Factsheet No. 00-04
Date: April 2000
__Sources for Purchase of Cassette Players and Player-
Recorders Compatible with Recorded Materials Produced by the
National Library Service (NLS)__
The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped provides a free library service of recorded books
and magazines to persons who are unable to read or use
standard print materials because of visual or physical
limitations. This service is available to eligible residents
of the United States and American citizens living abroad.
Individuals and institutions eligible for the NLS program may
request appropriate playback equipment on free loan for as
long as they are actively using this library service. Full
details about eligibility requirements, a list of available
equipment, and the addresses of cooperating libraries may be
obtained by contacting the Reference Section, National Library
Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of
Congress, Washington, DC 20542.
This buying guide is intended for individuals and institutions
that wish to purchase their own playback equipment, desire
special features, or are ineligible for the free loan of NLS-
provided playback equipment. It lists cassette players,
followed by cassette player-recorders, available from a
variety of sources. Playback speeds are noted in inches per
second (ips). The standard commercial speed is 1 ips, and
the NLS-compatible speed is 15/16 ips.
Part I lists producers of playback equipment that sell their
products nationally and internationally or will make referrals
to authorized distributors. The information provided is based
on responses to a survey conducted by the Reference Section in
December 1999. Basic and optional features of each product
are given. Accessories such as carrying cases, AC adaptors,
headphones, and beltclips may be available at additional cost.
Prices do not include shipping and handling charges or any
applicable state taxes. Catalogs and the latest price
quotations may be obtained directly from producers.
Part II includes additional distributors of the products
described in detail in Part I. These distributors sell items
nationally and internationally and should be contacted
directly for catalogs or descriptive literature. No attempt
was made to identify and list distributors at the local level.
Monaural headphones compatible with NLS machines are available
from: American Printing House for the Blind, Ann Morris,
Innovative Rehabilitation Technology, Inc., LS&S Group, Inc.,
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Materials Center, and
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic. Monaural headphones are
also available from local Radio Shack stores and electronic
outlets that sell Telex products.
Items listed in this reference circular are not part of the
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped program, and their listing does not imply
endorsement.
Part I. Producers
American Printing House for the Blind (APH)
Marketing Department
1839 Frankfort Avenue
Louisville, KY 40206-0085
(502) 895-2405
800-223-1839
(502) 899-2274 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.aph.org
__Handi-Cassette II, Upgraded__, a cassette player-recorder.
plays and records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4
tracks
operates on AC or DC current, includes rechargeable battery
additional features:
built-in microphone and speaker
digital pitch control
fast forward and preview
operating instructions on cassette and in print, braille
start-up sheet
pause control
rewind/review
tactile symbols.
tape motion sensor
tone index
measures 6 3/4" x 4 3/8" x 2 1/4"
weighs 1 1/2 lbs.
catalog no. 1-07085-00 (U.S. model) $170
catalog no. 1-07085-01 (international model) $ 160
__Table Top Cassette Recorder-Player__, formerly AC/DC
rechargeable 4-track cassette player-recorder.
plays and records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4
tracks
operates on AC or DC current, includes rechargeable battery
additional features:
auto stop and auto end-of-tape shut-off
built-in microphone and speaker
cue and review
digital pitch control
erase guard
fast forward, rewind, and track change
operating instructions on cassette and in print, braille
start-up sheet
pause control
tactile symbols on controls
tape motion sensor
tone index
variable speed control
measures 3" x 9 3/8 " x 11 1/8 "
weighs 4 1/4 lbs.
catalog no. 1-07150-00, $225
Innovative Rehabilitation Technology, Inc. (IRTI)
13467 Colfax Highway
Grass Valley, CA 95945
(530) 274-2090
800-322-4784
(530) 274-2093 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.irti.net
__Study Station,__ a modified Sony cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
built-in microphone
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette
speed change switch
tone index
variable speed control
measures 5 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 9 3/8"
costs $169
__TCM-4TR,__ a modifed cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
digital pitch control
cue and review, with cue marker indexing
fast forward and rewind
measures 3 1/2" x 4 1/2" x 1-1/2"
weighs 8 oz.
costs $199.95
__TTR 4 Track Pro,__ a modified Marantz cassette player-
recorder.
plays and records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 4 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
built-in microphone and speaker
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette
tone index
variable speed control
measures 9.1" x 2.1" x 6.6
weighs 2.87 lbs.
inquire for price
__TTR- 453__, a modified Sony cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on AC adapter or two AA batteries
additional features:
cue and review
variable speed control
measures 3 5/8" x 3 5/8" x 1-1/5"
comes packaged with speech compressor/expander, $149.95
__TTR- 473__, a modified Sony cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
additional features:
cue and review
speech compression
variable speed
measures 3 5/8" x 3 5/8" x 1-1/5"
weighs 6 oz.
costs $129.95
__TTR- 323,__ a modified cassette player-recorder similar to
TTR 473.
additional features:
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette
operates on 2 AA batteries
costs $79.95
__TTR-580,__ a modified Sony cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
built-in microphone
cue and review
fast forward, rewind, and track change
operating instructions on cassette
speed change switch
variable speed control
measures 3 1/4" x 4 3/4" x 1 1/4"
weighs 8 oz.
costs $179.95
__TTR-929__ a modified Sony cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
auto end-of-tape shut-off
built-in microphone
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette
tone index
variable speed control
measures 5 3/4" x 2 3/8" x 9 3/8"
weighs 1« lbs.
costs $99
LS&S Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 673
Northbrook, IL 60065
(847) 498-9777
800-468-4789
(847) 498-1482 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.lssgroup.com/blind.html
__Sanyo LC Tape Transcriber.__
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 4 tracks
additional features:
foot pedal operation
instant repeat counter
variable speed and tone control
measures 10 1/2" x 6 3/4" x 2 1/2"
weighs 2 lbs. 6 oz.
catalog no. TRC8080, $398
catalog no. RR-830 __Panasonic Hands Free LC Tape Transcriber,__
is similar to above without the instant repeat counter,
$379.95
__Tape Talker,__ a modified cassette player.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
operates on two AA batteries
measures 4 1/2" x 3 1/2" x 1 1/2"
weighs 8 oz.
catalog no. 5323, $59.95
_Trackmaster,__ a modified Panasonic cassette player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
additional features:
auto stop
built-in microphone and speaker
cue and review
pause control
measures 9 3/4" x 5 1/2" x 2"
catalog no. 2633, $78.50
catalog no. 2633VS has variable speed control, $98.50
catalog no. LHS-68,__ Trackmaster II,__ is a modified Sony
with variable speed, $89.95
__4 Track Play/4 Track Record,__ a modified Panasonic player-
recorder.
plays and records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 4 tracks
operates on AC or DC current, includes rechargeable battery
additional features:
AM/FM stereo radio
auto stop
cue and review
catalog no. 70000VS, $169.95
catalog no. LHS 69 is a modified Sony without radio but with
variable speed control, $154.95
catalog no. LH 83 is a modified Sony with cue and review,
fast forward and reverse, variable speed control, $124.95
catalog no. LHS 17 is a modified Aiwa with AM/FM stereo radio,
$149.95
Myna Corporation
239 Western Avenue
Essex, MA 01929
(978) 768-9000
(978) 768-9911 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
__Classmate,__ a cassette player-recorder.
plays and records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4
tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
built-in microphone and speaker
cue and review
mono headphones
erase capabilities
operating instructions in large print and on cassette
pause control
tape motion sensor
tone index
variable speed control
measures 10 1/2" x 5 3/4" x 2"
weighs 2 lbs.
catalog no. TMM1007, $199
__Soundman,__ a Sony cassette player-recorder, with AM/FM
radio, TV sound, and weatherband.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
adjustable telescopic antenna
AM/FM radio
automatic end-of-tape shut-off
built-in microphone and speaker
built-in tone indexer
cue and review
operating instructions in large print and on cassette
pause control
record from radio/TV
VHF TV sound and weatherband
variable speed control
measures 12 3/8" x 5 5/8 " x 4 3/4"
weighs 4 lbs. 7 oz
catalog no. TMM1008, $165
__Talkman III Plus,__ an adapted Panasonic minicassette
player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
additional features:
auto end-of-tape shut-off
built-in microphone and speaker
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette and in large print
pause control
tape motion sensor
variable speed control
measures 3 1/2" x 5" x 1 1/2"
weighs 7 1/2 oz.
catalog no. TMM1001, $122
__Talkman III XL, same as Talkman III Plus,__ except it
records on blank cassettes only, catalog no. TMM1002, $122
__Talkman IV,__ an adapted Panasonic minicassette player-
recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on AC or DC current, includes rechargeable batteries
additional features:
auto end-of-tape shut-off
built-in microphone and speaker
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette and in large print
pause control
tape motion sensor
variable speed control
measures 3 1/2" x 5" x 1 1/2"
weighs 7 1/2 oz.
catalog no. TMM1003, $165
__Talkman IV XL, same as IV __except it records on blank
cassettes only, catalog no. TMM1004, $165
__Talkman VI,__ an adapted Aiwa walkman-style stereo cassette
player-recorder.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 on 2 tracks
operates on AC or DC current, includes rechargeable batteries
additional features:
AM/FM radio
cue and review
operating instructions on cassette and in large print
pause control
records direct from radio
stereo headphones
tape motion sensor
variable speed control
measures 3 5/8" x 5 3/8" x 1 1/2"
weighs 10.7 oz.
catalog no. TMM1005, $225
__Talkman VI XL__ same as VI except it records on blank
cassettes only, catalog no. TMM1006, $225
Telex Communications, Inc.
9600 Aldrich Avenue South
Minneapolis, MN 55420
(612) 884-4051
800-828-6107
(612) 884-0043 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http//www.telex.com
__Narrator,__ a cassette player.
plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
operates on AC or DC current
additional features:
built-in speaker
cue and review
tactile symbols
tone control
variable speed control
measures 10-2/3" x 10 1/8" x 3 1/2"
weighs 2« lbs.
catalog no. 300509-000, $102.99
__Tutor,__ a cassette player-recorder.
--plays cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 and 4 tracks
records cassettes at 1 7/8 and 15/16 ips on 2 tracks
operates on two AA batteries
additional features
automatic shut-off
built-in speaker and microphone
cue and review
headphones
tactile symbols
tape erase
variable speed control
measures 5 1/2" x 4 1/8 " x 1 1/2"
weighs 8 oz.
__catalog no. 300536-000, $132.99
Part II. Distributors
All the machines listed in this section are described in Part
I.
Ann Morris Enterprises, Inc.
551 Hosner Mountain Road
Stormville, NY 12582
(914) 227-9659
800-454-3175
(914) 226-2793 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.annmorris.com
Distributes IRTI and Telex products and others.
Beyond Sight, Inc.
26 East Arapahoe Road
Littleton, CO 80122
(303) 795-6455
(303) 795-6425 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.beyondsight.com
Distributes LS&S Group, Inc. products and others.
Carolyn's Low Vision Solutions
1415 57th Avenue West
Bradenton, FL 34207
(941) 739-5555
800-648-2266
(941) 739-5503 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.carolynscatalog.com
Distributes Telex products and others.
Columbia Lighthouse for the Blind
Attn: Visionaries Store
1421 P Street NW
Washington, DC 20005
(202) 460-2900, ext. 3050
877-324-5252
(202) 667-8095 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
Distributes APH products and others.
Independent Living Aids
27 East Mall
Plainview, NY 11803-4404
(516) 752-8080
800-537-2118
(516) 752-3135 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.independentliving.com
Distributes APH, IRTI, Myna and Telex products and others.
Massachusetts Association for the Blind
Attn: The Store Vision Community Services
23A Elm Street
Watertown, MA 02472
(617) 972-9114
800-852-3029 within Massachusetts only
(617) 926-1412 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.mablind.org/catalog.html
Distributes LS&S Group, Inc. products and others.
Maxi-Aids, Inc.
42 Executive Boulevard
Farmingdale, NY 11735
(516) 752-0521
800-522-6294
(516) 752-0689 fax
e-mail: [log in to unmask]
web site: http://www.maxiaids.com
Distributes APH, Myna and Telex products and others.
National Federation of the Blind (NFB) Materials Center
1800 Johnson Street
Baltimore, MD 21230
(410) 659-9314
(410) 685-5653 fax
web site: http://www.nfb.org
Distributes Myna products.
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Customer Services Department
20 Roszel Road
Princeton, NJ 08540
800-221-4792
(609) 987-8116 fax
web site: http://www.rfbd.org
Distributes Myna and Telex products and others.
__www.loc.gov/nls/reference/facts-sources.html__
Compiled by
Ruth Nussbaum
and Joseph Ageymang
March 2000
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