What is Home Recording?
Home recording is ideal for volunteers who cannot get to the studio in Athens because of distance or other physical limitations. If you can give us a couple of hours of reading a week, you can add a book a year to the RFB&D digital library. Home Recording is a great way to get "Books to Borrowers!"
To Volunteer from home you will need:
1. A Windows OS laptop or quiet Windows PC
2. Internet access to download our software and to upload files
3. A USB noise cancelling headset with microphone
4. To submit at least two hours per week of recorded material
The software is called GABR (Georgia Audio Book Recorder) and it makes recording as simple as can be.
If you are a Lions member, in conjunction with the Lions Club International Foundation, we are also pleased to make several laptop home recording units (LABR units) available to Lions or Lions Clubs. Your local Lions Club is often a good way to get started as a home reader. Please contact Fred Smith for more information on the Lions project.
COMPUTER REQUIREMENTS
The following specifications are exceeded by most laptop or desk computers these days. Please check your computer and contact us if you have any questions.
Processor Speed: 700 MHz or more
Memory (RAM): 256 MB or more
Hard Disk Space: 2 GB or more
Headset: any USB headset with noise cancelling microphone
USB Ports: 2 or more (or use a USB port extender)
Screen Resolution: 800 X 600 or greater
Windows Version: 98, XP, 2000, Vista, or Windows 7
Microsoft Internet Explorer (Other browsers will probably not work)
THE USB HEADSET / MICROPHONE
There are two main requirements for the headset you will need to purchase.
1. First it must be a USB headset. The headset package will say "USB" somewhere on the front if it is an acceptable one.
2. Secondly, the headset needs to have a noise-canceling microphone. Most USB headsets are noise-canceling these days, but be sure it says so on the package before you buy it.
Good headsets that meet our requirements usually cost about $40-$50, but can sometimes be found on eBay for as little as $15.*
Radio Shack Models:
Logitech Stereo USB Headset (RS# 43-36120) $39.99
Gigaware Wrap Around USB Stereo Headset (RS# 43-203) $24.99
Gigaware USB Stereo Headset (RS# 43-122) $29.99 (often on sale)
Office Max Models:
Microsoft Lifechat LX-3000 $39.99 (Excellent for our use and often on sale)
Logitech Clear Chat Pro USB $49.99
Logitech Clear Chat Comfort USB $39.99
*These prices and models were identified 2/27/08 and may vary by store. Many can be ordered online.