DAISY Book Readers
There are both software DAISY readers for use on a computer, and hardware players that are smaller than the four-track cassette players that many people are accustomed to using. These players are easy to use, putting the navigation capabilities of this new standard right at the users' fingertips.
Daisy Software
Note: Prices are current as of January 2005.CNIB Consumer Product and Assistive Technology (CPAT) carries three software packages for DAISY playback. All three packages will play commercial books and music on CDs as well as DAISY books and MP3 files. If the full text of the DAISY book is available, it will be accessible on the screen and users can search for specific words or phrases. All packages support full DAISY navigation, multiple bookmarks, and customization. - EaseReader ($77)
An excellent value, and particularly suited for low vision readers as the text is highlighted on screen as the narration proceeds. Features a built-in screen reader with very clear speech. Text or audio notes can be added (audio will require a microphone). A 30-day trial version is available.
- eClipseReader ($118)
A good player, particularly for multiple readers as the package can be customized for more than one person. Features a basic screen reader, providing the ability to add notes. There is some distortion if the playback is done at high speeds.
- Victor Reader Soft ($99)
A high-end package with lots of extra functionality. Suits Windows users as the package uses the same conventions for menus and navigation. Works with JAWS and Window Eyes screen-reading programs. An easy-to-use library feature allows clients to store and search their DAISY collections. Text or audio notes can be added. Customizable for multiple users. Not recommended for clients who also use Kurzweil 1000 software, as there may be some compatibility issues. A 30-day trial version is available.
DAISY Hardware
Note: Prices are current as of January 2005.CNIB Consumer Product and Assistive Technology (CPAT) carries five models of DAISY digital talking book players. All five models will play commercial books and music on CDs as well as DAISY books. For a complete list of player and software models available worldwide, visit the DAISY Consortium website. Desktop Players:
These players are sturdy and have external speakers with a capacity for headphones (not included). A rechargeable battery is built-in.
- Plextalk PTN1 ($485)
Designed for the leisure reader, the Plextalk PTN1 uses voice guidance to provide basic navigation that allows the reader to skip section to section or page to page. Features a sleep timer function that can be set to turn the power off automatically.
- Victor Reader Classic ($485)
Simple to use, the Victor Reader Classic is ideal for leisure reading, bestsellers, novels, magazines, etc. It offers basic navigation features that will allow you to use a table of contents or skip from section to section or page to page.
- Victor Reader Classic Plus ($485)
Designed for professionals and students, the Victor Reader Classic Plus works well for complex and highly structured books such as textbooks, reference books, and school manuals. This model supports all DAISY navigation levels and has advanced functionality such as skipping instantly to a specific page and placing multiple bookmarks.
Portable Discman Players:
These players are highly portable. They can be used with headphones (included) or connected to an external speaker system (not included).
- Victor Reader Wave ($325)
This player is sophisticated, with advanced functionalities for complex and highly structured books such as textbooks, reference works, and school manuals. Rechargeable batteries are included.
- Telex EZ DAISY ($279)
Recommended for reading leisure books and magazines. The keypad offers fewer buttons and navigational features in comparison with the Victor Vibe. Batteries are not included.