Electronic formats
In recent years, with the explosion of the internet and digital file sharing, there has been an increase in the use of audio files rather than hard copy formats such as cassette tapes and CDs. Many audio files are downloaded, stored and listened to on computers, or transferred to portable listening devices for audio on the move.
There are a variety of different formats in which audio information can be stored, each having their own advantages and disadvantages depending on the applications being used. Here we will consider the pros and cons of different formats for use with spoken audio, as a means of accessing information for blind and partially sighted people.
MP3
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Developed by the Moving Pictures Expert Group (MPEG)
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Compresses audio - quality/file size trade off
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Can store additional info such as track names/artists
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Enables easy navigation - jumping between tracks
WAV
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Waveform Audio Format
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Large audio file size
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Good uncompressed audio quality
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Stores data in chunks
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Suitable for access via a computer - not suitable for CDs
WMA
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Windows Media Audio
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Proprietary format - part of the Windows media framework
DAISY
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Digital Accessible Information SYstem
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Designed with accessibility in mind
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Enables multimedia/multi format presentations
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Ease of navigation
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Utilises MP3 audio compression
DAISY files are designed to be accessible to everyone, and therefore have many features.
DAISY files are often distributed on CD (for example, Talking Books), and have the following advantages:
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Navigation: the DAISY structure allows users to navigate easily through sections, including different levels such as chapter, page, section or paragraph
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Multi-format: text, audio and images can be brought together in the one presentation
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Access: depending on the player used to access the DAISY material and how the material has been produced, readers can listen to the audio and view the synchronised text together
Blind and partially sighted people and electronic formats
Blind and partially sighted users will enjoy the same benefits as anyone else from electronic formats, namely the flexibility to listen to audio on a range of devices, and to quickly download files rather than waiting for hard copy.
There may be challenges for blind and partially sighted users in terms of the accessibility of digital audio players (for example, some feature very small buttons, or digital displays which may not be accessible). However, progression in technology means there are already mainstream audio players which "speak", using synthetic speech, meaning blind and partially sighted users can access some of the latest gadgets along with their peers.
It must be recognised that some blind or partially sighted people may not be confident in using new technology, therefore support and training may be required in order for them to feel comfortable with the move from analogue to digital audio.