Thanks, Everyone, for the feedback. I have a follow-up question: Do you
think it is better to go with wired (3.5 MM or USB) or wireless
(presumably Bluetooth) headsets and microphones?
Thanks,
Duane
On 3/7/2021 7:48 PM, Ana G wrote:
> I've thought about ordering this external sound card to help me with
> my Zoom issue, but I don't think it would work for what I'm trying to
> do. As I understand it, I'd have to wear two sets of headphones, one
> to hear the screen reader coming from the sound card and another to
> hear and speak into Zoom on the computer.
>
>
> I do think that what the host does affects how my computer behaves.
> For example, when I Zoom with friends, I can use a microphone without
> a headset, and things seem to work well. When people try doing that at
> work, we all hear echos and other feedback.
>
>
> On 3/7/2021 2:35 PM, Steve Hoad wrote:
>> What about this idea?
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>> Aluminum USB Sound Adapter for Windows/Mac + USB Extension Cabl•
>> Model: usb-sound3
>> • Shipping Weight: 0.45lbs
>> • Manufactured by: generic
>> $12.00
>> Now packaged with a handy USB extension cable, for more flexibility.
>> Have you ever wished you could play music or audio without the chatter
>> of your screen reader going over the speakers? Do you want an
>> affordable audio device to take with you while you travel? Our
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>> portable audio needs.
>> About the size of a thumb drive, our plug and play USB audio device is
>> compatible with both Windows (XP or later), Mac, and Linux. Simply
>> plug the device into an available USB port and your computer will
>> usually recognize the card and set it up in seconds. It comes with
>> both speaker and microphone jacks and has sturdy aluminum housing.
>> Includes a 90-day warranty against defects.
>> Plus, we've included a 6-inch USB extension cable. Now, you can plug
>> in our USB sound card, and not cover up any nearby ports.
>> Features
>> • 3D stereo USB audio adapter.
>> • USB 2.0 Hi-Speed specification.
>> • Compatible with USB 1.1, 2.0, and 3.0
>> • Connectors: USB type A, 3.5MM stereo output jack, 3.5MM microphone
>> input jack.
>> • No external power required.
>> • Plug & Play, no drivers needed.
>> System requirements
>> • Windows: XP/Vista/7/8/8.1/10 (Both 32-bit & 64-bit versions)
>> • Mac OS 8.6 or above
>> • 6-inch USB extension cable included
>> Web:
>> https://www.atguys.com/store/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=277
>>
>>
>>
>> On 3/6/21, Ana G <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>> I think the topic of Zoom with screen readers is complicated. I use
>>> Zoom
>>> at work with a headset and microphone, and other people still hear the
>>> screen reader.
>>>
>>>
>>> The version of Windows 10 I'm running at work is not current, so
>>> Narrator is buggier. On that version of Narrator, I don't have the
>>> option to send the screen reader to a different sound card.
>>>
>>>
>>> Mostly I use NVDA with Zoom at work, and after much searching, I
>>> finally
>>> found the commands for changing The soundcard for NVDA. The command is
>>> NVDA+ctrl+s, then tab once. I'll have an opportunity to try it next
>>> week.
>>>
>>>
>>> At home, I've experimented with Jaws and the Soundcard settings, which
>>> are located in the Jaws Utility menu. Sometimes it works, but not
>>> always.
>>>
>>>
>>> The long and the short of it is that I suspect some behavior is
>>> determined by the host.
>>>
>>>
>>> To make my life easier I do the following:
>>>
>>>
>>> Sometimes, I turn the screen reader off once I'm in the session. This
>>> isn't idea, especially if I have to keep track of things like chats,
>>> but
>>> sometimes it's more practicable.
>>>
>>>
>>> Sometimes I just prepare to tap the ctrl button as needed. I've found
>>> that some screen-reader chatter is not unwelcome. For example, many
>>> people don't mind hearing that someone came or left the meeting. But a
>>> lot of screen reader chatter is disruptive, so I tap the ctrl key
>>> frequently.
>>>
>>>
>>> Most of the time, I use the headset controls to mute myself. I have a
>>> Logitech; I think it's an H540. I hit the headset mute button as
>>> soon as
>>> I know I'm in the call. Then I can explore the screen, adjust settings,
>>> and listen to my screen reader all I want. When it's time for me to
>>> speak, I unmute using the headset and immediately tap the ctrl key to
>>> stop people from hearing that I'm unmuted.
>>>
>>>
>>> What I do depends on the specific situation.
>>>
>>>
>>> On 3/5/2021 10:59 PM, Albert Ruel wrote:
>>>> Zoom meetings done with a screen reader should always have a
>>>> headset and
>>>> microphone, either built-in or separate. It’s the only way to
>>>> isolate the
>>>> screen reader sound from your voice input.
>>>>
>>>> Thx, Albert
>>>>
>>>> Sent from my iPhone
>>>>
>>>> On Mar 5, 2021, at 6:40 AM, Duane Farrar <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
>>>>
>>>> Hi All,
>>>>
>>>> I have a Windows 10 desktop PC computer running JAWS 2021 as my screen
>>>> reader. I have a USB webcam that also acts as my microphone. It is
>>>> mounted
>>>> on top of my 23-inch display screen. On either side of the display
>>>> screen
>>>> are my separate speakers for the computer's audio output. These are
>>>> connected to and powered by a separate sub-woofer box underneath my
>>>> desk.
>>>> These speakers connect to the computer's sound card in the back of the
>>>> desktop box via a standard 3.5 MM jack. There are also available
>>>> jacks for
>>>> speakers/headphones and microphones on the front of the desktop unit.
>>>>
>>>> When I am connected to a Zoom session my webcam microphone will
>>>> pick up
>>>> the computer speaker audio and this is often problematic when I am
>>>> trying
>>>> to use JAWS to navigate around the screen or JAWS is reporting
>>>> things that
>>>> are happening on the screen, such as a new user joining the meeting or
>>>> updates in the chat and Q&A areas. Everyone else connected to the
>>>> meeting
>>>> can also hear this audio output so I usually have to mute my computer
>>>> unless I need to speak, which can be a real annoyance, especially
>>>> in an
>>>> animated discussion with friends.
>>>>
>>>> How have others solved this problem? Should I acquire a pair of
>>>> headphones
>>>> with a built-in microphone, or even a separate USB microphone? Can
>>>> I route
>>>> the JAWS output to the headphones and other computer audio to the
>>>> external
>>>> speakers? What are your recommendations?
>>>>
>>>> Thanks,
>>>> Duane
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
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>>
>
>
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--
Duane Farrar
"In ferrum pro libertate ruebant"
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