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Research

DTB Authoring Software

Last updated: October 17, 2012

Notes

  • This matrix summarizes image-description support in DTB authoring systems.  The columns labeled "Include short image descriptions" and "Include long image descriptions" indicate whether or not the system allows authors to add these description types to images.  If the system can accommodate descriptions, the method is indicated in the appropriate column (e.g., "alt" for a short description or "longdesc" for a long description).  The column labeled "Include or describe SVG" indicates whether the system allows authors to integrate Scalable Vector Graphics as well as convey SVG descriptions.
  • A field containing a dash does not necessarily indicate that a feature is unsupported, but that more research is required to make a determination.
  • For more information about metadata and image descriptions, read DIAGRAM's Potential Use of Image Description Metadata for Accessibility and the follow-up addendum, Alternatives, Content Model, New Tools, Dependencies and Updates.
  • Read the results of the 2012 DIAGRAM Reading Technology Survey to learn how people who are blind and visually impaired obtain and access reading material.
Name Cost OS Import formats Export formats Image support Include short image descriptions Include long image descriptions Include MathML Include or describe SVG Misc.
Book Wizard Producer $ Windows HTML, wav, MP3, DTBook, NIMAS DAISY/NISO Z39.86-2002; limited DAISY 2.02 Yes Yes, via alt No No No
  • Creates audio-only, text-only or text+audio DTBs.
  • Retains @alt during import of source files.
  • Records @alt during TTS conversion; also makes @alt visible in text.
Dolphin EasyProducer 2.01 $ Windows Word (required), txt, html DAISY Yes Yes, via alt No No No
  • Must use with Word/Windows; generate DTBs via EasyProducer menu or toolbar.
  • Retains @alt during import of source files.
Dolphin Publisher 3.01 $ Windows Word, txt, html, xhtml, existing DTBs Produces all 6 types of DTB. Converts full text and audio
DAISY books into NCC/TOC-only DAISY books.
Yes Yes, via alt No No No
  • Prompts author to add @alt when inserting images.
  • Will retain @alt during import of source files.
DAISY Pipeline Free Windows DAISY 2.02, DAISY 3, DTBook DAISY 2.02, DAISY 3 - - - - -
  • Comments based on documentation only
  • Open source.
  • Converts full text and audio DAISY books into NCC/TOC only DAISY books.
MyStudio PC Free Windows - Audio and NCC-only DTBs. - Yes Yes - -
  • Comments based on documentation only
  • Available only to DAISY members.
  • Fully self-voicing.
Obi Free Windows WAV; XHTML DAISY 2.02, DAISY 3; audio and NCX-only DTBs; exports mp3. No Yes Yes No No
  • Fully self-voicing.
odt2daisy Free Windows/Mac odt DAISY 3 Yes Yes, via alt No Yes Yes
  • Extension to OpenOffice 3.0+.
  • Future version may include an accessibility checker.
PlexTalk PRS Pro - Windows - DAISY 2.02; structured audio only - - - - -
  • Comments based on documentation only
  • Structured audio books only; no support for full DAISY books.
  • Bundled with PTR1 and PTR2.
Poet Free Windows/Mac All DAISY formats All DAISY formats Yes No Yes, via prodnote No No
  • Tool for adding descriptions to existing DAISY books
  • Can be used online or downloaded for off-line use
  • Can be integrated into other authoring tools or workflows for custom use
  • Currently processes image descriptions as prodnote; will be updated to longdesc or other standard element when appropriate
Save As DAISY/MSWord Add-In Free Windows Word/Office Open XML (docx) DTBook XML; full DAISY DTB - Yes, via alt Yes, via longdesc Yes - -
Structured Tex Document (STD) Editor Free Windows txt DTBook xml No No No No No
  • Also creates HTML e-books.
  • Creates
  • No image support
Studio Recorder $ Windows wav, mp3 DAISY 3 - - - - -
  • Comments based on documentation only
  • Audio editor; use with Book Wizard Producer.
Tobi
1.7.9.4
Free Windows Obi projects; Daisy 3; DTBook; Save-as-Daisy files from Word or OpenOffice; EPUB 3; also wav, mp3 DAISY 3, EPUB 3 Yes Yes, using elements defined in the DIAGRAM Content Model, also via alt Yes, using elements defined in the DIAGRAM Content Model, also via prodnote Yes (MathML and MathML-in-Daisy Yes
  • Synchronizes text with recorded narration
  • Also creates and synchronizes TTS audio
  • Implements the DIAGRAM Content Model to provide various forms of image descriptions or alternatives
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