Boardmaker Studio Frequently Asked Questions
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- Pricing Questions
- Product Questions
- Technical Questions
- Compatibility Questions
- Customer Support Questions
Pricing Questions
What is the cost of Boardmaker Studio? Will the price change for the rest of the Boardmaker family software?
Boardmaker Studio will cost the same as Boardmaker Plus! No changes are being made to any pricing of any of the other Boardmaker products.
What happens when our schools get new computers?
If you already have Boardmaker Studio installed and you know you are getting new computers, you should uninstall the software while connected to the Internet. That will release your registration on that computer and allow you to reinstall the software on the new computer.
If you have a computer failure and need to replace the computer, but you didn’t have a chance to uninstall, you may find that during registration on the new computer you will get the message that your copy of Boardmaker Studio has already been installed on a computer. You will need to contact technical support at Spectronics so they can arrange for release of the registration from the failed computer (the computer name used when you registered your computer will be stored on the DynaVox Mayer-Johnson server.)
What happens when a new Version (eg. 1.0 to 1.1) comes out? Will upgrades be free?
DynaVox Mayer-Johnson expect to release revisions to the software periodically. As they have done in the past, when they release new versions that involve mostly minor changes and fixes, those will be free. There may be a charge for new releases that offer important new functionality.
Is there a free trial?
Yes, there is a 30-day free trial available from the Spectronics site at www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/boardmaker-studio.
What other products on the market can you compare Boardmaker Studio to?
Boardmaker Studio can be used to create onscreen topic-based activities like IntelliTools Classroom Suite and accessible writing activities like Clicker 5 and great printed activities like Boardmaker all in one easy to use product.
Exchanges and Upgrades
- We just bought Boardmaker or Boardmaker Plus! Version 6. Can we exchange it for Boardmaker Studio for free?
If you purchased Boardmaker Version 6 or Boardmaker Plus! Version 6 within the past 30 days, you are welcome to return the program, as per Spectronics’ standard return policy, and purchase a copy of Boardmaker Studio instead.
- Can we upgrade to Boardmaker Studio from an old version of Boardmaker for a reduced rate?
As at 3 March 2011, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson are now allowing upgrades from previous versions.
- Will the upgrade policy still apply for switching from an existing Boardmaker platform to Boardmaker Plus?
Yes. You can still purchase upgrades from any of the older versions of Boardmaker to Boardmaker Plus! Version 6. Nothing has changed there.
- What is the upgrade policy for the Boardmaker Addendum Libraries and Add-ons?
All Boardmaker Add-ons which are “print-only” will import into Boardmaker Studio without a problem. Some of the interactive Boardmaker Plus! Add-ons will import and work fine as well. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson have plans to release a list of which Add-ons will convert properly and which will not. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson do not plan to offer free upgrades to existing Add-ons.
Symbol libraries (pc2 files) purchased for Boardmaker, or symbol libraries you have created yourself can be imported into Boardmaker Studio. The only negative aspect of doing that is that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the advanced symbol searching capabilities of Boardmaker Studio if you go that route. For instance, if you purchase the 2000-2008 addendums in Boardmaker Studio, the “Studio Edition” versions will contain all of the necessary information to allow the new advanced search capabilities to work properly.- Existing Boardmaker and Add-on upgrades
All Boardmaker Add-ons which are “print-only” will import into Boardmaker Studio without a problem. Some of the interactive Boardmaker Plus! Add-ons will import and work fine as well. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson have plans to release a list of which Add-ons will convert properly and which will not. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson do not plan to offer free upgrades to existing Add-ons. - New Boardmaker Studio upgrades
As at 3 March 2011, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson are now allowing upgrades from previous versions of Boardmaker to Boardmaker Studio.
- Existing Boardmaker and Add-on upgrades
- I already own a number of Add-ons and upgrades, will they be compatible with Studio? If not, will the exchange be for free? If not, will I receive any discounts to upgrade to Studio compatible products?
All Boardmaker Add-ons which are “print-only” will import into Boardmaker Studio without a problem. Some of the interactive Boardmaker Plus! Add-ons will import and work fine as DynaVox Mayer-Johnson. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson have plans to release a list of which Add-ons will convert properly and which will not. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson do not plan to offer free upgrades to existing Add-ons.
Symbol libraries (pc2 files) purchased for Boardmaker, or symbol libraries you created yourself can be imported into Boardmaker Studio. The only negative aspect of doing that is that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the advanced symbol searching capabilities of Boardmaker Studio if you go that route. For instance, if you purchase the 2000-2008 addendums in Boardmaker Studio, the “Studio Edition” versions will contain all of the necessary information to allow the new advanced search capabilities to work properly.
- Will the Boardmaker Plus Player work in Boardmaker Studio? Is it the same Player program used for Boardmaker Plus! or do I need to purchase a separate version for Boardmaker Studio?
The Boardmaker Plus Player will not play activities created with Boardmaker Studio. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson plan to release a Boardmaker Studio Player soon.
Product Questions
Is Boardmaker Studio Windows 7 and Vista compatible or just XP?
Yes. It is compatible with all of these Windows Operating Systems.
What options exist for network installations?
If a customer is asking about a version of the Studio that will run from a server and can be accessed by workstations on a network, then the answer is currently no.
However, Studio does have improvements that make it easier to perform remote installations over a network. The new MSI installer will support silent, push installations to other computers on the network. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson will also have the ability to activate multiple copies of Studio using a single, organisational product ID, which will simplify the software activation process. District pricing could be applied to this type of a delivery option.
Why did DynaVox Mayer-Johnson introduce this new version of the Boardmaker software?
Our customers have been asking for many improvements to Boardmaker that were not possible to implement using the old Boardmaker software base. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson needed to dramatically update the software to offer the improved user interface and many of the time-saving authoring tools that are now built into Boardmaker Studio.
I know Boardmaker Plus! very well. Will I have an easy transition to Boardmaker Studio?
The user interface for Boardmaker Studio is new, so many of the ways you did things in Boardmaker Plus! may have changed. Users find that once they learn the new way of doing things, they are able to work more quickly and efficiently in Boardmaker Studio. To ease the transition, DynaVox Mayer-Johnson will be providing downloadable PDF tutorials and online videos explaining common tasks. There is even a video tour of the software built-in that will play automatically when you start the software if you wish to view it.
What online trainings and in-product tutorials are available for Studio?
There will be a series of step-by-step tutorials available to download from the Spectronics and DynaVox Mayer-Johnson websites at launch. There will also be a set of short videos covering topics that are better suited to seeing what is happening onscreen. This library of support materials will continue to be expanded over the coming months to create a comprehensive training library.
What languages are currently being offered in Studio?
The Boardmaker Studio user interface is only available in English, however, all of the PCS symbols are translated into 44 different languages. You can go into the language settings and change the search and display languages and put labels on buttons in a different language. Note that Boardmaker Studio does not allow you to display two labels on a button with a different language in each label.
What are the computer and Internet connection requirements for Boardmaker Studio?
Boardmaker Studio does not require an Internet connection in order to run, but it does require a connection in order to allow you to access BoardmakerShare. Also, when initially registering the software, an Internet connection is required. If you absolutely cannot get an Internet connection, call the Spectronics Technical Support team to walk you through a manual process over the phone.
If voices are synthesised in Studio what are the voice choices?
Boardmaker Studio will ship with a male and female high-quality synthesised voice. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson consider these voices to be a significant improvement over the standard Microsoft voices that are probably on your computer.
How does it compare with Boardmaker and Boardmaker Plus! Version 6?
- Can you export activities from Boardmaker Studio and use them in Boardmaker version 6?
No, activities created in Boardmaker Studio cannot be exported for use in previous version of the Boardmaker software, as was the case with Version 6.
- Can you edit symbols (change the colour, delete portions etc)?
DynaVox Mayer-Johnson refer to the collection of capabilities for modifying symbols collectively as “Paint Tools”. These tools are not available in this initial release of Boardmaker Studio.
- How many symbols come standard with Boardmaker Studio vs. Boardmaker Plus?
You receive the same number of symbols with Boardmaker Studio and Boardmaker Plus! – i.e. 4,500 for the standard versions.
- How do I obtain additional symbols for Studio?
PCS Symbol collections can be purchased for Boardmaker Studio. There will be 14 different symbol collections available for Boardmaker Studio as of launch with to follow. If you have symbol libraries (pc2 files) purchased for Boardmaker, or symbol libraries you created yourself, they can be imported into Boardmaker Studio. The only negative aspect of doing that is that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the advanced symbol searching capabilities of Boardmaker Studio if you go that route. For instance, if you purchase the 2000-2008 Addendums in Boardmaker Studio, the “Studio Edition” versions will contain all of the necessary information to allow the new advanced search capabilities to work properly.
- Can I request symbols for Studio on the DynaVox Mayer-Johnson website as I can with Boardmaker currently?
Yes. You can continue to make PCS symbol requests through the DynaVox Mayer-Johnson website.
- Is Boardmaker Studio interactive with voice and sound? If so is it a digitised voice like in Boardmaker Plus?
NOTE: Digitised voice means that everything spoken is recorded. These generally only apply to communication devices. Boardmaker Plus! does not include any voices. If it is installed on a typical PC, the only voices available are the Microsoft voices (Sam, Mike, and Mary) which are very poor quality. Boardmaker Studio comes with two high quality voices. It also includes a library of over 100 sounds. These are the same sounds that come with Boardmaker Plus!
- Is there a Symbolate feature in Boardmaker Studio that is offered in Boardmaker Software Version 6?
Yes. Symbolate is available in Boardmaker Studio. In Version 6, you had to be in design mode in order to use Symbolate. In Boardmaker Studio, you can create activities that allow students to type and see symbols. This means that Boardmaker Studio can be used in symbol-supported word processing applications.
- Will Boardmaker Studio have all the same template and overlays that the other Boardmaker programs offer?
No, much better! The Studio Starter templates that ship with Boardmaker Studio are much more powerful, professional, and flexible than those that ship with Boardmaker Plus! and they take less time to allow you to quickly create engaging activities. With Boardmaker Studio you get…
75 Print Activity Templates
300+ Device Overlays
50 Sample Activities
- Do the Addendums come with the standard version of Boardmaker Studio and, if so, how many are included?
No, the Addendums must be purchased separately. As standard however, you will receive that same set of 4,500 PCS Classic symbols included with the Standard Version of Boardmaker and Boardmaker Plus! Version 6.
Technical Questions
Do I need Internet to use Boardmaker Studio?
Boardmaker Studio does not require an Internet connection in order to run, but it does require a connection in order to allow you to access BoardmakerShare. Also, when initially registering the software, an Internet connection is required. If you absolutely cannot get an Internet connection, contact the Spectronics Technical Support team to walk you through a manual process over the phone.
How many people can use one copy of Boardmaker Plus! vs. Boardmaker Studio?
One. Both Boardmaker Plus! and Boardmaker Studio only allow one person to use the software at any given time. In the case of Boardmaker Plus!, you need to have the CD in the drive in order to run the software. To share a copy of the software, you must pass the CD to someone else.
What if I need to uninstall it from one computer to install on another?
You certainly can do this. If you are connected to the Internet when you uninstall the program (using the Windows “Uninstall a Program” feature in the Control Panel), you will then be able to install the program on another computer. However, if you are not connected to the Internet when you uninstall the program, you will need to contact Spectronics’ Technical Support team to arrange for installation on the new computer.
Will the DynaVox V and Vmax continue to come with Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro or will Boardmaker Studio now be shipped on these devices?
Yes, the DynaVox V and Vmax devices will continue to ship with Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro Version 6.
How will symbols be available? Will there be a preview? Can I “return” them if I don’t like them?
PCS symbols will be available in what DynaVox Mayer-Johnson are calling “PCS Collections”. Some of the most popular collections from the past will be available for purchase to work with Boardmaker Studio. These include…
- PCS Classic: 2000-2008 Addendums
- PCS Classic: Communicating About Sexuality
In addition, there will be a line of smaller collections that are topic based and use the new ThinLine style.
- PCS ThinLine: People, Feelings and Actions
- PCS ThinLine: Animals and Outdoors
- PCS ThinLine: Community and Home
- PCS ThinLine: Food and Drink
- PCS ThinLine: School
- PCS ThinLine: Leisure
- PCS ThinLine: Language Elements
- PCS ThinLine: Health and Body
Each of these collections will contain 200-300 symbols.
Compatibility Questions
Are Add-ons and Addendum libraries compatible with Studio?
All Boardmaker Add-ons which are “print-only” will import into Boardmaker Studio without a problem. Some of the interactive Boardmaker Plus! Add-ons will import and work fine as well. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson have plans to release a list of which Add-ons will convert properly and which will not. They do not plan to offer free upgrades to existing Add-ons.
Symbol libraries (pc2 files) purchased for Boardmaker, or symbol libraries you created yourself can be imported into Boardmaker Studio. The only negative aspect of doing that is that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the advanced symbol searching capabilities of Boardmaker Studio if you go that route. For instance, if you purchase the 2000-2008 addendums in Boardmaker Studio, the “Studio Edition” versions will contain all of the necessary information to allow the new advanced search capabilities to work properly.
What other products will be available for Boardmaker Studio?
There will be 14 symbols collections, 4 activity libraries, and 12 minis available at launch in September 2010. Other new activities, PCS collections and minis will follow in the coming months.
Will the boards that I already have made in Boardmaker and/or Boardmaker Plus! open in Studio? Will I be able to edit these boards and resave them?
Any board created in Boardmaker or Boardmaker Plus! Version 6 can be imported into a Boardmaker Studio project and edited, modified and printed. You may find that if your interactive boards use advanced programming features such as variables, or some of the “Quick” actions, the actions may have to be reprogrammed after you import the board. A detailed analysis of your boards will be provided during the import process, and a list of exactly what did not convert will be supplied. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson expect most boards that have been created by most users will import and convert just fine.
Can I import my Boardmaker symbols into Studio?
Symbol libraries (pc2 files) purchased for Boardmaker, or symbol libraries you created yourself can be imported into Boardmaker Studio. The only negative aspect of doing that is that you will not be able to take advantage of some of the advanced symbol searching capabilities of Boardmaker Studio if you go that route. For instance, if you want the 2000-2008 addendums in Boardmaker Studio, the “Studio Edition” versions of those will contain all of the necessary information to allow the advanced search capabilities to work properly.
Are my Add-ons/addendum libraries going to work?
All Boardmaker Add-ons which are “print-only” will import into Boardmaker Studio without a problem. Some of the interactive Boardmaker Plus! Add-ons will import and work OK as well. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson have plans to release a list of which Add-ons will convert properly and which will not. They do not plan to offer free upgrades to existing Add-ons.
Will BoardmakerShare.com work with Boardmaker Studio?
Absolutely! Not only will you be able to see, share, and download Boardmaker Studio activities, but you will be able to share Boardmaker Studio templates and Gadgets as well. You will have direct and immediate access to Boardmaker Share through the Connect window within Boardmaker Studio. So searching and finding activities will be fast and convenient.
Will the AT&T Voices work with Boardmaker Studio? Does Studio come with more than one voice? Can I record voices? Does it come with a sounds library like Boardmaker Plus!?
Yes, Boardmaker Studio will work with any Microsoft SAPI voices you have installed on your computer. You can pick which voice you want from the settings within Boardmaker Studio. Boardmaker Studio comes with two high quality voices, one male and one female. Australian male and female voices for use with Boardmaker Studio are available for purchase separately from www.spectronicsinoz.com/product/realspeak-solo-australian-english-voices-for-boardmaker-family-software-and-dynavox-v-series-devices
You can record your own voice through Boardmaker Studio simply by putting the PlaySound action on a button, or you can record with some other application and use PlaySound to play those audio files. Boardmaker Studio ships with the same sound library as Boardmaker Plus!
Customer Support Questions
Why should I consider Boardmaker Studio in preference to Boardmaker or Boardmaker Plus! Version 6?
Boardmaker Studio is most useful for you if you:
- Are new to Boardmaker and don’t have a particular preference for the traditional Boardmaker user interface;
- Are familiar with Microsoft Office-type applications and prefer to use software with those familiar icons and menus;
- Are uncomfortable using many of the advanced interactive features of Boardmaker Plus! but may be willing to create activities from the powerful Studio Starter templates built into Boardmaker Studio;
- Need to adapt lots of activities on various instructional topics for students with diverse needs ( as Boardmaker Studio lets you create and adapt activities faster than you could with Boardmaker Plus!);
- And/or do not want to have to rely on keeping the CD handy for use on your installation of Boardmaker Studio.
Even with Boardmaker Studio coming out are DynaVox Mayer-Johnson continuing to support Boardmaker, Boardmaker Plus! and Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro?
Yes. The original Boardmaker line of products are the tools that many teachers and therapists know and trust. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson plan to continue selling and supporting those products. There is a huge community of users and free activities available on BoardmakerShare that continue to make the Boardmaker line an incredibly powerful tool for adapting materials for students with disabilities. As always, Spectronics in Australia and New Zealand will support you in using any programs purchased from Spectronics – for the life of that program.
Are they planning on discontinuing Boardmaker, Boardmaker Plus! or Boardmaker with Speaking Dynamically Pro?
Absolutely not! There are many customers who have made a commitment to these products through purchases and through training. They are powerful tools that serve customers very well. DynaVox Mayer-Johnson will continue to sell and support these products well into the foreseeable future.
Will my students have trouble making the adjustment to using Boardmaker Studio? Will the boards look similar to them?
The materials created with Boardmaker Studio should serve your students’ needs better in many ways. In general, Boardmaker Studio will allow users to create more consistent and professional-looking activities that incorporate more interactive features to keep students engaged. As you know, when students are more attentive and engaged, they are likely to spend more time on task, and engagement and time on task are key factors in student learning.