Shinano Kenshi Releases Plextalk Firware Upgrade

Shinano Kenshi, a maker of digital talking book players, has released new firmware for the its Plextalk PTN2 DAISY player with real book navigation. The new firmware upgrade, Version 3.00 for the PTN2, is available now for free download at the company’s Plextalk Web site.

The Plextalk PTN2 features DAISY structure navigation-levels, bookmarks and headings in a rugged unit that is designed for ease of use, accessibility, and durability for those who are visually impaired or learning disabled—in business, education, or at leisure. Other features include CD, SD and USB media selection, a built-in, high-quality speaker, 10-keys for complex navigation for professional or school textbook reading, sleep-timer, rechargeable eight-hour battery, and a mask cover that presents simple navigation keys for leisure reading.

Features in the new PTN2 downloadable firmware upgrade include text navigation of DAISY content by screen, line, paragraph, sentence, word, and character; content support for PDTB2 NLS, RFB&D, Serotek, Bookshare.org and Audible.com; text support of Microsoft.doc; and support of unprotected WMA. The firmware upgrade also includes text navigation on plain text, HTML content by header level 1 to 6, screen, and line; improved sound quality for MP3 backup from CD-DA; quick response of key navigation; and improved text content playback. Other new options include the ability to select a title by category after pressing the title key followed by the up/down keys, automatic bookmark numbering, audio file name/album name announcement, direct title selection by numeric key, and changing of voice message order during title selection.

“The Plextalk PTN2 DAISY player is a high-quality rugged media player with a host of new applications and features to support complete accessibility for people who are visually impaired or learning disabled,” said Deana Valdez, North American sales and marketing manager. “The new PTN2 firmware upgrade: Version 3.00 allows users to experience more reading freedom and self reliance.”