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Plextor PTR 2 User Manual

Plextalk portable recorder
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PTR 2
User's Guide

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Summary of Contents for Plextor PTR 2

  • Page 1 Portable Recorder PTR 2 User’s Guide...
  • Page 2 FCC NOTICE Declaration of Conformity Model Number: PTR2 Trade Name: Responsible party: PLEXTOR Corporation Address: 48383 Fremont Blvd., Suite 120 Fremont, CA 94538-6509 U.S.A. Telephone Number:(510)440-2000 This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules, Operation is subject to...
  • Page 3 Canadian Department of Communications Statement This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian Department of Communications. This class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numerique de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.

  • Page 4: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. About this guide....................9 2. Legal and copyright information............10 2.1. Copyright information about this guide...........10 2.2. Licenses and trademarks.................10 2.3. Restrictions on copying or recording with the PLEXTALK PTR2..10 3. Introduction to DAISY................13 3.1.
  • Page 5 9. Introduction to the menu system............58 9.1. Overview of the menu and its operation..........58 9.2. Accessing and navigating the menu............59 9.3. Getting help when in the menu system............ 60 10. Setting up your PLEXTALK..............61 10.1.
  • Page 6 14.7. Selecting a playback mode................97 15. Power management features..............99 15.1. Battery low warning..................99 15.2. Automatic power off function..............99 15.3. Compulsory power off function.............. 100 15.4. Sleep timer function..................100 15.5. Power On timer function................101 16.
  • Page 7 19.2. Differences between Normal mode and Book Creator mode..152 19.3. Differences when playing a DAISY title..........153 19.4. Differences when recording a DAISY title..........154 19.5. Differences when editing a DAISY title..........158 20. Media management features.............. 164 20.1. Backing up DAISY titles................164 20.2.

  • Page 8: About This Guide

    1. About this guide. Congratulations on the purchase of your new PLEXTALK Portable Recorder PTR2. This guide contains all the information you will need to get started with your new PLEXTALK. It has been written in a way which will allow you to learn progressively, starting with the basic concepts and building up to the more technical operations that you can try as you gain in confidence.

  • Page 9: Legal And Copyright Information

    2. Legal and copyright information. This chapter contains very important information regarding copyright, licences and trademarks. It also outlines the restrictions which apply when using the PLEXTALK PTR2 for copying or recording digital sound. You are strongly advised to read this chapter thoroughly before continuing.

  • Page 10: General Information

    2.3.1. General information. PLEXTALK is designed to help you record and reproduce sound works, to which you own the copyright, or where you have gained permission from the copyright owner or the rightful licenser. Unless you own the copyright or have gained the appropriate permission from the copyright owner or the rightful licenser, your unauthorized recording, reproduction or distribution thereof, may result in severe civil and criminal penalties under copyright laws and international copyright treaties.
  • Page 11 PLEXTALK is equipped with a mechanism that checks the identification code to permit recording on Music CD-Rs alone. Music CD-R or CD-RWs are sold by several companies. When purchasing them, it is necessary to check whether it is an audio/music type CD-R or CD-RW or a data type CD- R or CD-RW.

  • Page 12: Introduction To Daisy

    3. Introduction to DAISY. This chapter gives an overview of the DAISY format and some of the terminology used. If you are new to the DAISY format, you should read this chapter thoroughly. If you are an experienced DAISY user, you may wish to skim read the chapter or bypass it altogether.

  • Page 13: Types Of Daisy Book

    3.3. Types of DAISY book. The DAISY format allows for 6 types of DAISY book which range from audio books with no navigation structure to books with text and no audio. A brief description of each type is given below: •...
  • Page 14 3.4.1. Navigation levels. A DAISY book can have up to 6 levels of navigation. The number of levels in a book will depend on the structure of the original book. The levels are hierarchical with Level 1 the highest and Level 6 the lowest. This can be thought of as being similar to the hierarchy of a contents listing in a book, in the sense that there are major items and then sub items within them and so on.
  • Page 15 To make this possible, the producer of the book must include the page markers when they create the book. The pages will be automatically numbered from 1 upwards starting from the beginning of the recording. Pages cannot be added by the reader. NOTE: Page markers in a DAISY book should always be placed at the start of the text on the relevant print page and not at the bottom, where the page number often appears.
  • Page 16 navigation level. Do not get confused between sections in a DAISY recording and sections of this guide. 3.4.7. Bookmarks. Once the book is complete, the reader can add bookmarks at relevant places to enable them to find the marked locations at a later stage. The number of permitted bookmarks will depend on the DAISY player used but generally there will be more capacity than the reader requires.

  • Page 17: Safety Information

    4. Safety information. This chapter gives you information about how to operate your PTR2 safely, including information about the operating environment and about safe handling of the rechargeable battery. It is essential that you read this information carefully as failure to take note of it may invalidate your guarantee and could cause serious injury to yourself or others.
  • Page 18 WARNING: Never disassemble, attempt to repair, or modify your player yourself. WARNING: Do not listen at high volumes for extended periods as this can lead to impaired hearing, especially when using headphones. WARNING: Always remove the power cord from the player's outlet when cleaning your PLEXTALK.

  • Page 19: Environmental Issues Affecting Safety

    CAUTION: Do not touch the bottom of the PLEXTALK for an extended period of time. It may become hot, and could cause a low–temperature burn. 4.3. Environmental issues affecting safety. The following points should be noted regarding the environment in which PLEXTALK is used: DANGER: Do not use your player near water, such as in a bathroom or kitchen.
  • Page 20 WARNING: If the fluid gets onto your body or clothing, wash the area well with water. CAUTION: Only use the specified battery that was included with PLEXTALK. Replacements are only available from Plextor and their agents. CAUTION: Install the battery as instructed, with the terminals placed in the correct orientation.

  • Page 21: Overview Of The Ptr2

    5. Overview of the PTR2. This chapter gives you an overview of the PLEXTALK PTR2 and its main features. It also details the main differences between the PTR1 and the PTR2. 5.1. Concept of the PTR2. The PTR2 is designed to be a high quality recorder with the ability to create DAISY 2.02, audio only, books and Music CDs.

  • Page 22: Features Of The Ptr2

    5.2. Features of the PTR2. The main features of the PLEXTALK PTR2 are as follows: • All menus and functions are fully accessible to blind users with the use of high quality built in guide speech. • Able to play DAISY titles, Music CDs and Audio File CDs. •...
  • Page 23 • The microphone socket is now stereo rather than mono. • Automatic gain control (AGC) is now available, if selected, for use with the external microphone and the Line in options as well as the built in microphone. • The USB interface with a computer can now be used to directly access the CD drive or the CF card.

  • Page 24: Getting Started

    6. Getting started. You should now be ready to get started with using your PLEXTALK. This chapter gives you information about the terminology used throughout the guide, what you should expect to receive, the physical layout of PLEXTALK, how to connect the battery and power cable, how to turn the unit off and on and how to insert and eject CDs and CF cards.

  • Page 25: What You Get In The Box

    6.2. What you get in the box. The following is a list of all the items you should get in the box when you receive your new PLEXTALK. You should carefully check that you have received all these items and report any missing items immediately to local agent.

  • Page 26: Description Of The Unit

    • 1 User's Guide in print • 1 Blank 700 MB CD-R (thin case) (NOTE: The specification of the supplied CD may differ from that specified in the guide) • 1 User's Guide CD (thick case) • 1 Soft cloth for cleaning CD media NOTE: It is strongly recommended that you retain your box and other packaging in case you need to return your PLEXTALK at any time in the...
  • Page 27 have found the bottom of the unit, place the unit carefully down, on the four rubber feet, on a flat surface in front of you. Locate the perforated surface of the speaker grill on the top of PLEXTALK. Keep the feet downwards and rotate it until the speaker grill is furthest away from you.
  • Page 28 the right indicates when mains power is connected and the charging status. If the battery is charging, it will show a red light. When the battery is fully charged, it turns green. Just in front of the grill, but on the right hand side, there are 3 more LEDs which increase in size from left to right.
  • Page 29 key and the Pound/Hash key. The number 5 key has a small raised dot on it to help you locate it. Some of the keys have secondary functions and these are listed below: Number 2 = Arrow Up or Cancel Number 4 = Arrow Left or Move Back Number 5 = Navigation level guide Number 6 = Arrow Right or Move Forward...
  • Page 30 • Volume Down - used for decreasing the playback volume and the guide volume. • CD Eject - used for ejecting CDs. 6.3.2. Front face. On the front face of the unit are the CD and CF card slots. The CD slot is near to the top edge and extends almost the full width of PLEXTALK.

  • Page 31: Left Side

    6.3.3. Left side. On the left side of the unit there are 4 items of note. These are: In the recess nearest the front, from front to back, there are the headphone socket, the external microphone socket and the line in socket. All the sockets take a 3.5 millimetre diameter stereo jack plug.

  • Page 32: Right Side

    6.3.4. Back face. There are 2 items of note on the back face of the unit. Both are located, in a recess, towards the right side. Nearest to the back right corner, in a square shaped housing, is the USB cable connector. Just to the left of it is a small round hole (DC input terminal) which is the socket to take the AC power supply.
  • Page 33 6.3.6. Bottom surface. Carefully turn over PLEXTALK and place it face down on the flat surface, keeping the front of PLEXTALK towards you. Near to the front of the bottom surface should be a printed sticker with important information about your PLEXTALK including the serial number and date of manufacture.

  • Page 34: Inserting The Battery

    6.4. Inserting the battery. In order to insert or replace the battery, do the following: • With the unit face down on a flat surface, and the front of PLEXTALK towards you, remove the battery cover by pressing the 2 plastic clips firmly towards the rear and lifting the cover upwards.

  • Page 35: Connecting The Plextalk To The Mains For Charging

    • At one end of the battery you should find a small narrow notch in one of the edges. At the other end there should be a wider notch and a small, plastic tab that sticks out slightly. • Turn the battery so that the notches are facing downwards towards PLEXTALK and so that the large notch and plastic tab are pointing to the left.

  • Page 36: Turning Plextalk On And Off

    • Place PLEXTALK on a flat surface in front of you in the normal operating position described above. • Locate the AC adaptor and mains power cable that was supplied with your PLEXTALK. The AC adaptor consists of a rectangular transformer block with a fitted cable.
  • Page 37 • Push it towards the rear of PLEXTALK. You will hear musical tones that indicate that the unit is powering up. • Release the switch and it should return to a centre position. • After a short pause, PLEXTALK will either say "No disc", "Disc" or "Card"...

  • Page 38: Key Lock - Key Describer Function

    6.7. Key lock - key describer function. REMINDER: The Key Lock/Key Describer switch is located on the left side in the recess towards the rear of PLEXTALK. As its name implies, the Key Lock/Key Describer switch has 2 main purposes as follows: Firstly it can be used to lock the keys and controls so that they can't be accidentally operated.
  • Page 39 CAUTION: As the CD rotates at a high speed, do not stick any thick items, like Braille labels, onto the surface of the disc. REMINDER: The CD slot is the top slot on the front face of PLEXTALK. The centre of the slot can be located by feeling for the narrow dip on the top edge of this face.

  • Page 40: Inserting And Ejecting A Cf Card

    • If an Audio File CD is inserted, PLEXTALK will say "Audio File CD" followed by "Current album XX, total album YY" (where XX is the number of the current album and YY is the total number of albums on that CD). •...
  • Page 41 In order to insert a CF card, do the following: • You can insert a CF card into the CF card slot with PLEXTALK either on or off. • Locate the CF card slot under the CD slot. • Gently align the CF card with the slot and push it carefully in until it is fully home.

  • Page 42: The User's Guide (Daisy) Cd

    • Press it into PLEXTALK. As you do so, do not obstruct the CF card as it will move outwards from the card slot. • Carefully grip the CF card and pull it out of the slot. • Store the CF card in a safe place. 6.10.

  • Page 43: About The Plextalk Recording Software (Prs)

    • User's Guide in text format - this is a plain text version of the User's Guide. this version of the guide can be found in a folder on the User's Guide CD called "Manual". The file name is "PTR2 Users Guide.txt".
  • Page 44 Note: You cannot install PLEXTALK Recording Software unless the computer has recognised your PLEXTALK via the USB cable.

  • Page 45: Maintenance And Battery Care

    7. Maintenance and battery care. It is important that you look after your PLEXTALK properly from the outset to ensure that you do not cause accidental damage to PLEXTALK, the battery or the media. It is strongly recommended that you read this chapter carefully.

  • Page 46: Cd Care

    In order to maintain battery performance, the following procedure should be carried out every six months: • Fully charge the battery • Use on battery power until dead • Recharge for 24 Hours 7.3. CD care. You should note the following points when handling or cleaning your CDs : •...

  • Page 47: Quick Start Information

    8. Quick start information. This chapter is designed to give you information about using your PLEXTALK as a DAISY player and recorder. It outlines how to use PLEXTALK's functions but does not describe them in detail. The main sections in this Quick Start section relate to the basic controls, playing a DAISY title, recording a DAISY title, simple editing of the recording and finalising the CD.
  • Page 48 To adjust the playback volume, press the Volume Up key or Volume Down key until the required volume is reached. You can press and hold these keys down to change the volume quickly. To adjust the guide speech volume, press and hold down the Information key and then press the Volume Up or Volume Down keys until the desired volume is reached.

  • Page 49: Playing Daisy Cds

    Information key twice and follow the guide prompts. When finished, PLEXTALK will confirm the date and time you have set. Access the menu system by pressing the Menu key once. Use the Number 4 or 6 key to move through the options on a level and use the Number 8 key or the Enter key to select a menu option.
  • Page 50 You can switch from the disc to the CF card by using the Number 2 or 8 key to go to the "Selecting media" option and then use the Number 4 or 6 key to choose which media you wish to access. Jump back or forwards a phrase at a time, or move back or forwards by 5 second jumps, by pressing the Back or Forward key.

  • Page 51: Recording A Daisy Title

    You can use the bookmark feature with all types of media. There are 3 types of bookmark that you have control of: the simple bookmark, numbered bookmarks and voice bookmarks. There is only one simple bookmark for each title. Voice bookmarks are numbered bookmarks with an additional piece of recording associated with them.
  • Page 52 The built in microphone is handy because you do not require any additional hardware to make a recording, however, it can pick up some noise from the CD drive which may be heard in the recording. Recording to a CF card can reduce this problem significantly. An external microphone will generally give better quality recordings but you will need to purchase a microphone separately.
  • Page 53 you to set the variables yourself. The available recording modes are "Standard", "Music", "Analogue cassette", "Radio", "Conference" and "Custom". You can select a recording mode either before or after going into recording stand by. Before going into recording stand by, press the Menu key and then go to the "Recording setting"...

  • Page 54: Editing A Daisy Recording

    • Press the Record key again at any time and the recording will be paused. The LED in the Record key starts to flash again. • Restart recording by pressing the Record key again. The LED becomes a solid red light. •...
  • Page 55 After the recording is complete, to remove a heading or page code, go to the heading or page concerned and press the Heading or Page key three times as appropriate. PLEXTALK will ask you to confirm that you want to cancel the code.

  • Page 56: Finalising A Daisy Cd

    unless you first use the prepare to edit command. This command changes the CD back to the recorder format and allows you to edit the CD. If a CD has not been finalized, you can go ahead and edit it without using the Prepare to edit command.

  • Page 57: Introduction To The Menu System

    9. Introduction to the menu system. A number of the features of PLEXTALK are accessed through the built in menu system. This chapter aims to give you an understanding of how the menu is structured and how you access it. It is not essential to read it immediately but you will find that an understanding of the menu system is useful in many of the chapters that follow.

  • Page 58: Accessing And Navigating The Menu

    moment. For example, you will be unable to access the Edit menu when playing a commercial Music CD. NOTE: A complete listing of the structure of the menu system is given in Appendix B. In addition, each function is described in detail in the relevant sections of the guide.

  • Page 59: Getting Help When In The Menu System

    • To exit immediately from the menu system, from any level in the structure, press the Menu key. You do not need to go to the Main Menu level first. NOTE: Some of the menu options provide you with information that might be difficult to remember after hearing it once, for example, the system version number and PLEXTALK serial number.

  • Page 60: Setting Up Your Plextalk

    10. Setting up your PLEXTALK. There are several features of PLEXTALK which it are useful to set up before starting to use it. These can be done at any time but it is sensible to do them sooner rather than later. This chapter details how to set the internal clock and how to select your preferred waiting sound.

  • Page 61: Selecting The 12 Or 24 Hour Mode For The Internal Clock

    • The date and time should now be set correctly and PLEXTALK will automatically exit this feature. By way of confirmation, the date and time that you have just entered will then be spoken back to you. 10.2. Selecting the 12 or 24 hour mode for the internal clock.
  • Page 62 • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Select the waiting sound" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. PLEXTALK will speak the name of the currently selected waiting sound and will then play a sample of that sound. •...

  • Page 63: Playing Features Common To All Formats

    11. Playing features common to all formats. All the operations mentioned in this chapter apply equally to playing DAISY titles, Music CDs and Audio File CDs. Before progressing further it is important that these terms are clearly understood, in the context of this guide.

  • Page 64: Start And Stop Playback

    This is a particularly useful feature if you need to swap CDs or CF cards and then want to return to the first one, for example, if you are studying and need to refer to a variety of books. 11.2. Start and stop playback. To start or stop playback, do the following: REMINDER: The Play/Stop key is the blue trapezoidal shaped key with the recessed surface, located in the centre of the front edge of PLEXTALK.

  • Page 65: Changing The Guide Volume

    To decrease the playback volume, either press the Volume Down key repeatedly, decreasing the level by 1 setting for each press of the key, or press and hold the Volume Down key until the volume reaches the desired level. When PLEXTALK is not playing, each time you adjust the volume, it will beep and speak the volume level selected, for example, "Volume 16".

  • Page 66: Changing The Playback Speed

    To decrease the guide volume, press and hold down the Information key and then press the Volume Down key repeatedly until you reach the desired level. NOTE: When adjusting the guide volume, PLEXTALK behaves in the same way if it is playing or not playing except that playback is temporarily stopped as you make your adjustments.

  • Page 67: Changing The Audio Tone

    11.6. Changing the audio tone. REMINDER: The Tone Control switch is the middle switch, of the 3 switches in the recess at the front of the right side of PLEXTALK. There are 13 tone settings ranging from -6 to +6, which can be adjusted 1 level at a time.

  • Page 68: Selecting To Use The Cd Or Cf Card

    To use the Navigation Menu, do the following: • Assuming that you are not recording or already in the Main Menu system, use the Numbers 2 or 8 keys to move upwards or downwards. The items you hear spoken are the options available to you from the Navigation Menu, at that time.

  • Page 69: Moving To The Beginning Or End Of A Title Or Album

    • Use the Number 2 or 8 key to go to the "Selecting media" option on the Navigation menu. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to select either "Disc" or "Card". • As you move, if a disc or card is installed, PLEXTALK will announce the type of media in the drive you have selected.

  • Page 70: Jump Backwards Or Forwards By 5 Seconds

    To move to the end of a title or album, do the following: • Press the Heading key once. The guide speech will say "Go to heading", "Go to track" or "Go to file", depending on the type of data you are using. This will be followed by a verbal reminder that the Enter key can be pressed at this point to go to the beginning if you want.

  • Page 71: Fast Forward Or Fast Rewind

    • To jump forwards, press and release the Forward key. Each time you press the Forward key, the playing position will move forwards approximately 5 seconds. 11.11. Fast forward or fast rewind The fast rewind and fast forward features use the black, semi circular Back and Forward keys either side of the Play/Stop key.

  • Page 72: Getting Information About The Item Being Played

    • To jump backwards in 10 minute steps, press and hold down the Number 4 key. As you hold the key, PLEXTALK will announce "Minus 10 minutes", "Minus 20 minutes", "Minus 30 minutes" and so on. Release the key when you have gone back the required amount.

  • Page 73: Using Bookmarks

    11.14. Using bookmarks. Bookmarks are a very powerful way of enhancing the navigation options in a DAISY title, Music CD or in an Audio File CD or CF card. This section tells you about the types of bookmark available to you and how to insert, navigate and delete them.
  • Page 74 To find out information about the bookmarks in the current title, whether PLEXTALK is playing or not, do the following: • Press and hold down the Bookmark key. • The current bookmark number, the total number of bookmarks and the total number of voice bookmarks will be announced. NOTE: If there are no bookmarks in the current title or album, PLEXTALK will announce "Bookmark does not exist".
  • Page 75 overwrite the existing bookmark or the Cancel key to assign a different number. • When you have selected a valid number for your bookmark, PLEXTALK will confirm that the bookmark has been set. NOTE: PLEXTALK will not allow you to set a bookmark in the same position as an existing bookmark.
  • Page 76 NOTE: Resume bookmarks are inserted automatically by PLEXTALK when you move to a different title or album, or when you shut down the recorder. No action is required from you. 11.14.4. Navigating to bookmarks. This section tells you how to navigate to the various types of bookmark. To jump to the simple bookmark, whether PLEXTALK is playing or not, do the following: •...
  • Page 77 • Depending on the setting you have selected for the playback of voice bookmarks, the voice annotation that you previously recorded will either be heard at this time or not. NOTE: PLEXTALK will speak an error message if you try to go to a bookmark that does not exist.
  • Page 78 11.14.5. Clearing bookmarks. This section tells you how you can clear individual bookmarks or all the bookmarks in the current title or in every title. To clear the simple bookmark from the current title or album, do the following: • Press the Bookmark key 4 times. PLEXTALK will say "Clear bookmark".
  • Page 79 • PLEXTALK will ask you to confirm this action. If you wish to proceed, press the Enter key and PLEXTALK will say "Cleared". If you have changed your mind, press the Cancel key or the Menu key to exit the menu system entirely. NOTE: The procedure will only clear bookmarks in the current title or album and will not affect bookmarks in other titles or albums.

  • Page 80: Playing Daisy Titles

    12. Playing DAISY titles. This chapter covers additional features that can be used when you are playing a DAISY title from a CD or CF card. If you don't already have a DAISY CD or CF card in PLEXTALK, it will be useful to do this now. The User's Guide CD is a good choice as it contains many of the features discussed in this section.

  • Page 81: Getting

    REMINDER: The PTR2 recognises 4 categories of copyright status which are Master, Copy, DAISY or No copyright information. The announcement made by PLEXTALK will include one of these categories. NOTE: If the playing position is at the beginning or end of the title, because there is no audio at these locations, no copyright information or recorded audio will be heard.

  • Page 82: Heading Navigation

    To select a different title by moving through the available titles one at a time, do the following: • Use the Number 2 or 8 key to go to the "Total Titles" option on the Navigation Menu. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to move sequentially through the available titles.

  • Page 83: Page Navigation

    • When you have entered a valid heading number and pressed the Enter key, PLEXTALK will switch to the heading you selected and playback will start automatically. If you have entered an invalid heading number, the guide speech will speak an error message. To navigate headings sequentially, using heading levels, do the following: •...

  • Page 84: Group Navigation

    • When you have entered a valid page number and pressed the Enter key, PLEXTALK will switch to the page you selected and playback will start automatically. If you have entered an invalid page number, the guide speech will speak an error message. To navigate pages sequentially, do the following: •...
  • Page 85 Groups can only be navigated sequentially, however, in the menu system, you are able to specify whether you want PLEXTALK to go to groups only or to all headings as well as groups. The ability to navigate groups independent of other structure makes navigation quicker, whereas navigating groups with the headings, gives a better idea of where the groups are in the structure.

  • Page 86: Phrase Navigation

    12.7. Phrase navigation. REMINDER: Phrases are a DAISY navigation feature which are automatically created when the recording is made. A phrase is the piece of audio between one moment of silence and the next. As discussed in an earlier section, PLEXTALK enables you to specify whether you want the Back and Forward keys to function as phrase jump or 5 second jump keys.

  • Page 87: Selecting A Playback Mode

    12.8. Selecting a playback mode. You can select a number of different playback modes when using a DAISY title. The available options are as follows: • Standard play - this option is the factory default setting. It plays through the title and stops when finished. PLEXTALK will say "End of title".

  • Page 88: Playing Music Cds

    13. Playing Music CDs. This chapter covers features that are specific to playing Music CDs. There is a lot of similarity between these commands and the equivalent ones for DAISY titles, so you should find them simple to learn. Before continuing with this chapter, ensure that you have inserted a Music CD, so you can try out the features as you progress.

  • Page 89: Selecting A Playback Mode

    • Use the Number 2 or 8 key to go to the "Track" option on the Navigation Menu. • Press the Number 4 key to move backwards to the previous track. PLEXTALK will move back to the previous track and playback will start automatically.
  • Page 90 In order to select a playback mode, do the following: • Press the Menu key once to access the Main Menu. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Playing Settings" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. The currently selected playing mode will be spoken.

  • Page 91: Playing An Audio File Cd Or Cf Card

    14. Playing an Audio File CD or CF card. This chapter looks at issues relating to playing Audio File CDs and CF cards. In this guide, the term "audio files" refers to files that have been created using a PC or IC recorder. As previously mentioned, PLEXTALK is capable of recognising and playing audio files which are in any of the following file formats: Wave, MP3 or Ogg Vorbis.

  • Page 92: About Playing Sequences

    • WAVE Files - The Wave format is Microsoft's standard audio file format. PLEXTALK supports Wave files in PCM(Pulse Code Modulation) format only. • Ogg Vorbis Files - Ogg Vorbis is a free licensed audio compression format using bit rates from 45kbps to 320kbps. PLEXTALK supports all Ogg Vorbis bit rates.

  • Page 93: Restrictions On Audio Files

    In the above example, the playing sequence would be: E, F, G, H, B, C, D, A. 14.3. Restrictions on Audio Files. When creating an Audio File CD or CF card for use in your PLEXTALK, you should bear in mind the following restrictions: Restrictions on numbers of files and folders: •...

  • Page 94: Checking The Number Of Files And Albums

    14.4. Checking the number of files and albums. To check the number of files in the current album and the number of albums on the CD or CF card, do the following: Press and hold down the Heading key. The number of the current file, the total number of files, the number of the current album and the total number of albums will be spoken.

  • Page 95: Album Navigation

    start automatically. If there is no next file, PLEXTALK will go to the end and say "End of album". NOTE: When moving back a file at a time, if you allow the file to play for more than 3 seconds, the next time you move back a file, you will move to the start of the current file.

  • Page 96: Selecting A Playback Mode

    14.7. Selecting a playback mode. As for a DAISY title or a Music CD, when playing an Audio File CD or CF card, you can select a number of different playback modes. The available options are as follows: • Standard play - this option is the factory default setting. It plays through the current album and stops when finished.
  • Page 97 NOTE: When you select a playback mode, it will remain the default playback mode until you change it again, even if the unit is turned off and back on.

  • Page 98: Power Management Features

    15. Power management features. Now that you have learned how to use your PLEXTALK for playback operations, there are several features related to power management that you may find helpful to know about. PLEXTALK will warn you when the battery charge is becoming low. It also has an automatic power off function a sleep timer and the ability to power itself on at specified times.

  • Page 99: Compulsory Power Off Function

    NOTE: PLEXTALK will not automatically shut down if it is running on mains power. 15.3. Compulsory power off function. If for any reason, PLEXTALK will not shut down or you are not able to navigate with any keys, you can try using the compulsory power off function, as an alternative to removing the battery.

  • Page 100: Power On Timer Function

    15.4.2. Cancelling the sleep timer. To cancel the sleep timer, do the following: • Press the Information key once. PLEXTALK will tell you that the sleep timer is currently on and the number of minutes remaining before shut down. It will then tell you to enter a number or to press 0 if you wish to cancel the setting.
  • Page 101 • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Power on timer" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to select either "Power on timer 1" or "Power on timer 2".
  • Page 102 NOTE: Deactivating the power on timer will stop it from switching on PLEXTALK at the specified time but the time setting is not erased. 15.5.4. Changing the power on timer time If you wish to change the time that a power on timer is set for, do the following: •...
  • Page 103 • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Power on timer" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to select either "Power on timer 1" or "Power on timer 2"...

  • Page 104: General Information About Recording

    16. General information about recording. PLEXTALK enables you to record live during lectures or conferences, and from other media such as cassette tapes, CDs, television or radio. This chapter gives you general information that applies to all recordings made with PLEXTALK. Features that are specific to recording DAISY titles or Music CDs, are described in Chapter 17 and Chapter 18 respectively.

  • Page 105: Recording Media

    • External Microphone (Optional). Dynamic microphones and plug-in, power stereo microphones can be used. Select any suitable microphone that uses a 3.5 millimetre diameter mini jack plug. For further information, refer to the section called "Recommended Microphones" in Appendix A. CAUTION: When a condenser microphone is used, it must be plug-in power compatible and must be used correctly, otherwise, it may get damaged.
  • Page 106 With either of these types of CD, when using PLEXTALK, additional audio can be added to the disc until it is full. Use of PLEXTALK's editing functions to cut sections of the recording, will not free up space on either type of disc, it only makes those pieces of audio 'invisible' to the listener.

  • Page 107: Inserting A Blank Cd Or Cf Card

    You can erase a CF card in PLEXTALK or in a PC if you have a suitable card reader. Caution: Whenever you erase a CF card using a PC, make sure you select "FAT-16" or “FAT-32”. 16.3. Inserting a blank CD or CF card. In order to start any recording, you will need to insert a suitable CD or CF card into PLEXTALK.
  • Page 108 • This indicates that the DAISY title has been created on the disc and that PLEXTALK has automatically gone into the recording stand by state. It also indicates that the recording level will be set using the automatic gain control (AGC). •...

  • Page 109: Getting Information About Your Cd Or Cf Card

    When you insert a blank Music CD-R or CD-RW disc, the following happens: PLEXTALK will say "Digital audio recordable disk. Push Record key". This indicates that PLEXTALK has recognised that the CD is a recordable Music CD and that it is ready to record in digital audio format. Now push the Record key.

  • Page 110: General Recording Tips

    NOTE: Some of the information may not be spoken depending on the status of your CD or CF card. For example, if you have inserted a finalised disc, because there is no available space on the disc, this information will not be given.

  • Page 111: Muting The Guide Speech When Recording

    16.6. Muting the guide speech when recording. For best quality recordings, it is recommended that you mute the internal guide speech when you are recording through the internal microphone or through an external microphone. This is to avoid the guide speech being heard in your final recording.

  • Page 112: Connecting And Selecting An Input Source

    16.7. Connecting and selecting an input source. REMINDER: The headphone, external microphone and line in sockets are all located in the front most recess on the left side of PLEXTALK. From front to back they are Headphone socket, external microphone socket and line in socket.
  • Page 113 Using the audio cable supplied, connect one end to the headphone socket on the device from which you want to record and the other end to the line in socket on PLEXTALK. PLEXTALK will say "Input line in". CAUTION: When you connect from the line output of a CD player to PLEXTALK's Line Input socket, the recorded sound may sometimes be distorted, even if you adjust the recording level.

  • Page 114: Setting The Recording Level

    NOTE: When selecting your preferred input source, you will only be able to select from sources that are connected at that time. If you have connected to the external microphone socket and the line in socket, your choices will be "Built in microphone", "External microphone" and "Line in". 16.8.
  • Page 115 • Set the automatic gain control to "Off", using the method detailed above. This means that you have enabled manual setting of the recording level. The recording level can be set in the range 0 to 20 in steps of 1. •...

  • Page 116: About Recording Modes And Sound Quality

    16.9. About recording modes and sound quality. Whatever type of recording you are making, PLEXTALK gives you the ability to select from a number of recording modes. For DAISY recording there are 6 options and for recording Music CDs, there are only 2 options. The recording modes for DAISY recording are: Standard, Music, Analogue cassette, Radio, Conference and Custom.

  • Page 117: Turning The Recording Monitor On And Off

    place at this time. The red LED in the Record key will flash on and off constantly. During recording, audio input is being recorded to disc or CF card. You can adjust the recording level but cannot adjust the recording mode or sound quality setting.
  • Page 118 • If required, connect a set of stereo headphones to the headphone socket on the left side of PLEXTALK. (See the note below) • Press the Bookmark key once to turn the recording monitor off. • Press the Bookmark key again to turn the recording monitor on. •...

  • Page 119: Creating A Daisy Title

    17. Creating a DAISY title. In Chapter 16, you learned how to set up your PLEXTALK for recording, how to set the recording levels and how to make a basic recording. This chapter gives you all the additional information that you need to create a DAISY title including recording, editing the recording and finalising the CD for use in other devices.

  • Page 120: Technical Data About Recording Modes And Sound Qualities

    17.2. Technical data about recording modes and sound qualities. This section gives you further information about the available recording modes and sound quality settings. It details the parameters that are used with each of the recording modes and lists the available recording times for each of the sound quality settings.

  • Page 121: Recording Mode Settings

    17.2.2. Recording mode settings. Each recording mode has predetermined settings for the following 5 parameters: • Auto section setting - PLEXTALK can be set to automatically create a new section, in a DAISY recording, after a specified amount of time with no audio input, for example 2 seconds. Use the setting "No setting"...
  • Page 122 Background noise level of input sound: Low (-40 dB) Record speed setting: Normal speed • Analogue Cassette mode Auto section setting: 4 seconds Time to auto stop recording when no sound: 1 minute Timing of start recording: When detect the sound Background noise level of input sound: Normal (-28 dB) Record speed setting: Normal speed •...
  • Page 123 Record speed setting can be set to "Normal speed" or "Double speed". NOTE: The settings for the Standard, Music, Analogue cassette, Radio and Conference modes cannot be changed. The settings for the Custom mode can be changed to suit your requirements. NOTE: When recording with the built in microphone, the "Background noise"...

  • Page 124: Selecting A Recording Mode And Sound Quality Setting

    • MP3 64 k mono CD-R or CD-RW, Type 74, 650MB: 20 hours CD-R or CD-RW, Type 80, 700MB: 22 hours CF card, 64MB: 2 hours CF card, 256MB: 8 hours CF card, 1GB: 35 hours • MP3 32 k mono CD-R or CD-RW, Type 74, 650MB: 40 hours CD-R or CD-RW, Type 80, 700MB: 45 hours CF card, 64MB: 4 hours...
  • Page 125 • Press the Menu key once to access the Main Menu. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Recording settings" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Select recording mode" option and select it by pressing the Enter key.
  • Page 126 NOTE: In both the situations above, the option you select will remain the default setting until you change it in the future. The factory default settings vary depending on the recording mode selected. 17.3.2. Selecting the Custom recording mode. When you select the Custom recording mode, you have to specify what settings you want for each of the 5 recording parameters.

  • Page 127: Checking The Recording Level During Recording

    • When you have made this last selection, PLEXTALK will confirm that the settings have been set. It will then exit the menu system and return you to the status you started the process from. NOTE: As for the preset recording modes, selecting the Custom recording mode can be carried out either before or after going into recording stand NOTE: The Custom mode will remain the default recording mode until you change it again.

  • Page 128: Editing Heading And Page Markers During Recording

    In recording stand by, press and hold down the Information key. PLEXTALK will say "Level monitor" followed by the available recording time on the CD or CF card. In recording pause mode, press and hold down the Information key . PLEXTALK will say "Pause"...

  • Page 129: Editing Heading And Page Markers After Recording

    To set a page marker during recording, press the Page key once. PLEXTALK will say "Page XX". The new page marker will be set immediately. To set a heading when recording is paused, press the Heading key once. PLEXTALK will say "Heading XX". The heading will be inserted when recording recommences.
  • Page 130 • PLEXTALK will then ask you to adjust the heading position by using your Number 4 or 6 key. • Use these keys to move the heading position backwards or forwards by 0.1 second increments. • When you are happy that the heading is positioned where you want it, press the Enter key to finish the process.
  • Page 131 17.7.3. Setting a page. To set a page marker after completing the recording, do the following: • Navigate through your recording to the approximate location where you wish to set the page marker. • During playback or when the playback is stopped, press the Page key twice.

  • Page 132: Editing A Daisy Recording From The Menu

    • PLEXTALK will confirm that the page has been cancelled by saying "Cancelled page XX" (where "XX" is the number of the page that has just been cancelled). NOTE: Remaining page markers will be renumbered automatically. from the beginning 17.8. Editing a DAISY recording from the menu. The Edit menu in PLEXTALK operates in a similar way to the Edit menu on a PC.
  • Page 133 • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Edit" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Save editing information" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. •...
  • Page 134 If you do not wish to save the recording in any of its rolled back conditions, simply eject and reinsert the CD and it will be returned to the condition it was in before you executed any of the "Search for edited information in the disc"...
  • Page 135 • Press the Menu key once to access the Main Menu. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Edit" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Cut section" option and select it by pressing the Enter key.
  • Page 136 • Press the Menu key once to access the Main Menu. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Edit" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Copy section" option and select it by pressing the Enter key.
  • Page 137 • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Edit" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Paste section" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. •...
  • Page 138 • PLEXTALK will then ask you to confirm that you wish to proceed. Press the Enter key to confirm or the Cancel key to abort. • If you press the Enter key, PLEXTALK will join the selected sections together and confirm it by saying "Finished". NOTE: As you are moving through the sections, PLEXTALK will speak the heading numbers.

  • Page 139: Editing Preparation

    17.9. Editing preparation. If you wish to do additional recording or edit a DAISY title, on a CD disc that has been finalised, you need to prepare the CD for editing with the "Editing preparation" function. To prepare a finalised CD for further recording or editing, do the following: •...

  • Page 140: Erasing A Title

    • If you press the Enter key, PLEXTALK will create a new title, switch to the new title and confirm it by saying "Finished" followed by the number of the new title and the total number of titles. 17.11. Erasing a title. PLEXTALK enables you to delete titles on a CD or CF card.
  • Page 141 • "No additional recording and editing" - You cannot add any additional recording after finalisation. • "Additional recording and editing enabled" - You can add additional recording to your CD by first performing the "Prepare to edit" command. To perform the finalisation process, do the following: Press the Menu key once to access the Main Menu.

  • Page 142: Creating A Music Cd

    18. Creating a Music CD. In Chapter 16, you learned how to set up your PLEXTALK for recording, how to set the recording levels and how to make a basic recording. This chapter gives you all the additional information that you need to create a Music CD including recording and finalising the CD for use in other devices.

  • Page 143: Principles For Recording In Music Cd Format

    18.2. Principles for recording in Music CD format. When recording in Music CD format, always keep the following principles in mind: • You can only record Music CD format to digital audio recordable CDs. • PLEXTALK cannot record in Music CD format on a CF card. •...
  • Page 144 • Background noise level of input sound - If you are recording in a low noise environment, such as a studio, use the "low" setting. If your recording environment is noisy, such as a conference or lecture, use the "High" setting. •...

  • Page 145: Selecting A Recording Mode

    • CD-R or CD-RW, 700MB, Type 80: 80 minutes approximately. 18.4. Selecting a recording mode. You can select a recording mode either before or after going into recording stand by. Both methods are explained below, though they are very similar in detail. 18.4.1.
  • Page 146 NOTE: In both the situations above, the option you select will remain the default setting until you change it in the future. 18.4.2. Selecting the Music Custom recording mode. When you select the Custom recording mode, you have to specify what settings you want for each of the 4 recording parameters.

  • Page 147: Getting Recording Information

    18.5. Getting recording information. In any of the 3 recording states, you can get information about the current status of the recording as follows: In recording stand by, press and hold down the Information key. PLEXTALK will say "Level monitor" followed by the available recording time on the CD.

  • Page 148: Finalising A Music Cd

    To set a track when recording is paused, press the Heading key once. PLEXTALK will say "Track XX". The track will be inserted when recording recommences. Whilst still in recording pause, you can cancel the track by pressing the Heading key a second time. PLEXTALK will say "Cancel track XX". CAUTION: When you try to create track that are shorter than 2 seconds long, a warning alarm will be heard and the track number will be placed in the recording.
  • Page 149 • PLEXTALK will then ask you to confirm that you wish to continue. Press the Enter key to start CD finalisation or the Cancel key to abort the process. • You can check the progress of the finalisation process by pressing any key on PLEXTALK, at any time.

  • Page 150: Book Creator Mode

    19. Book Creator mode. As mentioned earlier, your PLEXTALK has 2 main modes of operation, namely Normal mode and Book Creator mode. Book Creator mode gives you additional functionality and enables you to further edit and structure your DAISY recordings. So far in this guide, all the features described are available in Normal mode.

  • Page 151: Differences Between Normal Mode And Book Creator Mode

    19.2. Differences between Normal mode and Book Creator mode. This section details the differences between Normal mode and Book Creator mode for the functions concerned. The main differences are as follows: • The factory default setting for the "Moving behaviour for forward and back"...

  • Page 152: Differences When Playing A Daisy Title

    • In Book Creator mode, you can edit the recording at phrase level. In Normal mode, you can only edit at section level. • Book Creator mode allows you to set and cancel groups. This is not possible in Normal mode. •...

  • Page 153: Differences When Recording A Daisy Title

    NOTE: Pressing the Play/Stop key in Editing play mode will only play the current phrase. If you wish to listen to the recording normally, you need to switch to Standard play mode. 19.3.3. Switching playing mode. In Book Creator mode, you can use the Number 3 Key to switch between standard play and your selected play mode.
  • Page 154 19.4.1. Differences in recording and sound quality settings. In Book Creator mode, the additional recording parameter called “Split phrase setting when no sound” is added. This enables PLEXTALK to create a new phrase after a specified time with no audio input. There are 5 available settings to choose from.
  • Page 155 19.4.3. Insert recording. Insert recording enables you to insert new audio at any point in your existing recording. All existing audio is preserved and will not be overwritten or erased. To use the Insert recording method, do the following: • Press the Number 1 key until PLEXTALK says "Insert". •...
  • Page 156 • Press the Record key once. PLEXTALK will ask you to select the first phrase that you want to cut from the recording. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to move to the first phrase you want to cut and select it by pressing the Enter key.

  • Page 157: Differences When Editing A Daisy Title

    NOTE: The overwrite will replace all audio from the phrase played onwards, including the phrase itself. NOTE: Overwrite will not be available if you accidentally press the Play/Stop key rather than pausing the recording. 19.5. Differences when editing a DAISY title. This section describes the editing features that are added when you use Book Creator mode.
  • Page 158 NOTE: You are not able to cut parts of phrases. If you wish to cut a part of a phrase, you must first split the phrase into smaller parts and then cut the required parts of the original phrase. NOTE: If the cut phrase contains a page or heading, cutting it deletes that page or heading and renumbers subsequent pages and headings automatically.
  • Page 159 19.5.3. Pasting phrases. Having cut or copied phrases to the audio clipboard, you can then paste them back into the current title recording at another location. To paste phrases that have previously been cut or copied, do the following: • Press the Menu key once to access the Main Menu. •...
  • Page 160 • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to move through the recording by phrases until you are at the phrase you wish to split and select it by pressing the Enter key. • PLEXTALK will then ask you to press the Enter key to select the splitting position and will play the selected phrase repeatedly.
  • Page 161 NOTE: You can only join phrases that were sequential in the original recording. You cannot join a phrase with another which has been cut or copied from another part of the DAISY title. 19.5.6. Setting and cancelling a group marker. Book Creator mode enables you to set and cancel group markers in your DAISY title, either during or after the recording.
  • Page 162 NOTE: You may find it easier to accurately place your group marker on a specific phrase by using the Editing play rather than Standard play mode. 19.5.7. Setting section levels. Book Creator mode enables you to specify a navigation level for each section in your DAISY title.

  • Page 163: Media Management Features

    20. Media management features. Having learned how to create your DAISY title or Music CD, it is important that you are able to manage your media properly. PLEXTALK enables you to backup your data, erase discs and CF cards and erase unwanted audio files.
  • Page 164 • When the backup source is in DAISY format with multiple titles, you cannot backup all the titles at once. You must Backup one title at a time. NOTE: A 64MB CF card has been included with your PLEXTALK, however, if you wish to purchase an additional CF card, you should refer to the section called "Recommended CF cards"...
  • Page 165 20.1.3. Backup a DAISY title from a CF card to a CD. To backup a DAISY title from a CF card to a CD-R or CD-RW disc, do the following: • Insert a CD-R or CD-RW disc with sufficient free space. •...

  • Page 166: Backing Up Music Cds

    20.1.4. Backup time for a DAISY CD. Backing up a CD, of approximately 600MB capacity, from CD to CF card will take around 25 minutes. Backing up 600MB of data from CF card to CD will take approximately 30 minutes. 20.2.
  • Page 167 • When backing up from a Music CD to a CF card, you can select a recording format from "PCM Stereo", "MP3 256kbps" or “MP3 128kbps”. If you select "PCM Stereo", you will get the same quality as the Music CD format, but you will use a large amount of the capacity of the CF card E.g.
  • Page 168 • If there are already one or more DAISY titles on the destination CF card, you can now select from "Backup to new title" or any of the existing title numbers. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to your preferred choice of backup location and select it by pressing the Enter key.

  • Page 169: Erasing Cd-Rw Discs

    NOTE: When backing up to Music CD format, PLEXTALK will automatically insert a silence of approximately 2 seconds between tracks. 20.2.3. Backup time for a Music CD. For the range of available sample rates or bit rates, the approximates are given below: backup times •...

  • Page 170: Erasing A Cf Card

    • If you press the Enter key, PLEXTALK will ask you to confirm that you wish to continue with the erasing process. Press the Enter key again to continue or the Cancel key to abort. • If you choose to continue, the erasing process will start. When the process is complete, PLEXTALK will say "Finished".

  • Page 171: Erasing Unnecessary Audio Files In A Daisy Title

    20.5. Erasing unnecessary audio files in a DAISY title. You can erase any unnecessary audio files from a DAISY title on a CF card or CD disc. In the case of a CF card, unnecessary audio files are erased physically. In the case of a CD-R or CD-RW disc, unnecessary audio files are erased virtually.

  • Page 172: Using Plextalk As A Cd Or Memory Card Drive

    21. Using PLEXTALK as a CD or memory card drive. You can connect PLEXTALK to a PC using the Universal Serial Bus (USB) 1.1 interface to use it as an external CD-R/CD-RW drive or as an external memory card drive. The factory default setting is for PLEXTALK to be used as an external CD-R/CD-RW drive.

  • Page 173: Plextalk's Capabilities When Connected As An External Cd Drive

    • Transfer recorded data from a CF card and edit it using the PLEXTALK Recording Software (PRS). • Transfer audio files, in Mp3, Ogg Vorbis or Wave formats, from a PC to a CF card, and listen to them using PLEXTALK. NOTE: To use PLEXTALK as an external memory card drive, your PC's operating system must be Windows ME, 2000 or XP.

  • Page 174: Connecting Plextalk To A Pc As An External Drive

    • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to choose between "CD drive" and "Card drive" and select your choice by pressing the Enter key. • PLEXTALK will confirm that this has been done by saying "Set". If you have altered the setting, it will automatically restart after this. CAUTION: When you use PLEXTALK as an external CD-R/CD-RW drive or memory card drive, it is recommended that you use the AC adaptor and connect it to a mains supply.
  • Page 175 NOTE: When PLEXTALK is connected as an external memory card drive, it will only become listed, as a removable disc in "My Computer" and "windows Explorer", when the CF card is inserted. NOTE: As soon as PLEXTALK recognises the connection to the PC, it becomes an external drive for the PC and loses all its player and recorder functionality.
  • Page 176 • On your PC, when you see a dialogue box that asks you to install the USB Storage Adaptor, click "Next". • Ensure that the option "Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended)" is checked, then click "Next". •...
  • Page 177 • You will then see a dialogue for installing the "USB ATA or ATAPI Mass Storage driver". Click "Next" to begin installing the driver. • Ensure that the option "Search for the best driver for your device (Recommended)" is checked, then click "Next".
  • Page 178 • A dialogue box asking for the location of the driver will appear. Check the "Specify search location" check box and browse to the location where the User's Guide CD is located (E.g. "D:/Driver" or "E:/Driver"), and then click "Next". •...
  • Page 179 NOTE: As soon as PLEXTALK recognises the connection to the PC, it becomes an external drive for the PC and loses all its player and recorder functionality. 21.4.3. Making sure PLEXTALK is recognized. After installation, you should make sure that PLEXTALK has been recognized by your PC.

  • Page 180: Disconnecting Plextalk From A Pc

    • In Windows XP or 2000, right-click on the "My Computer" icon and select "Properties". Click on the "Hardware" tab, and then click on the "Device Manager" key. Click the + sign next to the CD-ROM heading and make sure you find the "MATSHITA CD-RW CW-8124 USB Device"...
  • Page 181 21.5.1. Disconnecting from a PC. • Make sure that PLEXTALK and the PC are connected via the USB connection and that both are turned ON. • Left click the "USB" or "Remove Hardware" icon located in the Task Tray at the lower right of the PC screen. •...
  • Page 182 In Windows Me, the message box ("The ‘USB CD-ROM G: ‘ device can now be safely removed from the system. ") will appear,then click "OK". In Windows 2000, the message box ("The ‘USB Mass Storage Device ‘device can now be safely removed from the system. ") will appear,then click “OK”.
  • Page 183 CAUTION: Generally speaking, "If it's not broken, don't fix it" applies here. If everything works with PLEXTALK's driver and controller installed, you probably don't need to remove it. To remove PLEXTALK's controller and driver from a Windows 98 Second Edition PC, do the following: •...

  • Page 184: Using Plextalk's Notepad And Calculator Functions

    22. Using PLEXTALK's notepad and calculator functions. In addition to using PLEXTALK as a player and as a recorder, you are able to use it as a notepad and simple calculator. This chapter details how to use these 2 utilities. 22.1.
  • Page 185 The Information key is used to set a date and time for a voice note and to specify the frequency with which it should occur. The Heading key is used to turn the reminder function On or Off. The Page key is used to delete unwanted voice notes. The Bookmark key is used to export voice notes to a CD or CF card.
  • Page 186 • Go into the notepad as detailed above. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to move sequentially through the existing voice notes. Voice notes will be played automatically as you move to them. If you are at the beginning or end of the list of existing voice notes, a high pitched beep will be heard.
  • Page 187 • Use the Number Pad to enter the required year for the voice note with 4 digits. Press the Enter key to confirm your entry or the Cancel key to enter the information again. • When you have confirmed your entry, PLEXTALK will ask you to enter the time with 4 digits.
  • Page 188 22.1.6. Setting a recurring alarm option. PLEXTALK allows you to set a number of recurrence options for a voice note. The options are: • Yearly - the voice note will be played every year on the same date and at the same time. •...
  • Page 189 22.1.7. Backing up voice notes to CD or CF card. If you wish to clear space in PLEXTALK's memory or you wish to be able to access your voice notes in DAISY format, you can export this information from the notepad to either CD or to a CF card. You can do this as follows: •...

  • Page 190: Using The Calculator

    • If you press the Enter key, the voice notes will be erased and the relevant memory space will be cleared. PLEXTALK will confirm that the operation has been successful by saying "erased". NOTE: If you erase all voice notes, PLEXTALK will also say "No notepad" after erasing the last note.
  • Page 191 The Play/Stop key can be used to check the currently entered number or the end result. 22.2.3. Entering a calculation. The operation of the calculator is very simple. In outline, enter a number, followed by an operator, followed by a number, and so on until all the required calculation has been entered.

  • Page 192: Other Useful Features

    23. Other useful features. This chapter details how to check the system properties, how to reset the unit back to factory defaults and how to manage the PLEXTALK memory. 23.1. Checking system properties. In the event of requiring to contact local agent, you may be required to quote the system version and/or the PLEXTALK serial number.

  • Page 193: Factory Default Settings

    23.2.1. Factory default settings. The following is a list of all the default settings for the PLEXTALK PTR2. If the "Clear all settings" function is used, all these settings will be reset to the values listed. Volume: 10 Guide volume: 10 Speed: Normal Tone: Normal Recording level: 10...

  • Page 194: Managing Ptr2 Memory

    • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Control panel" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. • Use the Number 4 or 6 key to go to the "Clear all settings" option and select it by pressing the Enter key. •...
  • Page 195 NOTE: The total available memory in all settings is 30 minutes. NOTE: As you move through the available options, you will increase one setting by 5 minutes and decrease the other setting by 5 minutes.

  • Page 196: Appendix A - Main Specifications

    Appendix A - Main specifications. NOTE: Shinano Kenshi reserves the right to modify the products specification at any time without prior notice. Main Specifications. This section details the main specifications for the PLEXTALK PTR2. Loading system: • Slot insertion Compatible CDs: •...
  • Page 197 • MP3 16kbps Mono Audio input and output: • Headphone terminal (Stereo) • Line input terminal (Stereo) • External microphone terminal (Stereo) • Build in microphone (Monaural) • Build in speaker (Monaural) Externally connected terminal: • USB1.1, type B CF card slot: •...
  • Page 198 • Jack 3.5mm diameter stereo mini jack External Microphone: • Input impedance 2.2k ohm unbalanced • Jack 3.5mm diameter stereo mini jack Line Input: • Input impedance 20k ohm unbalanced • Jack 3.5mm diameter stereo mini jack Build In Speaker: •...
  • Page 199 Play speed adjustment: • 11 settings from -2, through 0, to +8 (in increments of 1). • Normal speed is at 0. • -2 is 0.5 times speed, +4 is double speed, +8 triple speed. Tone adjustment: • 13 settings from -6, through 0, to +6 (in increments of 1) •...
  • Page 200 Operating time: (NOTE: All times are approximate) • DAISY format, CD recording, 2.5 hours • DAISY format, CD playing, 6 hours • DAISY format, CF card recording, 8 hours • DAISY format, CF card playing, 8 hours • DAISY format, Micro drive recording, 7 hours •...
  • Page 201 • Rewriting speed High Speed CD-RW 8 times CLV (see note below) • Multi Speed CD-RW 4 times CLV NOTE: At the USB1.1 interface, the actual value is about 5X or 6X speed. Burst read or write: • 12Mbps (USB1.1) Access time: •...
  • Page 202 Recommended CD-R/CD-RW as of Feb. 2006 The following types of CD-R and CD-RW discs are recommended for the purposes indicated: For DAISY recording: • Data CD-R: Verbatim, TDK, TAIYO YUDEN or Maxell. • Data CD-RW Verbatim, Ricoh (Multi speed or High speed). For Music recording: •...
  • Page 203 Options as of Feb. 2006 The following item can be purchased as an accessory for your PLEXTALK PTR2: Lithium ion battery pack, 013-6537901, 2200 mAh...

  • Page 204: Appendix B - Menu Hierarchy

    Appendix B - Menu hierarchy. This appendix lists all menu items in the Main Menu along with their corresponding sub menu hierarchy. In order to help you quickly find items when using the electronic file versions of this User's Guide, the following convention has been used: •...
  • Page 205 [Enter key] Paste phrase: Are you sure? [Enter key] Finished +Split phrase (Book creator mode only) [Enter key] Select the phrase. [Enter key] Press enter key to select the position to split. [Enter key] Split phrase: Are you sure? Adjust the position by 4 and 6 key. [Enter key] Finished +Join phrase (Book creator mode only) [Enter key] Select the phrase.
  • Page 206 +Create new title [Enter key] Create new title: Are you sure? [Enter key] Finished. +Erase selecting title [Enter key] Erase selecting title: Are you sure? [Enter key] Finished >BACKUP (CD-DA to CF card when CD selected) +Back up the selected album -PCM 44.1kHz stereo [Enter key] Back up the selected album: Are you sure? [Enter key] Finished.
  • Page 207 -MP3 128k stereo [Enter key] Back up the selected track to title XX: Are you sure? [Enter key] Finished >BACKUP (DAISY format CD to CF card when CD selected) [Enter key] Back up desired title from disc to card: Are you sure? [Enter key] Finished >BACKUP (CF card to disc when CF card selected) +DAISY Format...
  • Page 208 30 seconds 1 minute 2 minutes 3 minutes 4 minutes 5 minutes <Change the record speed setting Normal speed Double speed +Switch over the guidance while recording Guidance on Guidance off +Select input device Build-in microphone External microphone Line in >RECORDING SETTING (when inserting and selecting data CD or card) +Select recording mode -Standard...
  • Page 209 MP3 32k mono MP3 16k mono <Auto section setting No setting. 1 second 2 seconds 3 seconds 4 seconds 5 seconds <Time to auto stop recording when no sound No setting 30 seconds 1 minute 2 minutes 3 minutes 4 minutes 5 minutes <Timing of start recording When push record key...
  • Page 210 **NOTE: If you select “PCM 44.1KHz stereo”, "MP3 256k stereo” or “MP3 128k stereo” as the sound quality, you will be unable to record at double speed. >PLAYING SETTING (when DAISY title is selected) Standard play Repeat between bookmarks Repeat section Repeat title Repeat all titles Repeat random...
  • Page 211 >POWER ON TIMER +Power on timer 1 -(When Power on timer is not set.) [Enter key] Input time with 4 digits [Enter key] Set -(When Power on timer is already set.) <Switch the timer whether on or off Activate[Enter key] Set Deactivate[Enter key] Set <Setting time of day [Enter key] Input time with 4 digits...
  • Page 212 Input time with 4 digits [Heading key] +Reminder [Page key] +Select erase notepad Erase selected notepad Erase all previous notepads. Erase all notepads. [Bookmark key] +Export into DAISY -Select target media. Disc Card >CALCULATOR Addition (Plus): Information Key Subtraction (Minus): Heading Key Multiplication (Multiply): Page Key Division (Divided by): Bookmark Key Equal: Enter Key...
  • Page 213 +Select the waiting sound Waiting sound 1 Waiting sound 2 No waiting sound +Switch over the 12 or 24 hours setting 12 hours 24 hours +Allocation of the memory Voice bookmark: 30 minutes. Notepad: 0 minutes. Voice bookmark: 25 minutes. Notepad: 5 minutes. Voice bookmark: 20 minutes.

  • Page 214: Appendix C - Trouble Shooting

    Appendix C - Trouble shooting. Symptoms and solutions. Symptom: You turn on the Power Switch, but the power does not come Possible cause 1: Loose power cord or AC adaptor. Solution: Firmly reinsert the mains power cable into the outlet and the AC adaptor and ensure that the mains plug is firmly inserted.
  • Page 215 Possible cause 2: Writing failed while in progress. Solution: Use the "Search for edited information in the disc" feature to try to recover recording data. For further detail refer to Section 17.8.2. Possible cause 3: The CD is blank. Solution: Make your recording and then play it back or eject the CD and use a different CD.
  • Page 216 Solution: Insert a CD-DA, DAISY title, or an Audio File CD. Possible cause 2: The inserted CD is upside down. Solution: Eject the CD and reinsert it the right way up. Possible cause 3: A writing error has occurred on the CD. Solution: Use the "Search for edited information in the disc"...
  • Page 217 Solution: Select "Bookmark" with the Number 2 or 8 Key, and then move back or forward with the Number 4 or 6 Key. Voice Guide: Read error. Possible cause: Title can't be played back. Solution: Press the Number 4 or 6 key to select an alternative title. Errors during Music CD or Audio File CD playback.
  • Page 218 Voice Guide: Page does not exist. Solution: Specify a valid page. Press and hold down the Page key to get information about the pages in the current title. Then press the Page key once and enter a valid page number to go to. Solution: Select "Page"...
  • Page 219 Errors during backup. Voice Guide: " Unrecordable and uneditable on this CD " Possible cause: You are trying to backup to an unrecordable disc. Solution: Insert a blank CD-R or CD-RW disc. Errors when using the notepad. Voice Guide: "Not enough space available." Possible cause: Not enough memory for recording a new voice note.
  • Page 220 Voice Guide: "Unerasable disc." Possible cause: The inserted CD is not a CD-RW disc. Solution: You are unable to erase a CD unless it is a CD-RW type disc. Troubleshooting when using PLEXTALK as a CD-R or CD-RW Drive. Symptom: Drive does not work. Possible cause 1: The USB cable is not connected correctly.
  • Page 221 Symptom: Traces of writing are visible on the recording surface despite the fact that the data on the CD-RW has been erased. Possible cause: This is not a problem. Solution: Once a CD-RW is written, there are traces of the writing, even if it is erased.
  • Page 222 Symptom: There is some noise when reading. Possible cause 1: A bad quality disc has been inserted. Solution: Use a different disc. Possible cause 2: A sticker has been placed onto the surface of the CD. Solution: Strip the sticker from the surface. Be careful not to scratch the CD when you do this.

  • Page 223: Appendix D - Glossary

    Appendix D - Glossary. Audio type CD-R or CD-RW disc. When a CD-R or CD-RW disc is intended for use as an audio disc, an audio application code is recorded onto the blank disc during manufacture. This identification code makes it possible to differentiate between audio/music type CD-R or CD-RW and PC type CD-R or CD-RW media.
  • Page 224 CD formats. A CD format is a way of writing information to a CD-R or CD-RW disc. PLEXTALK is compatible with the following formats: CD-DA, CD-ROM Mode 1, Mix Mode CD, CD-ROM XA Mode 2, Video CD, CD Extra and CD TEXT.
  • Page 225 micro drive are called CF cards. When moving about with your PLEXTALK, it is recommended that you use a compact flash card, and not a micro drive, because it is susceptible to vibrations and shocks. Microdrives are ideal when you are not carrying PLEXTALK about. Complete erase.
  • Page 226 Erasing modes. This refers to a modes for erasing data from a CD-RW disc. The erasing mode for PLEXTALK is complete erase mode. Quick erase mode is not applicable with PLEXTALK. Erase modes are only used with CD-RW media. External microphone. With PLEXTALK, you can record by connecting a variety of commercially available external microphones.
  • Page 227 sub sections in the recording. When the structure has been created, the user can bypass information that they do not wish to read at that time. Line in or line Input. This refers to an audio input from sound equipment to the Line in socket on the PLEXTALK.
  • Page 228 Multi-volume disc. This is a DAISY title CD in which one book is recorded on multiple CDs. Indexing can move by headings, pages, bookmarks, etc., spanning across discs. Packet writing. This is a CD Writing mode. In this mode you write in packets. This writing mode includes sequential and random writing (CD-RW only) and has the advantage that buffer under-run is not common.
  • Page 229 SCMS. This stands for Serial Copy Management System, and is a standard for recording. This standard regulates the copying of digital signals between digital audio devices. In essence, a copy can be made but copies of those copies are not permitted. During digital recording, PLEXTALK constantly verifies the SCMS status track by track.
  • Page 230 Time to auto stop recording when no sound. When there is silence in the input sound for a specified time, recording is stopped automatically. Timing of start recording. PLEXTALK contains a setting for specifying when recording is to start. Depending on this setting, recording starts either when you press the Record Key or when input audio is detected.
  • Page 231 extract CD (CD-audio) tracks and write them to the hard disk as a Wave file. Always ensure that you have enough space on your hard drive when extracting songs from a CD to Wave files. For example, a 4 minutes song, when written as a Wave file, takes about 40-50 MB.

  • Page 232: Index

    Index 12 or 24 hour setting......................62 Album ..................68,69,70,90,95,96,97,168 Audio file ........................92,94 Automatic gain control (AGC) ..........24,54,109,110,115,224 Automatic power off......................99 Back key ......................71,72,87,157 Backup................... 58,92,99,105,164,170 Battery ......................18,20,35,46,99 Book creator mode ..................22,56,120,151 Bookmark ........................17,74 Build-in microphone ...................105,198 Calculator ....................58,185,191,192 Cancel previous editing................
  • Page 233 Glossary..........................224 Group......................16,85,162,227 Guide volume ......................30,66 Heading ..............15,29,55,81,83,129,130,148,227 Information key ................29,61,100,128,148 Insert recording ....................156,227 Joining phrases......................161 Joining sections ......................138 Key describer function .................... 32,39 Key lock......................... 32,39 Line in ....................32,106,113,199,228 Managing memory.......................195 Memory card drive ............173,174,175,176,181,202 Menu........................58,59,60,133 Menu hierarchy......................205 Mic in ...........................
  • Page 234 Reset to factory defaults.................... 193 Saving editing information ..................133 Searching for edited information................134 Section..................15,16,135,136,137,138 Section level ........................163 Simple bookmark ..................74,75,77,78 Sleep timer......................100,101 Specification........................197 Splitting phrases......................160 Switch the USB destination ..................174 System properties ......................193 Time jump ..........................72 Tone..........................33,49,68 Track ..........................

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