Retirement of WMA Downloadable-Format Audiobooks: Effective May 1, 2012, WMA-forma audiobooks will no longer be orderable or downloadable. Find out how this change affects your playback options.
General
Players
Smartphones (iOS, Android, BlackBerry)
e-Readers
MP3 Players
Software
Ordering
Troubleshooting
Maintenance
Software
General
Q: Why does Learning Ally record in specialized formats?
A: Learning Ally records in specialized formats to comply with US copyright law and to protect the intellectual property of the publishers whose works we make available in accessible format. US Copyright law allows us to duplicate titles provided we offer them in specialized formats, and only to a qualified population. In our case, that population includes people with documented disabilities, such as a learning disability, visual impairment or other physical disability.
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Q: What equipment do I need to play these digital audiobooks?
A: You have 3 options for playback equipment:
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Q: Why do I need specialized equipment to listen to Learning Ally's audiobooks?
A: The audiobooks you receive from Learning Ally are not like the standard CDs or MP3s you play on your stereo at home or in your car. Learning Ally produces CDs and downloadable audio textbooks that are protected from distribution to the public and that are only available to registered Learning Ally members who have provided proof of disability. If you choose to listen to DAISY books, you'll need a specially equipped CD player or software. Learning Ally offers for sale a selection of portable and desktop players and CD-reading software for students, teachers and professionals to use in the classroom, office or at home.
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Players
Smartphones (iOS, Android, BlackBerry)
Q: Can I play Learning Ally audiobooks on my iPad (or iPod touch or iPhone)?
A: Yes, Downloadable DAISY books can play on the Learning Ally Audio App which is available for purchase from the iTunes store. For more information visit www.LearningAlly.org/apple.
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Q: Does the Learning Ally Audio App play on Android or BlackBerry mobile devices?
A: No, not at this time. Our Learning Ally Audio App only plays on Apple iOS (iPhone, iPad and iPod touch) platforms.
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e-Readers
Q: Can I play my Learning Ally audiobooks on a Kindle, Kindle Fire, Nook or Sony Reader?
A: We recognize that products such as the Kindle, Kindle Fire, Nook and Sony Reader are increasingly popular, at the present time Learning Ally books are encrypted audio-only formats for specialized players. Browse Learning Ally supported products.
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MP3 Players
Q: Can I play audiobooks on my iPod? What about my Microsoft Zune®?
A: Our Learning Ally Audio App for iOS can play Learning Ally audiobooks on iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. To buy the app, visit www.LearningAlly.org/apple.
Learning Ally audiobooks are not playable on the Microsoft Zune.
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Software
Q: Are Learning Ally audiobooks compatible with the Kurzweil reading system?
A: No. Learning Ally audiobooks are encrypted and will not play on any of the Kurzweil systems.
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Ordering
Q: How do I place an order for playback equipment?
A: Members can order online by logging in to their account. You may browse the product catalog without logging in, but you must log in to place any orders. You can purchase equipment online using a valid credit card on our secure site. Schools and agencies can submit purchase order information for payment. Payments by check or money order must be mailed to us.
You can also order by:
- E-mail: Custserv@LearningAlly.org
- Phone: 800-221-4792
- Fax: 609-987-8116
- Mail: Attn:
Member Services
Learning Ally
20 Roszel Road
Princeton NJ 08540
For your convenience, you may click on the link below for printable order forms.
Player and Accessory Order Form (PDF)
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Q: Can I purchase equipment using a check or purchase order online?
A: You can purchase equipment online using a valid credit card, but not by check. If you wish to pay by check or money order, you must place your order by mail. Purchase orders can be used online, faxed or mailed to us. The mailing address is 20 Roszel Road, Princeton, NJ 08540. The fax number is 609-987-8116.
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Q: How can I place a gift order for a member?
A: If you want to purchase playback equipment as a gift, or are an agency purchasing equipment on behalf of a Learning Ally member, you will need to complete a Non-Member Affiliate Copyright Form. You may also obtain the form by calling Member Services at 800-221-4792. However, you can only order equipment for a Learning Ally member; only Learning Ally members can order books.
Copyright Form (PDF)
Copyright Form (Word)
Members Served List (PDF)
Members Served List (Text)
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Q: Can I purchase a product if I'm not a Learning Ally member?
A: If you want to purchase playback equipment as a gift, or are an agency purchasing equipment on behalf of a Learning Ally member, you will need to complete a Non-Member Affiliate Copyright Form. You may also obtain the form by calling member services at 800-221-4792.
Copyright Form (PDF)
Copyright Form (Word)
Members Served List (PDF)
Members Served List (Text)
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Q: How do I return a player or software for repair, refund or exchange?
A: Call member services at 800-221-4792 to speak with Product Support representative. You will receive a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) number and further instructions on how to proceed.
30 day return policy:
- Product must be back at Learning Ally headquarters within 30 days.
- Customer must contact us before sending anything back for an RMA number.
- Must be unused and in original packaging.
- If all conditions are met, a refund or exchange will be issued.
Machine not working or damaged:
- Customer must contact us and receive RMA number to send back machine.
- Product must be with in specified warranty.
- Depending on manufacturer's judgment customer may have to pay fee for machine to be fixed (e.g. If machine was dropped or broken by user).
Returning software:
- Software cannot be returned for any reason if it has been opened. No exceptions.
- If software is not open it must be sent back to Learning Ally headquarters within 30 days of purchase.
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Troubleshooting
Q: Do you have accessible instructions for the audiobook players?
A: Learning Ally offers instructions and training in a number of formats to meet the varying needs of our members.
- Audiobook players come with recorded instructions and audiobook software readers work with screen readers for voiced instructions.
- Visit our Member Support page for additional help.
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Q: How can multiple students listen to the same book at the same time?
A:
- All portable players can be connected to external speakers for whole class lessons.
- Two-way and six-way splitters can be purchased to allow multiple students to use a playback device simultaneously.
- All players, desktop and portable, can be connected to headphones for individual listening.
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Q: I've turned my player on and nothing happens, or I've pressed PLAY and nothing happens, even though the machine is turned on. What do I do?
A:
Check that the power cord is securely plugged into the wall and into the machine.
If using the player with battery only, you may need to recharge the battery.
Make sure the volume is turned up.
Make sure the CD is label-side up and inserted correctly into the CD slot drive or on the CD spindle.
If you are using a portable player with no speakers, you MUST use headphones to listen to any book. Make sure the headphones are plugged firmly into the player.
* If there is a hold button, make sure it is switched to "Off".
* Make sure the CD has completely loaded before pressing PLAY. Once the CD has finished loading, you will hear the title being read. If the CD is loaded but is not recognized, perform an UNCONDITIONAL SHUTDOWN/EJECT and try again.
UNCONDITIONAL SHUTDOWN / EJECT
Victor Reader Wave
If the Wave should lock up for any reason, press and hold the ON/OFF button. This will shut down the player. Then you can turn the power back on and continue listening to your book.
PTN1
If the PTN1 should lock up for any reason, press and hold the ON/OFF button and the SLEEP TIMER key at the same time for eight seconds. This will shut down the PTN1. Turn the power back on and continue listening to your book.
PTR2
If the PTR2 should lock up for any reason, pull the POWER On/Off switch toward the front for 10 seconds. This will shut down the PTR2. Then you can turn the power back on and continue listening to your book.
Victor Classic X+
If you cannot read a CD and the EJECT button does not eject the CD, press the EJECT button and the POWER button together to power on the machine and eject the CD from the CD slot drive. You should perform the "unconditional eject" if any of the following conditions exist:
- The Key Describer function does not work.
- You hear the disc spinning and nothing is happening.
- You are unable to insert another CD in the CD slot drive. Please report this problem to Learning Ally product support at 800-221-4792.
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Q: Even though I have a CD inserted, the Voice Guide says No Disc, or the CD ejects when I insert it into the CD slot drive. What do I do?
A:
- Remove the CD and reinsert it, making sure the label is facing up.
- Remove the CD and clean it with a soft, dry cloth.
- Shut down the player for 30 seconds and then turn the power back on.
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Q: When I enter a page number on the keypad, the place it goes to is off by a page or two. What do I do?
A:
- Make sure the Learning Ally CD is the same edition and copyright year as the print book you are using. If not, follow the instructions for paging forward and backward manually.
- Some of Learning Ally's digitally recorded textbooks that were converted from the original analog recording (e.g. AD-FG555) may have missing "markers" on some pages. This makes it impossible to jump directly to that page. Follow the instructions for paging forward or backward manually.
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Q: Can I start listening to a multiple-CD book at any point in the book?
A: Wave
The Wave does allow this function and will remember your last position in the book. If you insert a CD other than the one containing your last position, the player will ask you to insert the correct CD. Please remove the CD and insert the CD that contains the last page you were listening to.
PTN1
The PTN1 does allow this function. The first time you listen to a multiple-CD book, you must insert the first CD before you can listen to any of the other CDs. After that, the PTN1 will remember your last position in the book (until you shutdown the player). If you shutdown the player, you will have to insert the first CD again, before you can listen to any of the other CDs. NOTE: If you insert a CD other than the one containing your last position, the player will ask you to insert the correct CD. Please eject the CD and insert the CD that contains the last page you were listening to.
Victor Classic X+
The Victor Classic X+ does allow this function. The first time you listen to a book you must insert the first CD before you can navigate to another section. After that, the software will remember your last position in the book. NOTE: If you insert a CD other than the one containing your last position, you will be prompted to insert the correct CD. Please eject the incorrect CD and insert the correct CD in the CD-ROM drive.
PTR2
- The PTR2 does allow this function. The first time you listen to a multiple-CD book, you must insert the first CD before you can listen to any of the other CDs.
- After that, the PTR2 will remember your last position in the book until you shutdown the player. If you shutdown the player, you will have to insert the first CD again, before you can listen to any of the other CDs. NOTE: If you insert a CD other than the one containing your last position, the player will ask you to insert the correct CD. Eject the CD and insert the CD that contains the last page you were listening to.
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Q: How do I jump around in a multiple CD book?
A: Use the GO TO PAGE key or navigate using next/previous functions within a set heading level.
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Q: I've used the "Go to Page" button, but my player says the page is missing. What do I do?
A: Learning Ally has converted its analog books into digital format (e.g. AD-FG555). Analog books converted to digital format [AD-] are navigable by page. If the beeptones (page/chapter) were omitted from the analog version of the book, Learning Ally was unable to incorporate them into the digital copy. Therefore, if you try to navigate by the "Go to Page" button, the player will state "Page Not Found." Try navigating to the closest page, and then use the page-by-page navigation function. This is described on the instruction CD and also in the quick reference guide that was supplied with your player. For example, if page 55 is not found, try navigating to page 56 and then page back to 55.
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Q: I can't use my playback equipment. Who should I contact?
A: Please contact Member Services for technical support concerning your playback equipment at 800-221-4792.
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Maintenance
Q: What is the best way for me to take care of Learning Ally's playback equipment throughout the year?
A: There are several things you can do to keep your players running smoothly throughout the year.
- Between each use, be sure to clean all headphones with another alcohol swab and for nighttime storage, wrap the cord loosely around the headsets and place them in a plastic bag.
- Wipe machines with a soft cloth to keep dust particles from entering the tape head or CD lens area.
- To keep the buttons from getting sticky, clean them with a damp cloth.
- After you've finished cleaning the machines, place the players back in the original packaging or in a container with padding to cushion the machines during storage.
- All equipment, including adapters, should be stored in a secure, cool, dry place where there is no risk of damage or theft.
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Q: What's the best way to store my equipment?
A: For short-term, every day storage:
- After cleaning the machines and headsets, place the players back in the original packaging or in a container with padding to cushion the machines during storage.
- Store all equipment, including adapters, in a secure, cool, dry place such as a locking cabinet.
For long-term storage, such as summer break:
Victor Classic: Make sure you plug in and charge the Victor Classic for 10 hours before summer storage. Do not remove battery. Store unit in a cool/dry place. When school starts up again, you should re-charge the Classic to make sure it is fully charged.
Victor Vibe or Wave: The Victor Vibe or Wave will not allow you to recharge the batteries within the unit if the batteries are completely drained. (If they are completely drained, you will need to recharge the batteries with a battery re-charger) The following steps will insure a longer battery life:
- Fully charge the batteries (10 hours)
- Take both rechargeable batteries out of the battery compartment
- Store the batteries in a cool and dry area if possible
- Fully charge the batteries (10 hours) before the next use
- If you need more details on the Victor products, please contact tech support at ca.support@humanware.com or by phone at (888) 723-7273 x201.
Computer software:
Eclipse, EasyReader and/or Victor Soft: Please be aware of the computer(s) on which the software has been installed. Each computer has a unique hardware fingerprint. If the IT department cleans the computer's memory over the summer, you can re-install the software, but only on the computer where it was previously installed.
ReadHear: Please be aware of the computer(s) on which the software has been installed. Each computer has a unique hardware fingerprint. If the IT department cleans the computer's memory over the summer, you can re-install the software. You will need to contact the member services department at Learning Ally to re-license your software.
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Q: What's the best way to track my equipment?
A: Create a unique number or code for each piece of equipment and label each device. This will allow you and your students to quickly reference a particular device.
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Software
Q: How do I register my software?
A: The following are the steps required for registering Learning Ally software. If at any time you need help or have questions please contact Member Services at 800-221-4792 and a Learning Ally member services representative will be happy to provide assistance.
- Install the software onto your computer.
- After installation, open the Software.
- Click "enter key" or "OK" at the copyright/ key expired notice
- You will see a screen that says "ENTER YOUR NAME AND KEY BELOW AS GIVEN". Directly above the "NAME" field you will see a HARDWARE FINGER PRINT. Copy this code down.
- Click button that says "GO TO WEBSITE" or go to www.LearningAlly.org/register.
- Follow the prompts to enter your ID number and then the Finger Print.
- Register software and take the NAME and KEY back to the box mentioned in step 4.
NOTE: If you are using JAWS you will need to make your curser a JAWS curser in order to read the Hardware Finger print.
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Q: Is the playback software compatible with my computer?
A: View our list of requirements on the "Software Programs" link, or contact Member Services at 800-221-4792 to speak to a product support representative.
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