HAL - Product News

Hal - Screen reader with Speech and Braille support.

(Latest Version: 8.02)
What is Hal?

Developed for blind computer users, Hal is a software screen reader that works by reading the screen interactively and communicating through a speech synthesiser or a refreshable Braille display.
Who uses Hal?
Hal has been developed for blind computer users, at home, at work and in education.
Key Benefits:
•Hal talks as you type, announcing words or characters so you can check what you write.
•A single key allows you to read an entire document, email or web page.
•Fast and accurate multilingual Braille output for text at your fingertips*.
(Grade 1 & 2 computer or literary Braille supported).
•Access complex websites with ease by choosing to list links, headings or frames.
•Read image labels, font styles, Windows menus and icons for easy navigation.
•All Dolphin Software is supplied with a 30 day money back guarantee and free lifetime support.
More Hal Benefits
What makes Hal special?
One of only a few fully featured screen readers in the world, Hal gives independence - not just on a desktop PC, it can be transported on a USB stick to use at any university, internet café, library or work place in the world. The benefit of this is that users can now carry their screen access, with their favourite settings with them at all times. In addition, Hal users can connect remotely on terminal servers or Citrix mainframes.
These products may also be of interest:
•SuperNova - Combined screen reader and magnifier with Braille support.
•Pocket Hal - A screen reader for PDAs and Pocket PCs.
•Dolphin Pen - Access software supplied on a USB drive to work on any PC.

Key Benefits:
•Hal talks as you type, announcing words or characters so you can check what you write.
•A single key allows you to read an entire document, email or web page.
•Fast and accurate multilingual Braille output for text at your fingertips*.
(Grade 1 & 2 computer or literary Braille supported).
•Access complex websites with ease by choosing to list links, headings or frames.
•Read image labels, font styles, Windows menus and icons for easy navigation.
•Full support of popular applications including PDF documents, form filling, PowerPoint, Word & Email.
•Customise the speed and volume of the voice and control the level of detail and punctuation that is spoken or sent to Braille.
•Focus highlight and on-screen Braille assists those with residual vision, sighted teachers & helpers.
•True multi language support, choice of over 20 languages and different synthesiser languages.
•Quality synthesiser included, delivering clear speech and intelligent pronunciation even at high speeds.
•Automatic software updates via the Internet ensure you always use the latest version.
•Works with most applications from the box, others can usually be mapped.
•Includes SAM (Synthesiser Access Manager) for easy support of third-party synths and Braille displays.
•Runs on many operating systems, network installations, Terminal Server and Citrix support.
•Choice of control panel for accessing features and functions and user selectable range of hotkey shortcuts provide ease of use and requires minimal training.

Return to Product Overview
What's New in this Version?:
New in version 8.01 (released: 09/07/2007)
Hal version 8 has been developed following an extensive customer research and feedback programme. All of the new features and functionality have been designed to make your software even more user-friendly and intuitive. Many new and powerful features have been added that will ensure you get the best out of your computer, whatever your level of sight.
•The operating systems supported by Hal have changed. Hal supports Windows XP (SP2) and the very latest offering from Microsoft, Windows Vista. Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 are not supported by this version of Hal. Please contact your Dolphin dealer to learn more about Dolphin's solutions for these operating systems.
•Training mode is available to all Hal users. Previous versions of Hal required the Professional version in order to train inaccessible applications but with this release training mode has been incorporated into the Standard version. There is no longer two different versions of Hal.

New in version 7.01 (released: 30/05/2006)
Doc Reader.

The DocReader window is designed for reading long text with minimum effort. Selecting the DocReader feature, the full text document is read within a special environment window where the text is reformatted and customised for easier viewing. Launch Doc Reader with Caps Lock NumPad Plus and your current document, webpage or email appears in large print, in a smooth scrolling line, with speech and Braille output available. Each word is highlighted as spoken. The DocReader window can be formatted to a single line or word wrapped to fit your screen or Braille display. You can choose to line wrap the text to a user selectable number of characters per line, which is perfect for Braille displays, where you can select 44 characters or 88 characters per line. As well as announcing and highlighting each individual word as it is spoken, the Doc Reader also includes the ability to highlight each line, sentence or paragraph, so low vision users can clearly see the context of each word within each line, sentence or paragraph. All the features are easily selectable from the Doc Reader toolbar, which is mouse and keyboard accessible. The usual choices of speed, colour, font and zoom level are available and all controls are available from an easy to use button bar or through the usual hot keys.
If you need to switch applications whilst using the Doc Reader, there is no need to close the Doc Reader window first. Unlike other software programs, Dolphin's Doc Reader does take over the full computer screen, so users are still able to switch to another application and back to the Doc Reader, quickly and easily in the usual way.
To activate Doc Reader use Caps Lock + Numpad Plus.
Control Panel.
Hal now comes with a new optional style interface. Change the way the control panel looks with this new stylish and intuitive Button Bar. The new Button Bar is perfectly suited to mouse users and those who prefer a more compact view. To switch to the new style, open the "Control Panel" dialog from the "configuration" menu in the Hal control panel. Within the "Control Panel Settings" you are able to choose the user interface that suits you best. You can select either the "Classic Style", "Menubar Style" or the new "Button Bar Style".

Click and Document Read with mouse pointer.
Click and Document Read allows users to start the document read function from anywhere within a document, email or web page, by simply using the mouse pointer centre click. By clicking the centre mouse wheel Document Read will automatically start from that point on the page. Where Enhanced Document Read has been selected, this can also be operated automatically from anywhere within a document by using the mouse.
Announce text under mouse.
Mouse users wanting additional speech support are now able to hear any text appearing under the mouse pointer, including menus, icons and document text. Simply select "Announce text under mouse" checkbox from within the Speech Preferences dialog and it will read all the text under your mouse pointer as you move about or hover your mouse pointer.
Automatic Update System.
Hal can now be set to check automatically for product updates daily, weekly or monthly. Now you can be sure you always have the latest updates installed. If you don't want to automatically check for updates then this can be disabled.
Product Activation.
Your serial number is now protected for use on the computer hardware of your choice and may not be used by other people on other computers.
Your Dolphin software will run as a 30 day demonstration version until such time as it is activated. Product activation is required in order to obtain a software licence and upon activation your product will automatically become a full unlimited version. You can activate your product at anytime during he first 30 days, by selecting to "Activate now", alternatively you may choose to "Remind me later". Product activation can be done automatically online or over the telephone within 30 days of installation. Read more information about product activation. Product activation FAQs.
Repeated Character management.
Where repeated characters are common within file names, menus and documents, you now have the ability to manage the amount of repeated information that is spoken. You can select to have as much or as little of the repeated character information announced and select the thresholds for repeated characters not to be announced, from anything above 2+ characters. You can choose a sound to identify that a character is repeated or you can choose to announce how many times the character is repeated.
Paired Number announcements.
Where multiple numeric characters are used, such as telephone numbers or calendar dates, you are now able to choose to have these spoken as pairs of digits, making the announcement more consistent with everyday language. For instance the year 1986 will be announced as nineteen, eighty six; rather than one, nine, eight, six.
Cicero Integration.
If you use Dolphin's Cicero hardcopy text reader and it is installed on your computer (version 3.02 and above only), you will now be able to operate Cicero from within the Control Panel. When installing your latest Dolphin access software an Icon will automatically appear within the Control Panel for Cicero.
Grade 2 Literary Braille Input.
Literary Braille Input is now available for English, Dutch and German Braille, using the keys on your refreshable braille device. The input is buffered until the space button or a hotkey is simulated from the Braille display. The text is then sent to the application.
Mouse Pointer Management.
An extensive range of user selectable mouse pointers have been included within the latest version of Hal. You can choose extra large mouse pointers in a range of different high contrast colours, to help you locate the mouse on the screen.

New in version 6.50 (released: 10/02/2005)
•PDF Document support
Opening and reading a PDF document in Adobe Acrobat Reader v7 couldn't be easier. Use Document Read or cursor through the text using Dolphin's Virtual Focus. PDF forms are also accessible with v6.50.
•PowerPoint support
Supernova v6.50 now provides unparalleled support for PowerPoint. Create your own slides and slide shows and use your Braille display or headphones to read slide notes quietly while giving a presentation! Graphics, slide text, bullet levels, basic animation and charts are all supported.
•Enhanced Document Read
Enhanced Document Read combines the best features of Dolphin's Line View mode and Document Read. Like Line View, magnified text is shown in a smooth scrolling line at the top of the screen; at the same time the actual document is shown below and each word is highlighted as it is spoken. If you hear a spelling or grammar error, simply stop and edit your document, then continue! All the colour and highlighting options are available. You can see the real page layout, hear full text information and see the magnified line all at the same time.
•New lists for Word
Want to know more about your Word Document? Pull up a list of changes, spelling or grammar errors and jump right to each one. Makes editing or proofing quick and easy.
•New hot keys
Change Capital Announcement on the fly and cycle key echo settings between character, word, both or none. Read paragraph and move to next and previous paragraph; read sentence and move to next and previous sentence. Read table row or table column, read from cell or to cell.
•International Keyboard Manager
Your Dolphin software will automatically select your keyboard layout according to the language edition you are using. If you want to choose a different keyboard, simply select your keyboard language from the list.
•Hot Keys sets for cross-over users
As more people make the move, full hot key lists are now available for people switching from JFW, Magic or Zoomtext. Quick internet navigation keys (H for Heading etc.) are also supported. This keeps the learning curve short so it's easier to switch to Dolphin software!

New in version 6.0 (released: 15/04/2004)
•New Control Panel
Version 6 has been redesigned with a stylish new control panel making all the most common controls easy to find and more advanced features no more than two clicks or key presses away. The Dolphin control panel can now be run in full view mode, menu mode or from the system tray.
•Focus highlights
New focus highlights make it easy to see where the mouse, the cursor, the live focus or the virtual focus are at any time, and include crosshairs, bar highlights and pointers with a huge selection of colour, size and shapes to choose from.
•New Help
Online Help is easier and more useful than ever! A self-playing DAISY book is now included so you can also listen to your manual on your DAISY hardware or software player and find just what you're looking for. Version 6 also comes with a free copy of Dolphin's own 'EaseReader' DAISY software player, which incorporates the full user manual in a DAISY book, so users are able to playback their manual using the latest technology. New Users will also appreciate the Getting Started Guide.
•Easy Settings Files
Making settings files is now easier than ever. Supernova can automatically remember your speech, magnification and Braille preferences for every program you use. A settings file matches your preferences to the current application; you can also match your preferences to the current window or dialog with a situation setting.
•Orpheus v2
Orpheus v2 Multilingual Speech Software Synthesiser is now included. With 18 languages, Orpheus is one of the most clear and responsive synthesisers available and is designed for high listening speeds. The new skim reading option allows users to quickly review key words within long documents. It also comes with an exceptions dictionary, which can be personalised, allowing users to adjust pronunciation or add new words and acronyms. Orpheus v2 also supports speech at the Windows login prompt
•Advanced screen reading for MS Office
Speech and Braille users will find it easier than ever to create, read and format MS Office documents. Version 6 can now tell you more about your documents including spelling and grammar errors, formatting and alignment, headings and style information, tables and cells, protected document controls, and spreadsheet formulas, comments and chart objects.
•Faster, accurate Internet performance
Web pages now load much faster and screen reading is more accurate and automatic than with any other screen reader! Includes quick navigation keys, full spelling and attribute announcement, accurate column detection, focus tracking, page scrolling, easy form filling and much more.
•List Utility
Not just for Internet links, headings and frames - the list utility now helps you manage links and headings in MS Office documents, including Excel worksheets and chart items. The List Utility makes it easy to review large amounts of information quickly and find exactly what you're looking for.
•Key Describe Mode
It's easy to learn new hotkeys - Key Describe Mode will tell you what each key does as you press it. Also useful for new typists learning their way round the keyboard.
•Selected text
Use Drag & Drop in Virtual Focus to select text on the Internet without using the mouse. Cut & Paste selected text, or read it with Document Read or Line View.
•Virtual Focus
Virtual Focus movement can now be restricted to a particular control area or selection, making it easier to explore specific areas.
•Magnification & Speech at Login
Hal offers speech at login with Orpheus v2 (not supported with other synthesisers).

End User Licence Agreement (EULA)

This EULA is a legal agreement between you, the end user ("You") and Dolphin Computer Access Ltd ("Dolphin").
Please read this EULA carefully. If you do not agree to these terms, you must return the full product with proof of purchase to your dealer within 30 days for a full refund. NOTE: When you activate the product you agree to the EULA.
WARNING: When the product is installed you have up to 30 days to use it and decide whether to activate the product. Once a product has been activated a refund is not available.
1.Ownership.
This Product includes computer software ("Software"), print materials and any electronic documentation. The Product is licensed to you and not sold. The Product is protected by copyright laws, international copyright treaties and intellectual property laws.

2.Licence.
a) Desktop/Laptop Version - This Product is licensed for a single user only. You may install and use it only on computers that you operate and own. If a network or multi-user site license has been purchased, the number of concurrent users is restricted to that purchased. Additional licences must be purchased for any additional users.

b) Dolphin Pen Version - This product can be used on any computer providing you have the permission of the owner. Please note; should you lose your Dolphin Pen we cannot replace the licence.

c) Handheld Device Version - This product is licensed for a single handheld device and a single user only. If a network or multi-user site license has been purchased, the number of concurrent handheld devices/users is restricted to that purchased. Additional licences must be purchased for any additional handheld devices/users.
Please note: the digital security certificates for this product are valid for 10 years, this will result in the product expiring 10 years after this version of the product was launched. This will also apply to the third party components used, such as synthesisers, please contact the relevant manufacturer for details. Dolphin will provide support for the lifetime of the product.

3.Restrictions.
You may not copy the Software, except for one copy solely for backup or archival purposes providing you keep this copy in your possession. You may not modify, translate, decompile, disassemble, or otherwise reverse engineer the Software. You may not loan, rent, lease or sub-licence the Software or any copy to others for any purpose.

4.Transfer.
You may transfer the Product to another party on a permanent basis providing the recipient agrees to the terms of this EULA and you retain no copies of the Software.

5.Termination.
You may terminate this EULA at any time. If this EULA is terminated you must destroy the Product together with all copies of the Software in any form.

6.General.
If you break the terms of this agreement, Dolphin may terminate this EULA and reserves the right to take action to prevent or restrict your use of the Software.

7.Copyright Notice.
Copyright © 1998 - 2007 Dolphin Oceanic Limited and Dolphin Computer Access Limited. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hal - Screen reader with Speech and Braille support.
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OS Compatibility:
Can be installed on wide and local area networks
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Ultimate
Windows XP Home (with Service Pack 2 or later)
Windows XP Pro (with Service Pack 2 or later)

Recommended System Requirements:

The hardware requirements shown below are to be used as guidelines only. The actual performance of your PC will vary according to the application software, memory, sound and video hardware that you use.
Recommended hardware requirement
The computer equipment you intend to use needs to conform to the Microsoft hardware compatibility list for the operating system you intend to use. The Microsoft Hardware Compatibility List (HCL) for Windows Vista can be located at http://winqual.microsoft.com/HCL
The recommended Vista PC specification for Hal version 8 is:
•Processor - Intel® Core 2 Duo™ 2.1Ghz, or Intel® Pentium™ D Processor 925 3.0Ghz, or Intel® Centrino Duo™ Mobile 1.66, or AMD® Athlon™ 64 X2 Dual Core Processor 3600+, or equivalent or higher.
•Memory - 1Gb or higher
•Graphics card - "add in" AGP or PCI Express or PCI card with 256 MB memory or higher.
•Sound card - "on-board" or "add in".
•Hard disk - 500 MB of free space, if multiple Text To Speech (TTS) engines are to be installed then more free space will be required
•Internet connection
The recommended XP PC specification for Hal version 8 is:
•Processor – Intel P3 750 Mhz or AMD Athlon 750 or higher
•Memory – 512 MB or higher
•Graphics card – AGP "add in" card with 8 MB memory or higher (not on board)
•Sound card – Sound Blaster 1024 or equivalent (not on board)
•Hard disk – 125 MB of free space
•Internet connection
Other Operating Systems
Note: 64-Bit Editions of Windows Vista operating systems are currently not supported.
Please contact Dolphin to check compatibility before attempting to install this product on any operating system other than those listed above. Customers running Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows Me and Windows 98 should contact Dolphin sales or their Dolphin Dealer to purchase a version 7 licence which support these operating systems

Knowledge Base

Q0240: My Arabic Dolphin Screen reader / magnifier no longer functions outside of its control panel following the installation of an update.

The problem:
Following an Internet update to version 7.03 there is a loss of speech / magnification when the focus is outside the Dolphin product Control Panel.
The solution
This fault is caused by the Arabic version 7.03 products incorrectly working as 30 day trial versions. When the 30 day trial period expires the Dolphin product times out causing restricted functionality.

It is important to note that no error messages are displayed to indicate the end of the trial period since the Arabic release does not use product activation.

If the “About” box for your Dolphin Product identifies the product as being a “Demonstration” version then the problem you are experiencing is that described. The “About” box can be accessed via the “Help” menu of your Dolphin product Control Panel.

To resolve the fault download and install the relevant update patch available from the Support section of the Dolphin website.

For further assistance please contact your Dolphin dealer.
Applies to:
•Arabic Hal, Lunar, LunarPlus and Supernova version 7.03
•SuperNova
•SuperNova Pro
•Lunar
•LunarPlus
•Hal
•Hal Pro