MegaVoice Ambassador

From SPARK

Summary

The MegaVoice Ambassador is a durable, sealed, audio digital player.

Introduction

MegaVoice has a digital audio player called the Ambassador. This unit is about the size of a deck of cards and very durable. Audio can be encoded in the memory chips at six different compression rates. This allows for various degrees of audio quality. The highest compression rate is suitable for voice-only audio quality. It allows up to 160 hours of audio when 256 megabytes of memory is installed. A more typical configuration is with 124 megabytes which is sufficient for the typical New Testament text.

Unit price is set at the time of actual order. Exact costs vary. Cost depends on the quantity of units you want to order and the fluctuating cost of memory. MegaVoice is committed to work with its customers to obtain the best possible price.

Power supply

The Ambassador is powered by internal batteries. These are charged by a small solar panel on the back of the unit. The alternative is to charge it from an external source using a nine volt battery adapter. Battery life is specified to be ten hours from fully charged batteries. Although, this is probably high. If the batteries are completely depleted, charge time is 14 hours. When not playing, the unit turns itself off automatically after three minutes.

Quality of Sound

In listening to voice audio samples at each of the six different compression levels, one can only hear much of a decrease in sound quality in the highest two compression levels. The audio at these two levels was still understandable and seemed adequate for voice only recordings. VMS recommends that a compression level no more than the MV “Voice Quality 1” be used for adequate clarity and understanding. Recordings with music will likely need one of the four better compression levels. Of course the audio quality was limited by what a one and one-quarter inch speaker can produce. Nevertheless it is very clear. With a speaker this size the player is not loud enough to be heard over noises. Especially, if a rooster crows or a motorcycle goes by. But in a reasonably quiet environment, it can be heard by several people. External speakers can be added using the headphone jack.

Controls

There are three pairs of back and forward scroll buttons. The top set of buttons are for a broad search between the largest portions of the message. An example would be the books of the Bible. When the button is pressed, you hear a title or section heading. That way you know where you are in your search. (Audio Titles are very important here.) The middle sets of buttons are for a medium interval search. This could be for scrolling from chapter to chapter. The bottom set of buttons are for a fine search. It searches either a Scripture section heading or a timed interval, like 15 seconds.

This scrolling ability brings up a consideration for Vernacular Media departments, which is the additional time involved in preparing the indexed audio programs files. To enable the scrolling buttons to jump forward and backward in the program, the audio must be split into separated sequential files. There is a fixed file format, and, even though it appears complicated, it is necessary for the full functioning of the unit. There are utilities available for globally renaming files, and instruction and helps documents for the whole scope of handling the recordings for MegaVoice. Contact either MegaVoice or VMS Research. (Their contact information is at the end of this article.)

Set the lowest level index point at each section heading in the Scripture text. This would be the most ideal method for Scripture. It would require a marked up printed copy for the recordists to know where to split files. Then it would need to be checked by the translator. Utilizing the scripting part of the “Dramatizer” program is a help in preparing scripts. Also, vernacular audio titles may also need to be added to recordings already done. For example, recordings such as, "Luke, chapter 2, verse 1, the birth of Jesus". These are necessary to help the listener know what they are listening to and where. (There is no cassette label or written index for reference for the literate.)

Two hour programs

For a MegaVoice project, thought must be given to how content is best ordered and arranged. Be careful with lengthier programs, over approximately two hours long. Multiple audio programs, such as drama, Scripture, hymns or sermons, should also be given a lot of thought. Consider using pauses or musical interludes to facilitate reflection. The MegaVoice can play the entire audio program. It can also be set to stop playing at appropriate transitions. Transitions might include time between programs or books of Scripture.

Another thing to think about is that users will need to learn how to work these devices. This is especially true when a player holds more than one or two hours of material and scrolling skills are more important. A short audio message on the first track could be recorded explaining what the different buttons do. Another feature best demonstrated is how the power button has a delay feature. You must hold the power button for one second before the unit turns on. This prevents unintended powering up for example when the unit is in a pocket.

Distribution Tips

Those distributing digital audio players should spend some time with new users. You should plan to demonstrate the use of the unit, letting users practice and experiment, and ask questions about operation. Those who master the basic operation of the units can then help others who have not yet understood all the details of player use.

Helpful visual instructions are available to teach users how to navigate through the contents and how to charge the unit. (See the sidebar to the right for some downloads.) If you would like the French PDF or the Publisher version (French or English, blue or black) please contact vms_sales\jaars@jaars.org. A Publisher version could be edited for translation into other languages. You should also be able to change the MV player image in the document to match the color you might use in your area.

General Information

MegaVoice units are re-writable or re-recordable. The digitized audio content is downloaded into each MegaVoice at the factory in Israel, or with the purchase of additional equipment it can be done on the field. The basic formatted audio files must now go to MV in Israel for correct compression and final preparation. A battery-powered field programmer (the Scribe - $750) downloads the data into each unit. This programmer can also copy or upload the existing audio in a MegaVoice player for duplication to another player. MegaVoice is developing units with a new system that will allow not only formatting, but compressing the audio files and loading them on the Ambassador on the field. This should be released in 2009.

Overall there is tremendous potential for MegaVoice. The extra planning necessary in thinking through content for a digital audio player actually helps us to determine the best mix of music, narration, drama, etc., for the intended audience to achieve the goals in a given project. It is best to be realistic with new technology and understand its improved features and limitations before making the investment. Over the long haul, some form of digital audio player will replace the cassette, but probably we will see several more years of different types of products before a new standard emerges.

MegaVoice still produces the credit card sized Messenger for short two to 90 minute messages, and now has a key chain sized Memo for up to two minute recordings. They have also redesigned the Ambassador to appeal to the youth and urban group, and renamed it the Omega.

See http://www.megavoice.com/ for the latest manufacturer news and information. You may e-mail them at: sales@mymegavoice.net. Units may also be obtained through vms_sales_JAARS@jaars.org

VMS Web: Vernacular Media Services (VMS)

VMS E-mail: vms_info_JAARS@wycliffe.org

VMS E-mail: vms_research_JAARS@wycliffe.org