J. P. Gilliver (John) wrote:


As I've just asked pjp, is the Lightscribe software drive-specific?
(And/or are there two parts, a designer and a burner, only the latter of
which is drive-specific?)

Since I never did buy any media that was LightScribe enabled,
I never had a chance to find out. I think I did install
the driver, but I don't think there was a designer, and I
don't know what step(s) were required to run the one I had.

I'm currently trying to find one where the controlling software is
usable by the blind (basically that means, can be operated without a
mouse, and anything highlighted is text, not a symbol or a _picture_ of
some text). I also want it to play the AD (audio description) channel
when available, along with the normal sound. But finding out whether it
is accessible is virtually impossible. What I'm currently going for is
probably the 292e, as I've been assured that that works with VLC and
that VLC can be keyboard-operated, but other suggestions are welcome -
preferably DVB-T2, as I suspect the UK will switch to T2-only before too
long. (If anyone's wondering why a blind person would want a TV tuner -
they can and do listen to TV prog.s, especially the ones with AD.)

Some kits come with a remote control, with a channel change, and
volume up-down. For my current tuner, I would have to go back to
the company web site, as there are two kits for retrofitting
various remotes. My SKU was missing the remote control bits
(the full retail package is required for that).

computer screen right away. The first solution I
got running properly, was Linux based, and I could
at least see that the tuner could scan channels
properly. And that's when I discovered the new tuner
was more sensitive on receive, than my digital STB
(both fed off the same signal via a 2:1 75 ohm splitter).

(Did you try both ways round in case the splitter wasn't as symmetrical
as it should be?)

I don't think it's the splitter. I've used the splitter before
on other RF experiments and not noticed any deficiencies.


I purchased additional software from the tuner card
maker, and it took ten days for physical delivery of
a disc. Apparently they've never heard of just sending
a license key via email :-/ The software was
already on their web site, ready to just plug
in the license key to make it work. But we're
made to wait for the CD. Like it was 1970 again.

But they accepted the order online?

Yes.

The back end of their setup, used a fulfillment provider,
like they didn't want their own staff running it.

(My blind friend has: XP, 10, iPhone, and an Android-based machine that
does have USB3, but designed for the blind - it has speech and Braille
output, and Braille input. That would be the best for the TV stick, but
I know little of Android even with a keyboard and screen, so will
probably go for a Windows one [though I only have XP and 7], unless
anyone _knows_ of one that is child's play to set up on a HIMS Polaris.)

Nothing about tuners is "easy"... unfortunately.

Think of your wish as being as much a "development project"
as it is a "simple gift purchase". Remember that I
barely got mine running, and suffered hair loss
(I checked the shower drain).

And the fact that the tuner industry is ailing, means that
you don't have as wide a selection of things to choose from.

Even if I spotted something on the web, I'd have to check
whether anybody had stock. For example, the tuner I bought,
is now no longer available. There's something to take its
place, but doesn't have the same feature set.

Paul