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
>>> Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date,
>>> well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.
>>> 
>>> There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
>>> and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth -
>>> I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that
>>> sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great
>>> entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.
>>> 
>>> Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
>>> downlaoded a couple of books.
>>> 
>>> Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
>>> the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I
>>> read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to
>>> know I have a reliable backup.
>>> 
>>> 
>>> 
>> 
>> 
> 
> 
> ---
> This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
> https://www.avast.com/antivirus
> 
> 
> 

**
Those of a positive and enquiring frame of mind will leave the rest of the 
halfwits in this world behind.

Re: OT maybe Grundig G3 radio

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

Not at all surprised to hear this as the quality control for the G3 
radio is nothing short of terrible, I'll put a link to the review of 
this radio in this eMail.


So how to fix the sticky radio? I've had this problem before with 
various radio sets and the short answer seems to be to get a dry cloth 
dipped in amonia and with this thoroughly wipe the affected surface 
though be sure to have a window open whilst you work.


Okay and now for the review of the G3 radio

Grundig Globe Traveler G3 | radiojayallen



On 3/05/2017 5:10 AM, Bob Hicks wrote:

Hello list.  This isn't exactly a pc audio question, but I have a Grundig G3
Globe Traveler transistor radio which I use a lot because TV sports
broadcasters do too much bsing.  Radio broadcasters are more about the game.

  


My problem is this, all the external surfaces have become sticky.  Nothing
in the house has this curse.  How can I get rid of the problem?

  


Also, I need a replacement battery for a Reporter G2 radio.  Is there a
Grundig support source state side?  Thanks

  

  


Have a great day!

  


Bob Hicks

  



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Android smart speaker supports Alexa and Google Assistant

[Dane Trethowan]

Opens up a whole range of possibilities being based on Android
http://linuxgizmos.com/android-smart-speaker-supports-alexa-and-google-assistant/

--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

Latest FS Cast

[Dane Trethowan]

Worth the listen as its been produced on one of the new ElBraille 
machines from Freedom Scientific using the excellent Audio Studio 
Recorder from APH.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: SV: SV: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

And that'ts the point.

On an iPhone etc its very enjoyable to listen to music from that 
internal speaker - no not excellent quality - but far better than it 
used to be.




On 2/05/2017 8:12 PM, Brian Olesen wrote:

Hi Dane,
Agree totally.
It's usable for speech, but hopeless when it comes to music.

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Dane Trethowan
Sendt: 2. maj 2017 08:31
Til: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Emne: Re: SV: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Indeed it was bad and at the very least the 2ND generation is quite an 
improvement but not as good as it really ought to be compared to other stuff 
out there, even the basic phones have very nice sounding internal speakers.



On 2/05/2017 4:20 PM, Brian Olesen wrote:

Hi.
Wow then you should have heard the first generation. Grin It was
really really bad!

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Tom
Kaufman
Sendt: 2. maj 2017 01:29
Til: 'PC Audio Discussion List' <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Emne: RE: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I've never thought of the Victor Stream's audio as being "muffled"...having 
said this, I think of it more like the sound of a 6-transistor radio!  If you plug it 
into a good speaker or a good set of headphones, you do get a pretty good sound!  But 
no...if I'm going to listen to any music on that thing, I'd much prefer an external 
speaker or headphones!
Tom Kaufman

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of
Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 5:34 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I just shake my head though when it comes to that muffled speaker for audio, 
all my phones do far better than what the Stream does but then again audio has 
always been a problem with the Stream.

The handling of multiple format files - for recording as well as playback - is 
a welcom addition and - at the very least - the quality of audio from the 
headphones jack seems to be quite acceptable.



On 2/05/2017 2:41 AM, Evan Reese wrote:

As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those
of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi
transceiver in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says
that reception is poor.
Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little
package.
Evan

-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however -
having already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a
bit of an annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small
BUniden hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost
me $25 about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but
I guess a product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to
date, well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream
box and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so
forth
- I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for
that sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a
great entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself
but the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even
though I read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site
its good to know I have a reliable backup.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: SV: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Indeed it was bad and at the very least the 2ND generation is quite an 
improvement but not as good as it really ought to be compared to other 
stuff out there, even the basic phones have very nice sounding internal 
speakers.




On 2/05/2017 4:20 PM, Brian Olesen wrote:

Hi.
Wow then you should have heard the first generation. Grin
It was really really bad!

Brian

-Oprindelig meddelelse-
Fra: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] På vegne af Tom Kaufman
Sendt: 2. maj 2017 01:29
Til: 'PC Audio Discussion List' <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Emne: RE: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I've never thought of the Victor Stream's audio as being "muffled"...having 
said this, I think of it more like the sound of a 6-transistor radio!  If you plug it 
into a good speaker or a good set of headphones, you do get a pretty good sound!  But 
no...if I'm going to listen to any music on that thing, I'd much prefer an external 
speaker or headphones!
Tom Kaufman

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 5:34 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I just shake my head though when it comes to that muffled speaker for audio, 
all my phones do far better than what the Stream does but then again audio has 
always been a problem with the Stream.

The handling of multiple format files - for recording as well as playback - is 
a welcom addition and - at the very least - the quality of audio from the 
headphones jack seems to be quite acceptable.



On 2/05/2017 2:41 AM, Evan Reese wrote:

As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those of
some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi transceiver
in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says that
reception is poor.
Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little
package.
Evan

-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however -
having already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a
bit of an annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small
BUniden hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost
me $25 about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I
guess a product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to
date, well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth
- I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for
that sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a
great entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though
I read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its
good to know I have a reliable backup.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Actually I've decided to rid myself of the VR Stream - even though I've 
had it for only 24 hours.


I stand by what I said about the VR Stream - a nice and convenient 
device to use - but it doesn't suit me.


I don't regret buying the Stream of course, now I have one I know 
exactly what all the fuss is about concerning this device and I really 
like the comprehensive feature set, I just don't like the quality of 
that internla speaker and the slow way the unit behaves when connected 
to the Internet.


Anyway now I know .



On 2/05/2017 9:28 AM, Tom Kaufman wrote:

I've never thought of the Victor Stream's audio as being "muffled"...having 
said this, I think of it more like the sound of a 6-transistor radio!  If you plug it 
into a good speaker or a good set of headphones, you do get a pretty good sound!  But 
no...if I'm going to listen to any music on that thing, I'd much prefer an external 
speaker or headphones!
Tom Kaufman

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 5:34 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I just shake my head though when it comes to that muffled speaker for
audio, all my phones do far better than what the Stream does but then
again audio has always been a problem with the Stream.

The handling of multiple format files - for recording as well as
playback - is a welcom addition and - at the very least - the quality of
audio from the headphones jack seems to be quite acceptable.



On 2/05/2017 2:41 AM, Evan Reese wrote:

As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those of
some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi transceiver
in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says that
reception is poor.
Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little
package.
Evan

-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having
already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an
annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden
hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25
about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a
product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date,
well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth -
I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that
sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great
entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I
read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to
know I have a reliable backup.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

If you have nothing to compare the speaker of the VR Stream to then yep 
its probably very good audio however I have plenty of devices around my 
house - roughly the same size - which I can compare the Stream to and - 
given that - I can tell you that audio from the internal speaker of the 
Stream is not good, is muffled and should be - in my view - better than 
it is given other basic devices are these days.


You mention listening to music through headphones etc and you're quite 
right as you get the full benefit of better audio however I do invite 
you - if you haven't already done so - to listen to music through the 
internal speaker of say an iPhone 6S or a Samsung Galaxy S6 and you'll 
soon hear a huge difference.


Again no, not an ideal listening environment but its certainly a vast 
improvement on what the Stream gives you and through a smaller speaker.


I will say however that the audio from the second generation of stream 
is quite an improvement upon that of the first generation.




On 2/05/2017 9:28 AM, Tom Kaufman wrote:

I've never thought of the Victor Stream's audio as being "muffled"...having 
said this, I think of it more like the sound of a 6-transistor radio!  If you plug it 
into a good speaker or a good set of headphones, you do get a pretty good sound!  But 
no...if I'm going to listen to any music on that thing, I'd much prefer an external 
speaker or headphones!
Tom Kaufman

-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Dane 
Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 5:34 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List <pc-audio@pc-audio.org>
Subject: Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

I just shake my head though when it comes to that muffled speaker for
audio, all my phones do far better than what the Stream does but then
again audio has always been a problem with the Stream.

The handling of multiple format files - for recording as well as
playback - is a welcom addition and - at the very least - the quality of
audio from the headphones jack seems to be quite acceptable.



On 2/05/2017 2:41 AM, Evan Reese wrote:

As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those of
some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi transceiver
in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says that
reception is poor.
Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little
package.
Evan

-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having
already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an
annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden
hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25
about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a
product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date,
well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth -
I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that
sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great
entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I
read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to
know I have a reliable backup.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Victor Reader Stream

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

I've replaced the subject line as it appears to have been stripped from 
your eMail.


Yes, I know you can purchase a Bluetooth dongle and thanks for pointing 
that out but in these days of technology? Well you shouldn't have to be 
buying anything extra like that, tell me of a mobile phone or music 
player today where one has to buy a Bluetooth dongle? At this rate we 
may as well have manufacturers stop making Bluetooth headphones and just 
making Bluetooth dongles.




On 2/05/2017 6:08 AM, John Heath via Pc-audio wrote:

--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Couple of points here.

If you don't have devices working simultaneously on your network then 
its hard to draw comparisons with the Stream, I mean if its the only 
device you have then you're probably over the moon that the Stream can 
download anything at all!


As for your super fast network? Well I sincerely hope you didn't just 
purchase this for the benefit of your Victor Reader Stream because - if 
you did - then you certainly will require a reality check ., I 
have download speeds here of around 11.5MB per second and there's 
absolutely no way the Stream would even take advantage of 10% of that 
bandwidth capacity.




On 2/05/2017 2:59 AM, Chris Skarstad wrote:
I'll be purchasing one of these very soon, so will be able to report 
on it when i get it.  I have a super-fast connection with Verizon 
Fios, so downloading books manually and transfering them to the player 
won't be an issue if the download speeds on the player are as slow as 
some of you guys say they are.  I'm kind of shocked that this is just 
now coming up, as the new generation stream has been out for some time 
now.  I thought this would've been mentioned sooner, but maybe I 
skipped over it as I wasn't in the market for one at that time, i'm 
not sure. I'll certainly let you guys know my experiences.







On 5/1/2017 12:41 PM, Evan Reese wrote:
As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those 
of some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi 
transceiver in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says 
that reception is poor.
Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little 
package.

Evan

-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having
already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an
annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden
hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25
about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a
product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date,
well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth -
I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that
sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great
entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I
read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to
know I have a reliable backup.








--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

I just shake my head though when it comes to that muffled speaker for 
audio, all my phones do far better than what the Stream does but then 
again audio has always been a problem with the Stream.


The handling of multiple format files - for recording as well as 
playback - is a welcom addition and - at the very least - the quality of 
audio from the headphones jack seems to be quite acceptable.




On 2/05/2017 2:41 AM, Evan Reese wrote:
As to slow downloading of data, I have noticed with ours, and those of 
some friends, that it doesn't seem to have a great wi-fi transceiver 
in it. Even when I'm close to my router, it usually says that 
reception is poor.
Other than that, you are right, a lot of functionality in that little 
package.

Evan

-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having
already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an
annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden
hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25
about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a
product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date,
well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth -
I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that
sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great
entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I
read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to
know I have a reliable backup.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Ah! well you've probably hit the nail right on the head when it comes to 
the download speed if everything goes through the Humanware server.


Yep, the Wireless chip seems a little outdated but after all! we're 
talking all things Humanware and for the blind here aren't we .




On 2/05/2017 12:43 AM, Gary Schindler wrote:
In addition to what you said about the slow download speed of the 
Victor stream second generation, I feel that the chip for the wireless 
receiver could be more sensitive. Another thing I believe is that the 
internet streams seem to go through a server controlled by Humanware 
for the most part. If there is a problem for some reason with there 
server, the machine locks up even though you are connected to your 
router. that being said, it seems to be the best all around device in 
it's class for the money!



-Original Message- From: Dane Trethowan
Sent: Monday, May 01, 2017 10:24 AM
To: PC Audio Discussion List
Subject: Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my
purchase.

Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in
most respects.

The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having
already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an
annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden
hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25
about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a
product can't have everythint.

Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date,
well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.

There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth -
I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that
sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great
entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.

Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I
downlaoded a couple of books.

Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I
read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to
know I have a reliable backup.





--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Victor Reader Stream 2nd Generation

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

I just bought one of these units and would like to make comment on my 
purchase.


Firstly I think that the unit does a brilliant job for what it is in 
most respects.


The sound from the internal speaker is a little muffled however - having 
already heard a VR Stream - I was already prepared for this, a bit of an 
annoyance one might say so to overcome this I use a small BUniden 
hand-held amplified battery speaker I've had for years, cost me $25 
about 7 years ago, pity the Stream doesn't have Bluetooth but I guess a 
product can't have everythint.


Now I don't know whether this is my unit in particular but I have 
noticed that the downloading of data seems to be incredibly slow 
compared to other devices I have on my network, I used the "Check for 
Updates" function and - according to that - the firmware is up to date, 
well at least the data does get downloaded I guess.


There's a hell of a lot of functionality packed into the VR Stream box 
and a lot of this - such as the Internet Radio, podcasts and so forth - 
I won't bother using - given I already have better solutions for that 
sort of thing - but for those who don't the VR Stream provides a great 
entry level to the world of Internet Radio and Podcasting.


Getting online with the Vision Australia library was a snap so I 
downlaoded a couple of books.


Again, I have other Apps and so forth which I prefer to use myself but 
the Stream is convenient for reading, no doubt about that even though I 
read all my newspapers these days straight from the web site its good to 
know I have a reliable backup.




--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Can aptX give you better sound over Bluetooth?

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

We've discussed Bluetooth and aptX often here so I point interested 
party's to an article I've just read on the subject which I came across 
whilst researching something entirely different.


The author does a great job at explaining the Bluetooth aptX system and 
how it works though he omits  a crucial detail. Perhaps the author 
deliberately didn't talk about Lossless formats being transmitted from 1 
aptX Bluetooth device to another to keep the article simple? More than 
likely so - to put it bluntly - if you are able to use files which are 
in a Lossless audio format then you're going to benefit greatly when 
using Bluetooth aptX or not and I'm sure you'll work this out for 
yourself once you've read the article.


If you can avoid Bluetooth altogether when streaming - and use Wi-Fi - 
then this certainly is the best and most reliable way to get high 
quality audio from point A to point B and Wi-Fi certainly goes the distance.


Anyway read on and form your own opinion.

https://www.cnet.com/news/can-aptx-give-you-better-sound-over-bluetooth/



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Operations Manual for Sony 2010 world band radio

[Dane Trethowan]

Right, here's the download link and remember, the Sony ICF2001D is the 
same as the Sony ICF2010, different model number for Australia and Europe.


https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/10565527/icf2001d_manual.pdf



On 24/04/2017 1:56 PM, Donald L. Roberts wrote:

I sure would appreciate getting a copy of that manual.


Thanks.


Don Roberts



On 4/23/2017 6:56 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!
I found a PDF version of the manual which I thought may be helpful to 
other list members, I know there are a few list members who own this 
radio - in Australia the ICF-2010 is known as the Sony ICF-2001D, I 
just hunted one up on eBay for myself and am awaiting its arrival.
Anyway if anyone wants the manual let me know and I'll put it up on 
Dropbox.
Note that as the PDF hasn't been processed you'll need to use the 
JAWS Convenient OCR function etc for accessibility.



**

Those with negative attitudes are a problem, those with positive 
outlooks are the solution.









--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Re: Operations Manual for Sony 2010 world band radio

[Dane Trethowan]

Very good, I'll post a link early tomorrow morning.



On 24/04/2017 1:56 PM, Donald L. Roberts wrote:

I sure would appreciate getting a copy of that manual.


Thanks.


Don Roberts



On 4/23/2017 6:56 PM, Dane Trethowan wrote:

Hi!
I found a PDF version of the manual which I thought may be helpful to 
other list members, I know there are a few list members who own this 
radio - in Australia the ICF-2010 is known as the Sony ICF-2001D, I 
just hunted one up on eBay for myself and am awaiting its arrival.
Anyway if anyone wants the manual let me know and I'll put it up on 
Dropbox.
Note that as the PDF hasn't been processed you'll need to use the 
JAWS Convenient OCR function etc for accessibility.



**

Those with negative attitudes are a problem, those with positive 
outlooks are the solution.









--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as if you were 
going to live forever"

Operations Manual for Sony 2010 world band radio

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!
I found a PDF version of the manual which I thought may be helpful to other 
list members, I know there are a few list members who own this radio - in 
Australia the ICF-2010 is known as the Sony ICF-2001D, I just hunted one up on 
eBay for myself and am awaiting its arrival.
Anyway if anyone wants the manual let me know and I'll put it up on Dropbox.
Note that as the PDF hasn't been processed you'll need to use the JAWS 
Convenient OCR function etc for accessibility.


**

Those with negative attitudes are a problem, those with positive outlooks are 
the solution.

More on the Bose Soundlink Mini II

[Dane Trethowan]

I've had one of these speakers now for 2 weeks and I do really like it 
for a whole bunch of reasons.


I did own one of the original Soundlink Mini series of speakers and got 
rid of it not so long ago with the arrival of the B T7.


The original Soundlink Mini isn't a bad speaker but when compared to the 
B T7 it did sound rather dull.


That was 6 months ago and times have changed with my setup here, I now 
have Amazon Echo and Google devices, a USB Power Hub etc.so time to look 
around for another Bluetooth device to pair with the Echo Dot.


The new Bluetooth device had to be small and - preferably - powered by 
USB power which the original Bose Soundlink Mini was not and neither is 
the B T7.


I went to a local shop for a demonstration of the Bose Soundlink Mini II 
and - as I related to the list at the time - was surprised at the 
difference in sound quality between the original Soundlink Mini and its 
new brother.


I ordered my Soundlink Mini II a fortnight ago and here's a roundup of 
what I've found though I'm repeating some of what I've written in notes 
to the list I'm sure.


The Soundlink Mini II is the same sort of build as the original model, 
that tough alaminium frame is a trademark signature of Bose for its 
Soundlink Mini speaker and I hope Bose conteinues sticking with it, 
looks and feels very nice.


The button line-up has changed given the extra functionality the Bose 
Soundlink Mini II has over its older Brother.


The volume up/down and function buttons are raised whereas the power and 
Bluetooth buttons are lowered.


Each button performs a different function when held down, hold down the 
Power button and the status of the internal battery is spoken.


Press the Bluetooth button to find out which devices are already 
connected to your Soundlink Mini or hold down to initiate pairing with 
another device, the Soundlink Mini II talks you through the pairing process.


When the Soundlink Mini is paired to a phone, hold down the Function 
button to issue voice commands to your Phone etc.


So the Bose Soundlink Mini now has a full TTS - text to speech - system 
added which is quite easy to understand though its not the best quality 
voice I've heard, Bose deserves heaps of praise for going to the trouble 
to include a full TTS function instead of just relying on recorded Voice 
tags as so many other products do.


For a speaker designed for personal use the Bose Soundlink Mini 
certainly pumps out the sound and goes incredibly loud before the DSP 
kicks in to lower any distortion but I can assure you that your ears 
will object strongly before getting to this level.


As I've already noted the sound of this model is quite different from 
that of the original, the original had powerful bass with the result 
that the mids and highs were rather difficult to hear.


That powerful bass - a little too powerful in my view - is still there 
however the mids and highs certainly have more presence than they did 
with the older model so - if for any reason you have the older model and 
you're considering an upgrade to the new -then the better sound alone is 
a most compelling reason.


The sound stage of the newer model is better too but nowhere near as 
good as the B T7 and I wwasn't expecting it to be but very good 
considering the size of the Soundlink Mini.


Bose have also added transport controls for those times when you're 
playing Music from your Phone or whatever, press the function button 
once to pause, twice to skip to the next track and 3 times to go to the 
previous track, glad to see more Bluetooth units adding this type of 
functionality as standard.


I tested the Speakerphone and came away satisfied with its sound.

Those I spoke to on the other end of my calls reported a little echo and 
that's to be expected from a hands free speakerphone.


In summary a great valume for money product at $250 Australian.



--

**
"Live each day as if you were goiing to die tomorrow, learn each day as 
if you were going to live forever"

RE: Recording Internet Radio Streams

[Dane Trethowan]

Depending on the URL Total Recorder may be able to do what you want, download 
the Trial versions and give it a go.
http://www.totalrecorder.com


-Original Message-
From: Pc-audio [mailto:pc-audio-boun...@pc-audio.org] On Behalf Of Danny Miles
Sent: Monday, 17 April 2017 8:40 PM
To: PC Audio Discussion List 
Subject: Recording Internet Radio Streams

Hi. I'm looking for software that's compatible with Windows 7 and Jaws 14.0. I 
already have GoldWave but am wondering whether or not there is something more 
specific for the job, such as software that records from a given URL without 
having it playing through the computer via a media player.  Any advice will be 
much appreciated.

Take care, Danny



--
Danny Miles
Mobile:
+44(0)7926 972762
Email:
toptunesda...@gmail.com
Twitter:
http://www.Twitter.com/TopTunesDanny
Facebook:
http://www.Facebook.com/AbilityGateway
Skype:
TopTunesDanny

Sony SRSX99B Spaker

[Dane Trethowan]

Hi!

I've had this speaker for just under a fortnight and have been using it
extensively so I consider myself in a very good position to tell you all
about it.

First and foremost, the Sony SRSX99B is a high quality piece of gear, it
certainly looks and sounds the part and - as I said in my initial post on
this topic - I really wish we could say such wonderful things about all
Sony's offerings.

For a person without sight an IOS or Android device is an assentual
accessory to get the most out of this speaker, if you have some sight then
perhaps you'll be able to work your way around the display on the top of the
unit.

The speaker stands around 4 inches high, is around 18 inches from left to
right and about 5 inches wide, like one of the mini boombox type 80s units
I'm sure all of us have seen.

The front is covered by a wire mesh whilst the ends are a brushed aluminium.

The back is hard plastic and the top surface is of glass - two tweeters one
at either end -.

The Speaker comes with a remote control which allows the user to perform
basic functions such as switching source, controlling volume and so on, note
that all this control - and much more - can be found in the Sony Songpal IOS
App you use alongside the SRSX99B.

What's so good about this unit? I think my favorite thing to say with regard
to the Speaker is its utter flexibility, throw just about any audio at the
Speaker in just about any format and chances are the speaker will play it
and your ears will be justly pleased.

The Speaker can be connected to your computer - used as a sound device -,
paired to a Bluetooth device -using AptX -, automatic pairing can be
achieved using NFC, you can connect a USB stick filled with your favorite
files to the USB port - DSD files will play just fine -, stream music from
your NAS on your network, use Airplay, DLNA and Googlecast, connect to
Pandora Spotify, Google Play Music, listen to Tunein Radio and that's only
scratching the surface.

The sound from the SRSX99B is a rich and powerful one though the B A7 does
sound a little better.

Setup can be achieved in various ways - setup consists of getting the
Speaker c connected to your network either using Wi-Fi - Supports Dual-Band
- or via the LAN port so be sure to read the appropriate setup guide.

Once the Speaker is on the network then you're good to go with the SongPal
App, just choose your music source - connect the Speaker using Chromecast if
required - and enjoy!

As I said, the B A7 does sound a little better however the Sony SRSX99B
triumphs over the A7 when it comes to connectivity and network facilities
plus the Sony Speaker is by far the cheaper option.

Specs are impressive too! Each speaker driver unit - there are 7 in total -
is driven by its own dedicated Class D amplifier to give you an impressive
160 Watts RMS of total power outlook, there are two front mounted tweeters,
two front mounted mid-range, a front mounted sub-woofer and two top mounted
tweeters, this is a real stereo speaker and because of its length exhibits
good stereo separation, what a pity the SRSX99B can't run on battery power.

I bought my unit in Australia for around $700, the Speaker retails for $999.

 

Re: Audio recorder for android.

[Dane Trethowan]

I use the Voice Recorder that came with my phone, quite accessible and 
seems to work quite well.




On 14/04/2017 11:42 PM, Anders Holmberg wrote:

Hi!
I guess there are tons of audio recorders out there on google Play store.
But i am really curious what people use for recording on the android phone.
Thanks in advance.
/A

Bose Soundlink Mini II Speaker

[Dane Trethowan]

Took delivery of one of these and consequently paired the spekaer with 
my iPhone.
Even the pairing of the speaker with my iPhone for an initial test was 
enough to prove to me that Bose have certainly improved the speaker for 
the delivery of sound and I can therefore confirm that mid range and 
treble elements are far more pronounced than was the case with the 
original Soundlink Mini speaker.
Bose have -as you probably alreayd know from our list discussions - 
stuck to the tradmark alaminium shell so little has changed between the 
original Soundlink Mini and current model in that regard.
The speaker phone did surprise me with its very nice sound and great 
volume range, the party on the other end of my call reported that the 
audio was very decent but then again my phone is able to take advantage 
of HD Voice quality.