Humanware Victor Reader Classic + User manual

Victor Reader Classic +
by Humanware

1.Getting Started Session with Victor Reader
Classic +
Hi, and welcome to Victor Reader Classic +, your new digital talking book player. Victor
Reader Classic + was designed to play highly structured books, such as reference works
and text books, as well as for leisure reading. Compact, portable and sturdy, Victor Reader
Classic + goes anywhere with you, with rechargeable batteries and built-in carrying handle.
The first time you use Victor Reader, you should connect the unit to a power outlet even if it’s
equipped with the optional rechargeable batteries. The batteries may have lost power during
shipping even though they were charged before leaving the factory. You will find out if your
Victor Reader is equipped with rechargeable batteries if it works when disconnected after 30
minutes of connection to a power outlet.
To connect to a power outlet, plug one end of the power cord provided in the jack located on the
far right side of the unit and the other end in an electrical outlet. Please note that you can use
Victor Reader while charging the batteries.
The box you just opened contains the following items: A Victor Reader Classic +, an AC/DC
adapter with power cord or a wall plug-in, a plastic bag containing documentation and the CD
you are currently listening to, containing a Getting Started session followed by the User’s Guide.
This introductory session will give step-by-step instructions and the basic information needed in
order to use Victor Reader correctly. First you'll hear a physical description of the unit. Then we'll
introduce Victor Reader easy-to-use features.
This introduction is not a complete training session but the User’s Guide provided on this CD will
help you with specific information about Victor Reader’s operation, as you need it.
Before we begin, note that you can interrupt this session at any time by simply pressing the
Play/Stop key, which is located at the bottom centre of the face, between the Rewind and Fast-
Forward keys. When you're ready to continue the session, simply press the Play/Stop key again.
We're now ready to start the session.
First, here is a physical description of Victor Reader Classic +. Have the unit positioned in front
of you so that you can explore it.
A large carrying handle, for easy transport, is located on the left side. A built-in speaker is located
on the upper left corner of the face.
On the top center of the face, are three groups of two up and down buttons. From left to right,
these are the Tone, Volume and Speed keys.
Beneath the Tone, Volume and Speed buttons, around the centre of the unit, you’ll find a 3 by 4
matrix of keys called the Numeric keys that will allow you to move from page to page, from

chapter to chapter or from section to section and that will allow you to do things such as entering
a page number.
To the left of the twelve Numeric keys, about midway down the unit, are two more keys. The
upper one is the Go-to-Page key and the lower one is the Bookmark key. The Go-to-Page key
allows you to go directly to a desired page. The Bookmark key inserts bookmarks to save
important pages or paragraphs for future reference. Notice that underneath the bookmark key,
there is an oval-shaped form. This is not a button but rather the Daisy logo, which is displayed on
the unit.
Beneath the twelve Numeric keys you’ll find, from left to right, the Rewind, Play/Stop and Fast
Forward keys.
To the right of these, and slightly up, you’ll find two more keys. The upper one, which curves in
slightly, is the Power key and beneath it is the Eject key, used to eject CDs from the drive slot.
On the right side of the unit, from back to front, you will find the power input, used to connect the
unit to a power outlet, a line jack, a remote jack (identified by three lines, two lines and a single
line) and, near the front is a jack used to connect earphones or external speakers.
On the front side of the unit you'll find the CD-ROM slot drive.
This completes the physical description. Now let's see how easy it is to use the features.
To insert and play a new book
Turn on Victor Reader by pressing and holding the power key, which is located above the
eject key on the face of the unit. You’ll hear a beep and a Welcome message.
A CD containing a book is usually stored in a plastic case. Open the plastic case and remove
the CD without touching the faces of the CD.
Insert your CD in the slot, which is located on the front side of the unit. Gently push the CD
forward. The drive mechanism will take over and automatically finish inserting the CD. After
a few seconds, Victor Reader will announce the title of the book and, after a beep, will
automatically start reading the book. If you accidentally insert a CD upside down, it will eject
automatically within 15 seconds without damage.
You can adjust the Tone, Volume and Speed to suit you by pressing the buttons up or down.
The Tone, Volume and Speed controls are located on the top centre of the face from left to
right.
To move back or forward at high speed in the book, press and hold the Rewind or Fast-
Forward key until you reach the desired spot, then release it. You’ll then automatically return
to normal play speed.
To pause a reading session
Simply press the Play/Stop key. To resume reading where you left off, press the Play/Stop
key again. Note that if your unit is not connected to a power outlet, and if it stays in pause
mode for more than 30 minutes, it will shut off automatically to save batteries.

To end a reading session
To end a reading session, simply turn the unit off by pressing and holding the power key.
You’ll hear two beeps. Victor Reader will automatically remember where you left off in the
book for your next reading session.
To start a new reading session
To start a new reading session in the same book, turn on your Victor Reader by pressing the
power key. After a few seconds, you’ll hear the title of the book, a beep and reading will start
automatically where you left off in your last reading session.
To eject a CD
To eject a CD, simply press the eject key. Victor Reader will say Eject and after a few seconds
the motorized mechanism will gently slide the CD out of the drive.
And that's it! Now you know more about how to use Victor Reader. To learn about all the
features in detail, please refer to the following User’s Guide. This will enable you to use the
talking book player to its full potential. For example, you’ll learn how to skip from page to page
or from chapter to chapter and so on.
We've come to the end of the Getting Started session. VisuAide wishes you many enjoyable
hours of reading, as you get to know Victor Reader Classic + better. The User’s Guide will
automatically start in a few seconds.

User’s Guide

About Victor Reader Classic +
VisuAide is proud to introduce Victor Reader Classic +, the powerful
digital talking book player.
As you'll see, Victor Reader Classic + offers you all the technological power of the new
generation of talking books. Victor Reader Classic + was designed to play highly
structured books, such as reference works and text books, as well as for leisure reading. It
allows you to easily navigate within the book structure and quickly go to desired
information.
Using the Victor Reader Classic + you will be able to navigate intuitively through a book
structure. Whether within a page or from section to section, Victor Reader offers a range
of possibilities. You can consult the table of contents, go to a section that interests you, or
return to a bookmark, all with simple functions.
Knowledge has never been so accessible to the blind.
We wish you many pleasant hours discovering all the facets of our digital talking book
player!
Acknowledgement
VisuAide wishes to thank the Canadian National Institute for the Blind Library for
recording the Victor Reader Classic + Getting Started and User's Guide.
©Copyright 2003. All rights reserved, VisuAide Inc.
This manual is protected by copyright belonging to VisuAide Inc., with all rights
reserved. According to copyright law, the manual may not be copied in whole or in part,
without written consent from VisuAide Inc.

Table of Contents
1. OVERVIEW OF VICTOR READER CLASSIC +........................................................................... 1
1.1. UNPACKING THE UNIT..................................................................................................................... 1
1.2. PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION OF VICTOR READER CLASSIC +................................................................. 2
1.2.1. The Face of the Unit............................................................................................................... 2
1.2.2. The Left Side of the Unit......................................................................................................... 3
1.2.3. The Right Side of the Unit....................................................................................................... 3
1.2.4. The Front Side of the Unit...................................................................................................... 3
1.3. POWERING ON VICTOR READER...................................................................................................... 3
1.4. INSERTING OR EJECTING A CD......................................................................................................... 3
2. BASIC FUNCTIONS ........................................................................................................................... 4
2.1. PLAY –STOP ................................................................................................................................... 4
2.2. REWIND AND FAST FORWARD......................................................................................................... 4
2.3. KEY DESCRIPTION........................................................................................................................... 4
3. CONTROL KEY FUNCTIONS.......................................................................................................... 5
3.1. ADJUSTING THE TONE ..................................................................................................................... 5
3.2. ADJUSTING THE VOLUME ................................................................................................................ 5
3.3. ADJUSTING THE SPEED.................................................................................................................... 5
4. NUMERIC KEY FUNCTIONS .......................................................................................................... 6
4.1. DESCRIPTION OF KEYS .................................................................................................................... 6
4.2. NAVIGATION KEYS.......................................................................................................................... 7
4.3. SELECTING A NAVIGATION ELEMENT —KEYS 2AND 8................................................................... 7
4.4. BACKWARD OR FORWARD AN ELEMENT —KEYS 4AND 6 .............................................................. 7
4.5. BOOKSHELF —KEY 1 ..................................................................................................................... 8
4.6. HISTORY —KEY 3 .......................................................................................................................... 8
4.7. WHERE AM I?—KEY 5.................................................................................................................. 8
4.8. SLEEP MODE KEY —KEY 9............................................................................................................ 9
4.9. CONFIRM AND CANCEL — THE #AND *KEYS................................................................................ 9
4.10. INFO — KEY 0................................................................................................................................ 9
4.10.1. Available Information Items................................................................................................... 9
5. ADVANCED FUNCTIONS................................................................................................................11
5.1. GO-TO-PAGE ..................................................................................................................................11
5.2. BOOKMARKS ..................................................................................................................................11
5.2.1. Going to a Bookmark.............................................................................................................11
5.2.2. Inserting a Bookmark ............................................................................................................11
5.2.3. Bookmark List........................................................................................................................12
5.2.4. Removing a Bookmark...........................................................................................................12
6. LISTENING TO A MUSIC OR MP3 CD.........................................................................................13
7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS....................................................................................................14

1
1.Overview of Victor Reader Classic +
1.1. Unpacking the Unit
You should find the following items in Victor Reader Classic +’s package:
Victor Reader Classic +, the digital talking book player.
An AC/DC adapter with power cord or a wall plug-in.
A plastic bag containing documentation and a CD, which contains the User’s
Guide preceded by a Getting Started session.
Though VisuAide has carefully checked over Victor Reader and its accessories, please
make sure that you have received all the items mentioned and that none have been
damaged in shipping.
Please note that before using Victor Reader for the first time, you need to connect the unit
to a power outlet even if it’s equipped with the optional rechargeable batteries. The
batteries may have lost power during shipping even though they were charged before
leaving the factory. If the batteries are completely discharged, it will take 8 to 10 hours to
charge them fully. Please note that you can use your Victor Reader while charging the
batteries. You will find out if your Victor Reader is equipped with rechargeable batteries
if it works when disconnected after 30 minutes of connection to a power outlet.
If any of the above mentioned items is missing in the package, please contact VisuAide:
Telephone: [phone]
Toll free number (Canada & USA): 1 888-723-7273
Fax: [phone]
E-Mail: [email protected]
Web site: www.visuaide.com

2
1.2.Physical Description of Victor Reader Classic +
1.2.1. The Face of the Unit
The built-in speaker is located on the upper left corner of the face. The
speaker provides high quality sound.
On the top centre of the face, are three groups of two up and down buttons. From
left to right, these are the Tone, Volume and Speed keys.
Beneath the Tone, Volume and Speed controls, you’ll find the twelve
Numeric keys that will allow you to easily move through the structure of a
book.
To the left of the twelve Numeric keys, midway down the unit, are two more
keys. The upper one is the Go-to-Page key that allows you to go directly to a
desired page.
The second key is the Bookmark key. This lets you insert a bookmark to save
your place. Notice that underneath the Bookmark key, there is an oval-shaped
form. This is not a button but rather the Daisy logo, which is displayed on the
unit.
Beneath the twelve Numeric keys you’ll find the: Rewind, Play/Stop and Fast-
Forward keys.
To the right of these, and slightly up, you’ll find two more keys. The upper one,
which curves in slightly, is the Power key and beneath it is the Eject key, used to eject
CDs from the drive slot.

3
1.2.2. The Left Side of the Unit
On the left side of the unit you’ll find the built-in handle.
1.2.3. The Right Side of the Unit
On the right side of the unit, from back to front, you will find the power input
(identified with 3 lines) used to connect the unit to an electrical outlet, a line
jack (identified with 2 lines), a remote jack (identified with a single line) and,
near the front is a jack used to connect earphones or external speakers.
1.2.4. The Front Side of the Unit
On the front side of the unit you’ll find the CD-ROM drive slot. Please note
that if you accidentally insert a CD upside down it will eject automatically
within 15 seconds without damage.
1.3. Powering On Victor Reader
Powering on Victor Reader is simple:
a) To turn the unit on, press and hold the Power key, which is the slightly inward
curving button to the right of the twelve Numeric keys.
b) You’ll hear a beep and a welcome message.
c) To turn the unit off, press and hold the power key again. You’ll hear two
beeps.
1.4. Inserting or ejecting a CD
Insert your CD in the slot located on the front side of the unit. Then gently push the
CD forward. A motorized mechanism will automatically slide the CD in the drive.
After a few seconds, Victor Reader will announce the title of the book and after a
beep will automatically start reading the book. If you accidentally insert a CD upside
down, it will eject automatically within 15 seconds without damage.
To eject a CD, simply press the Eject key, located to the right of, and slightly up
from, the Fast Forward key. A motorized mechanism will gently eject the CD from
the drive. Once Victor Reader has finished ejecting the CD, remove it and return it to
its case.
Note: The Eject key only works after Victor Reader is turned on and you have
heard the message “Welcome to Victor Reader Classic”.

4
2.Basic Functions
2.1. Play – Stop
The Play/Stop key allows you to start or stop playing a book.
a) To start playing a book, press the Play/Stop key.
b) To stop playing a book, press the Play/Stop key again.
2.2. Rewind and Fast Forward
These keys allow you to go backward or forward quickly. You'll then hear the
recording at a faster rate of speed.
Press and hold the Rewind or Fast Forward key until you reach the desired
spot, then release it. You’ll then automatically return to normal play speed.
2.3. Key Description
With this feature, the user can hear the function associated with each of Victor
Reader Classic +'s keys. This is especially helpful when learning to use the unit,
or as a memory aid.
Procedure:
a) Make sure you don’t have any CD in the Victor Reader Classic +. If there is
a CD in the player, please use the Eject key to eject it.
b) Press a key to hear its function. If you press Tone Up, Tone Down, Volume
Up, Volume Down, Speed Up, Speed Down, Power or Info key, the actual
function of the key will be performed. If you press any other key, you will
hear the key function followed by “NO DISC”.

5
3.Control Key Functions
Tone, Volume and Speed have default levels at startup. Here’s how to adjust the levels.
3.1. Adjusting the Tone
To adjust the tone, press the Tone Up key or Tone Down key.
To set the tone at the default level, press the Tone Up key or Tone Down key
until you hear a beeping sound.
3.2. Adjusting the Volume
To raise or lower the volume, press the Volume Up key or Volume Down
key.
3.3. Adjusting the Speed
To increase or reduce speed, press the Speed Up key or Speed Down key.
To set the Speed at the default level, press the Speed Up key or Speed Down
key until you hear a beeping sound.

6
4.Numeric Key Functions
4.1.Description of Keys
Line one : 1: Bookshelf 2: Navigation Element 3: History
Line two : 4: Back 5: Where am I? 6: Forward
Line three : 7: Inactive 8: Navigation Element 9: Sleep
Line four : *: Cancel 0: Info #: Confirm
8
Navigation
Element
6
Forward
2
Navigation
Element
4
Back
#
Confirm
*
Cancel
0
Info
9
Sleep
7
Inactive
5
Where am I ?
3
History
1
Bookshelf

7
4.2.Navigation Keys
As you'll note, the 2, 4, 6 and 8 keys are arrow shaped. These keys operate navigation
functions and allow you to easily go from one structural element to another to quickly
find desired information.
Victor Reader Classic + allows you to navigate by chapter, section, page, paragraph, or
any other existing indexed element defined by the producer of the book.
First, choose a navigation element (chapter, page, etc.), using the 2 and 8 keys. Then use
the 4 and 6 keys to move from the selected element to another of the same category.
4.3.Selecting a Navigation Element —Keys 2 and 8
Victor Reader Classic + gives you a complete list of a book's available navigation
elements as you use it. The list is arranged by hierarchy, with navigation elements such
as chapters or sections listed first. Then text elements such as page, paragraph and
sentence (if indexed) are listed. To hear the list and select a navigation element, use keys
2 and 8.
Press Key 2 or Key 8 until you hear the desired element. The last element
spoken is the one selected.
4.4.Backward or Forward an Element —Keys 4 and 6
Keys 4 and 6 allow you to move forward or backward relative to the current element (see
section 4.3).
Press Key 4 to move backward an element, or press Key 6 to move forward.
You'll use these keys a lot.
Note : You can change the navigation element at any time using Key 2 or Key 8.
8
Navigation
Element
6
Forward
2
Navigation
Element
4
Back

8
4.5.Bookshelf — Key 1
Pressing the 1 Key accesses the bookshelf. Victor Reader Classic + then gives you the
number and title of the current book. Keys 4 and 6 allow you to move from title to title
to choose the book you want. Confirm the choice with the # Key. Victor Reader Classic
+ will start to play from where you left off at the last session, or from the beginning of the
book if it's your first session with it.
When you cancel an operation in progress using the * Key, Victor Reader Classic +
returns you to where you were before entering the cancelled operation.
Procedure:
a) Press the Bookshelf Key, Key 1 of the numeric keypad.
b) Press the 4 Key or the 6 Key to move from one book to the next.
c) When you hear the title of the book you want, press the # Key to confirm your
choice.
d) To cancel the current operation, press the * Key.
4.6.History — Key 3
Pressing Key 3 allows you to quickly return to places you have recently been. Victor
Reader Classic + memorizes up to a maximum of the last 5 places. Regardless of the
element involved (navigation to a page, bookmark), Victor Reader Classic + will record
the movements and list them on demand. The history is erased when you change the
book.
Procedure:
a) Press the History Key, Key 3 of the numeric keypad.
b) Press Key 4 or Key 6 to move from one element to the next. Each time you
press the key, you'll hear the history level and page number and play will
begin.
c) When you reach the desired element, press the # Key to confirm your choice.
d) To cancel the operation in progress, press the * Key. Victor Reader Classic +
will return to the previous operation.
4.7.Where am I ? — Key 5
The Where am I ? Key lets you know where you are at any time. Victor Reader Classic
+ will say the page and the navigation element level, followed by the title of the current
section.
Press Where am I ?, Key 5 of the numeric keypad.

9
4.8.Sleep Mode Key — Key 9
The Sleep Mode Key lets you program a delay period, after which the unit will shut
down automatically. The maximum delay is 60 minutes.
Procedure :
a) Press once the Sleep Mode Key, Key 9 of the numeric keypad. Victor Reader
Classic + will say the delay time before shut-down or that the function is not
active.
b) Press the Sleep Mode Key again to program a shutdown delay of 15 minutes.
Each additional time you press the key, Victor Reader Classic + will add
another 15 minutes, up to a maximum total of 60 minutes. After that, pressing
the Sleep Mode Key starts the cycle over.
Note: If you wait more than 10 seconds before pressing the 9 Key, Victor Reader
Classic + automatically returns to the start of the cycle.
4.9.Confirm and Cancel — The # and * Keys
The pound (#) Key allows you to confirm an operation. The star (*) Key allows you to
cancel an operation.
4.10. Info — Key 0
The Info Key gives direct access to various items of information. There are two ways to
access the desired information.
Procedure (1):
Press the Info Key, Key 0 of the numeric keypad. Victor Reader Classic +
will list all the available items.
Procedure (2):
a) Press the Info Key, Key 0 of the numeric keypad.
b) Press Key 4 or Key 6 of the numeric keypad to move from one item to
another.
c) To cancel an operation in progress, press the * Key.
4.10.1. Available Information Items
⇒Number of pages and total time.
Victor Reader Classic + says the number of pages and total play time of
the book.

10
⇒Time elapsed and time remaining.
Indicates play time up to the current position in the current book and the
play time remaining.
⇒Bookmarks
Says how many bookmarks are placed in the current book.
⇒CD ROM
Says how many books are contained and available on the current CD.
⇒Battery Condition
Says if the unit is operating on battery power or AC/DC adapter. Also
tells if the battery pack is being recharged.
⇒About Victor Reader Classic +
Gives the software program version number, serial number, and
information concerning the VisuAide company or the distributor
company.

11
5.Advanced Functions
5.1.Go-to-Page
The Go-to-Page function allows you to go directly to a desired page.
Procedure :
a) Press the Go-to-Page Key, the upper one in the left column.
b) Enter a page number on the numeric keypad.
c) Press the # Key. You'll hear the number of the page reached. Or press the
play key to have Victor Reader Classic + start play from the chosen page
automatically.
d) To cancel an operation in progress, press the * Key.
5.2.Bookmarks
Bookmarks allow you to return to a place quickly and easily. You can place a virtually
unlimited number of bookmarks in the same book.
The Bookmark Key lets you insert and return to bookmarks, hear them listed or remove
them.
5.2.1. Going to a Bookmark
Procedure :
a) Press the Bookmark Key, the second key in the left column, once or until you
hear ‘go to bookmark’.
b) Enter on the numeric keypad the number of the bookmark you wish to go to.
c) Press the # Key. Victor Reader Classic + will go to the bookmark and say its
number. Or, press the Play Key. Victor Reader Classic + will go to the
requested bookmark and begin play automatically.
d) To cancel an operation in progress, press the * Key.
5.2.2. Inserting a Bookmark
Procedure :
a) Press the Bookmark Key, the second key in the left column, twice or until
you hear ‘insert bookmark’.
b) Enter on the numeric keypad the number you wish to assign to the Bookmark.
c) Press the # Key to confirm. The bookmark will be stored in memory.
d) To cancel an operation in progress, press the * Key.

12
Note : If you confirm without entering a number, Victor Reader Classic + will
assign one for you. You can also access this function by holding the Bookmark
Key down instead of pressing it twice.
5.2.3. Bookmark List
Procedure :
a) Press the Bookmark Key, the second key in the left column, 3 times or until
you hear ‘bookmark list’.
b) Press Key 4 or Key 6 to go from one bookmark to the next. Each time you
press the key, you'll hear the number of the next bookmark and play will
begin.
c) Press the # Key to confirm the current position and continue play.
d) Press the * Key to quit the Bookmark list. The function will be cancelled and
Victor Reader Classic + will return to the previous operation.
5.2.4. Removing a Bookmark
Procedure :
a) Press the Bookmark Key, the second key in the left column, 4 times or until
you hear ‘remove bookmark’.
b) Enter the number of the Bookmark you wish to remove.
c) Press the # Key to confirm. If the number does not exist, Victor Reader
Classic + will say an error message. The function will be cancelled
automatically and Victor Reader Classic + will return to the previous
operation.
d) To cancel an operation in progress, press the * Key.
Note : To remove all the Bookmarks currently placed in a book, first press the
Bookmark Key 4 times or until you hear ‘remove bookmark’, then press Key 9 of
the numeric keypad 5 times. Then press the # Key to confirm.

13
6.Listening to a Music or MP3 CD
Victor Reader Classic + is not only a talking book player. You can also play standard
audio CDs and MP3 CDs, using the same features already described, allowing you to
listen to your favourite music in addition to written works.
In the following list, you'll find the features available for playing a music CD.
Functions :
Page Key — this key lets you go directly to a specific track (see section 5.1.)
Key 1— allows access to the list of tracks available on a music CD (see section 4.5)
Keys 4 and 6 — allow you to move from track to track. (see section 4.4)
Functions associated with the following keys are the same as for a book.
Bookmark Key — (see section 5.2.)
Info Key, Key 0 of the numeric keypad — (see section 4.10.)
History Key, Key 3 of the numeric keypad.— (see section 4.6.)
Rewind and Fast Forward Keys— (see section 2.2)
Tone Key - (see section 3.1)
Speed Key – (see section 3.2)
Volume Key – (see section 3.3)