[access-uk] Re: talking digital media centre
- From: "Andrew Hodgson" <andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sun, 14 May 2006 14:22:47 +0100
Hi Ray,
Regarding the Linux point, it doesn't really matter what the unit is
developed on, and I can see why Portset choose the platform - specificly
support from the manufacturer of the digital card they use, the fact
that the speech synth is written for Windows and probably general
programming experience in that OS.
The Netgem products are run on a special Linux kurnel, however, they
designed the hardware themselves, and are probably in a much better
position to do the initial groundwork - being a larger company and will
get the research costs back quicker - than Portset are.
Andrew.
-----Original Message-----
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Ray's Home
Sent: 14 May 2006 10:04
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] Re: talking digital media centre
It is a valuable initiative that Portset have undertaken but I do find
myself
wondering if they are really on the right track.
I know there are a minority of blind users who are determined to stay
out of
the licence fee, VAT etc. Not sure if all of them want to forgo audio
description though, albeit that's probably another subject.
From a development standpoint, surely including the ability to receive
the
picture, as well as the sound, would increase its appeal considerably
across
the VI community. Being able to see what's happening for service people
would
be a decided advantage too.
If Portset cannot get it right in the manufacture of this unit then
maybe they
should sell on the development work to someone who can?
In anycase, I feel an all-round media centre aimed at our needs
embracing all
likely uses including digital text, audio description, DAISY, MP3
internet
connectivity for radio and in the future, downloading of audio books
from RNIB
or whereever, would be a development project well worth considering,
worthy of
investment through larger charities, government etc. No reason why the
fruits
of such a development couldn't be picked up on and distributed by
private
enterprise.
From Andrew's kpost I'm reminded the Portset uses embedded MS Windows.
Given
that the Tivo or whatever its called now uses Linux, I believe, wouldn't
that
maybe have been a better choice? Especially regarding licencing costs?
Ray
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