The Victor Reader Stream is the only DAISY player that offers you so
much in such a small package Download your favorite books and MP3s on
your Victor Reader Stream and leave home with your library in the palm
of your hand. This versatile, powerful Victor Reader Stream DAISY-MP3
player lets you read and navigate through complex books, such as reference
manuals and school books, as well as novels and magazines.
You can also use the Victor Reader Stream's built in Vocalizer text
to speech voice to read books in text format such as Bookshare. And that's
not all... the Victor Reader Stream has many more functions, including
an integrated microphone to record voice notes. No other DAISY player
offers you so much in such a small package... and at such an affordable
price.
Additional Detail for Victor Reader Stream
Hours of uninterrupted reading
Since you will not want to stop using it, Victor Reader Stream comes
with rechargeable batteries providing up to 15 hours of uninterrupted
listening time. So long trips become the perfect time to catch up on
Your books and music go everywhere with you
Since it is ultra-compact and sleek, you can take it everywhere. No need
to bring CDs with you. it stores everything in its SD memory card. Only
the size of a deck of cards, it fits in the palm of your hand and can
easily be carried in a pocket or clipped on your belt in its attractive
case.
User Interface
Victor Reader Stream uses the popular Victor Reader 4-arrow keys for advanced
DAISY navigation allowing you to move through the book by chapter, section,
page, and user defined bookmarks. The arrow keys are intuitive to learn
and do not require memorization of multiple key chords. This style of
user interface has been proven with over 8 years of world wide Victor
Reader experience.
Packed with DAISY functions
This little player packs a mighty punch, offering high performance and
advanced DAISY navigation. Victor Reader Stream gives you access to a
book with equivalent speed, flexibility and accuracy of reading a printed
book. Full control is at your fingertips.
Victor Reader Stream Key Features
State-of-the-art DAISY, DAISY/NISO, MP3 player
Removable SD card for storing books, e-text files, music, and voice
recordings and audio bookmarks
Portable (4.6 x 2.6 x 0.9 inches) lightweight (6 ounces)
Built-in human sounding text-to-speech (Nuance Vocalizer)
Voice recording capability via built-in microphone or external microphone
Playback through stereo headphones or secondary small speaker
USB port to transfer books and music from your PC
User replaceable Rechargeable battery providing 15 hours playtime
Built-in battery charger (four hours for full recharge)
Includes switchable external power adapter for use in multiple countries
Stylish look with high contrast keys and buttons
Attractive carrying case with belt clip
One Year Manufacturer's Warranty
Advanced DAISY Book Features
Four-arrow keys for navigation by chapter, section, page, and bookmarks
GOTO features to jump to a specific page, heading, book or bookmark
Browse bookmark list
Allows navigation of multiple books, MP3 folders, and voice notes
Text-to-speech allows access to electronic text
Three types of bookmarking saved separately for multiple books
Simple bookmark to mark a reading position
Audio bookmark with recorded voice note
Highlight bookmark to mark start and end of a passage
Ability to play or not to play skippable elements
Extensive usability features:
Variable speed playback for both recorded and electronic text books
Accelerated Fast Forward/Rewind with audible feedback; the longer
you hold down the key the faster it moves through the book.
Time Jump feature configurable to 1, 5, or 10 minutes
Auto Sleep shutoff with multiple time settings
On/Off power button
Key lock feature
Book information key
Where Am I key for information on reading position
Built-in user guide and Key Describer
Configuration menu for setting time jump interval, DAISY skippable
elements, and MP3 shuffle or loop play modes
Audio messages for battery capacity and recharging status
Illuminated (LED) indicator for power on which also blinks while battery
is recharging
Built-in speech announces MP3 folder and file names
Keypad, buttons, and connectors designed with high contrast and tactile
features
SD card slot has finger depression for easy card insertion and removal
Separate Volume settings for the speaker and headphones
Stream automatically normalizes the selected volume setting so the
volume level is consistent for both recorded playback and player messages.
Stream is recognized as a standard Windows USB drive when connected
to a PC. PC file transfers can be done with Windows Explorer or Stream's
PC Companion software
Victor Reader Stream FAQ
NLS
Q. I heard that NLS will have more download books. Who can access these
books?
A. In July 2007, NLS announced that it will soon expand its trial of download
digital talking books to include all NLS patrons who are registered for
NLS service by their local library, who have a computer and high speed
Internet connection to download the books, and who also have an NLS authorized
digital book player capable of playing the NISO books downloaded from
the NLS server.
Q. Who qualifies for NLS talking book service?
A. To qualify for the expanded pilot project you must:
be an eligible NLS patron registered for NLS service by your local
library
have a computer and Internet connection to download and unzip the
books
have a player capable of playing the books
Q. Will the Victor Reader Stream play NLS download books?
A. The Victor Reader Stream is able to play the NLS books providing it
is authorized to do so by NLS. There are 3 steps to the process to participate
in the NLS expanded download pilot and authorize your Victor Reader Stream
to play NLS books and magazines:
Apply On-line to NLS. To apply for participation in the NLS expanded
pilot visit: https://www.NLSTalkingBooks.org/dtb.
This page provides basic information about the NLS service and a link
to the application form. Once you complete this on-line application
form, you will immediately receive an email from NLS confirming that
NLS has received the application. If you are approved to participate
you will receive a second confirmation email with additional information.
If there is a problem with your application you will also receive a
message explaining the problem. A third NLS email will include a username,
password, instructions for participation, and how to obtain help.
If NLS approves your application to the expanded download pilot, they
will notify HumanWare. HumanWare will then contact you by email with
a link to our web form where you will need to supply your player serial
number. Please do not try to complete the web form until you receive
our email as we will be unable to process your information.
HumanWare will respond within 2 working days with a second email.
Attached to this email will be an NLS authorization key file to install
on your Stream. The email will contain the installation instructions.
After you install the key file, you will be able to play NLS digital
talking books and magazines.
Q. Will the Victor Reader Stream play the future book cartridges that
NLS will distribute?
A. Yes, if the Stream is properly authorized to play NLS books as explained
above. Once the player is authorized, the user may attach an NLS book
cartridge to the Stream using a short cable supplied with the Stream.
Once attached the user may play the book. HumanWare also plan to sell
an optional book cartridge holder which can be attached to the back of
the player allowing the NLS book cartridge to be inserted and played as
an integral part of the player. This book cartridge holder will be sold
as an option when the NLS book cartridges are made available. Since HumanWare
has not yet manufactured the optional cartridge holder its price is not
yet known.
RFB&D
Q. Can Stream play RFB&D books?
A. Yes. However, RFB&D books are encrypted and any player must have
a User Authorization Key (UAK) from RFB&D to decrypt the books. RFB&D
has advised HumanWare that they will offer a UAK for the Stream at a cost
of $20. The UAK must be obtained directly from RFB&D. RFB&D made
the UAK for the Victor Reader Stream available in January 2008.
Q. How do I install the RFB&D UAK on my Stream?
A. To install the UAK on your Stream, copy the UAK folder that you receive
from RFB&D to the root of your SD card. The UAK will consist of a
folder with files inside. You must copy the folder including the files
to the root of your SD. Stream will recognize that UAK folder, prompt
you for your RFB&D PIN number, and then install the UAK on your Stream.
Once the UAK is installed you can remove the UAK folder file from the
SD card. Your Stream will then be able to play RFB&D books.
About the battery
Q. How long will Victor Reader Stream play on a full battery charge?
A. Approximately 15 hours for continuous play of DAISY recorded books
on SD cards
Q. How long does it take to recharge the Victor Reader Stream battery?
A. Up to 4 hours.
Q. Why does the green power light (LED) sometimes blink when I plug the
Victor Reader Stream to AC power?
A. When the player is turned off and plugged to AC power the LED will
blink to indicate the battery is recharging. When the battery is fully
charged the LED will stop blinking. If the player is in use and connected
to the AC power the battery will still recharge but in this case the LED
will not blink.
Q. Can I recharge the Victor Reader Stream while it is in use?
A. Yes. However, the LED will glow steady instead of blinking while recharging
and the power is on.
Q. If I cannot see the LED how do I tell if the player is charging.
A. You can press INFO (key 0) to hear the battery and recharge status.
Q. Will I lose any bookmarks or player settings if I change the battery
or allow the battery to fully deplete?
A. No. The Stream saves all bookmarks and settings in its flash memory
which does not require power to maintain the memory. When the player senses
the battery is very nearly depleted it will save all settings and automatically
power off.
Q. Will I be able to obtain a spare battery for my Victor Reader Stream?
A. Yes. You may purchase it from HumanWare or your local dealer.
Q. Can I buy an external battery charger for the Stream?
A. No. At this time HumanWare does not have an external battery charger
for the Stream.
About the SD Card
Q. What type of SD cards should I use in Victor Reader Stream?
A. The Stream is compatible with SD (Secure Digital) cards up to 2GB and
SDHC (Secure Digital High Capacity) cards of 4GB, 8GB and 16GB. If you
purchase a high capacity SD card, be sure the card bears the SDHC designation.
The "Class" designation does not matter because Stream is not optimized
for any particular class of SDHC card. Reputable brand name media manufacturers
are recommended for your SD or SDHC cards. HumanWare uses SanDisk cards.
Q. Why does Victor Reader Stream not recognize my SD card or why do I
get many media errors?
A. If you have an SD card which is not recognized or which results in
many media errors you should format it. Although most commercial cards
come pre-formatted it may be possible the formatting was not done correctly.
To format, insert the SD card into your pC card reader. Open the 'My Computer'
program from your desktop and right-click (or press the Applications key
on your keyboard) to bring up the context menu for the SD card. Select
'Format' from this menu. If you do not have a PC card reader you may also
format the SD card using the Configuration Menu (key 7) on your Stream.
General
Q. Will Stream play WMA protected books such as those from the Unabridged
library or NetLibrary.com sources?
A. HumanWare plans to provide the ability to play WMA protected books
on the Stream and is researching this. No delivery date is available at
this time.
Q. Will Stream play BRF files such as those from NLS Web-Braille and
other sources?
A. HumanWare plans to provide the ability to play BRF Braille files on
the Stream and is researching this. No delivery date is available at this
time.
Q. Will Stream play Audible.com books?
A. Yes, but not on the first player shipments. HumanWare has negotiated
with Audible to support the Audible books and is presently working on
the technical implementation for the Stream. This work will not be completed
in time for September 10 initial player shipments. But will be provided
as soon as possible thereafter as a free software upgrade.
Q. Do I have to return the Stream to my dealer to get the software upgraded?
A. No. Stream firmware upgrades consist of a single file that is downloaded
from HumanWare's web site. You simply download that file to your computer,
copy it to the root of an SD card, and insert the card in the player while
it is plugged to AC power. Stream will recognize the special file and
automatically update its internal software. Audio announcements will inform
you of the start and end of the update process. It takes approximately
1 to 2 minutes to update the player.
Q. Is it possible my Victor Reader Stream could become frozen and not
respond even to the power button?
A. Your Stream is a complex device with an internal computer, operating
system software, and the Victor Reader application software. In such complex
devices the software can sometimes freeze causing the unit to become non
responsive. In this case you can force the Stream to reset and reload
all software by pressing and holding the Power button for 7 seconds. If
this does not restart the Stream then you should contact customer support
for assistance.
Q. Why does my Volume Setting change if I insert or remove my headphones?
A. For your convenience, Stream remembers separate volume settings for
the built-in speaker and the headphones. This means you can set one volume
level that is comfortable for the headphones and a different volume level
that you prefer for the built-in speaker. When you remove the headphones
Stream will reset to the last volume level you set for the speaker and
when you plug the headphones back in Stream will reset to the level you
last set for the headphones. There are 10 volume settings for the speaker
and 15 settings for the headphones.
Q. Can I play the Victor Reader Stream while it is connected to my PC?
A. No.
Q. Can I edit my recorded voice notes on my PC?
A. Yes. The Victor Reader Stream records audio notes in 3gp compressed
AMR-WB+ files to save space on your SD card. To edit your audio note files
on your PC you need software that can open the 3gp files or you can also
use the Stream Companion software to decompress the 3gp files into standard
PCM Wav files.
Notice: Victor Reader Stream requires a SD (Secure Digital) card
to store books, music, electronic text and audio notes. You will be prompted
during checkout with an option to add a SD card to your order.
Your purchase will provide you with a Stream SoftPak
activation file that has a KXO file type and is named with your
Stream serial number. Simply place this KXO file in the root of
your SD card and when you power on your Stream it will process the
file and activate your Stream SoftPak features. You will hear a
message informing you that the SoftPak has been activated. The Info
key 0 will also report that you have the SoftPak activated as part
of the announcement of the Stream model number.
Your Stream must
have software version 3.2 or higher prior to installing this activation
file. The latest Stream software can be downloaded free from:
http://www.humanware.com/stream_software
Since it is ultra-compact and sleek, you can take it everywhere. No need
to bring CDs with you. it stores everything in its SD memory card. Only
the size of a deck of cards, it fits in the palm of your hand and can
easily be carried in a pocket or clipped on your belt in its attractive
case.
Victor Reader Stream uses the popular Victor Reader 4-arrow keys for advanced
DAISY navigation allowing you to move through the book by chapter, section,
page, and user defined bookmarks. The arrow keys are intuitive to learn
and do not require memorization of multiple key chords. This style of
user interface has been proven with over 8 years of world wide Victor
Reader experience.