I am affiliated with a Full or Associate member of the DAISY Consortium. Which of the three production tools should I choose?

Consider the following brief comparison of these tools to help you make the best choice for your production environment.

PRODUCTION TOOLS for DAISY DIGITAL TALKING BOOKS:
BRIEF COMPARISON

LpStudio/Pro

• Output: Can be used to create NCC-only and full text DTBs.
• Accessibility: Scripts for Jaws for Windows and maps for Supernova are available (please check the DAISY Web site for latest versions). Requires external synthesizer.

Strong Points

Provides the most features when producing full text DTBs using external source documents. Extensive functionality in recording windows. Contains two recording screen options, Advanced and Simple.

Limitations

Ability to edit the structure/textual content after recording onset is limited. Production process/interface is sometimes experienced as complex by new users.

Typically used in larger organizations with text production departments and audio recording departments. Also usable in a singular context as a stand-alone tool, using the included Structure Editor to create NCC-only structures.

Sigtuna DAR

• Output: Can be used to create NCC-only and full text DTBs.
• Accessibility: Scripts for Jaws for Windows are available (please check the DAISY Web site for latest version). Requires external synthesizer.

Strong points

Ability to create/edit/remove NCC headings and pages during the recording process (when in "ToC-only mode"). Ability to add full text segments to an NCC-only DTB using ATAU mode.

Limitations

Functionality in recording windows not as extensive as in LpStudio/Pro. In "synchronized" mode, the editing limitations are similar to LpStudio/Pro.

Typically used in larger organizations as well as in stand-alone settings.

My Studio PC

• Output: can be used to create NCC-only DTBs.
• Accessibility: fully selfvoicing. Does not require external synthesizer.

Strong points

Very easy to learn and operate. Additional features include generating synthesized speech from text.

Limitations

Does not produce full text DTBs.

Typically used in any organization where structure documents (NCCs) are not created before recording onset. Also typically used by volunteers working at home or in a studio.