----------1--- from [log in to unmask] We had the same two final candidates for our lab three years ago. We chose Sony because at the time it's all digital product (Virtuoso/Soloist) seemed farther along. That may no longer be the case. We've liked the Sony. One of major differences is that Sony produces files in standard formats (mp3, WAV) etc. while Sanako uses some proprietary codecs. It's possible to convert these to mp3's, but it's a bit of a pain. Henry Wilmer Director, Language Learning Center Phillips Academy, Andover, MA 978-749-4201 [log in to unmask] ---------2--- from [log in to unmask] We migrated from a Sony LLC-9000 to the Virtuoso Major system and found the transition for faculty relatively painless. Feel free to contact me off list if you want to talk in more detail ... and we are only a four hour drive away if you really want to see the system in action. Jonathan **************************************************** Jonathan Perkins Associate Director Ermal Garinger Academic Resource Center University of Kansas 4070 Wescoe Hall 1445 Jayhawk Boulevard Lawrence KS 66045-7590 Phone: (785) 864-4782 Fax: (785) 864-1256 ---------3--- from [log in to unmask] Over the past 40 years or so the Faculty of Arts have had many language labs, including Sony and Tandberg (which is now Sanako). We have just purchased a Sanako Lab 300 over the SansVirtuso and the Sanako 1200. The advantage of the 300 system is that audio and video do not go through the network and as a result these critical parameters do not suffer from IP collisions and potential delays. Both the Sanako 1200 and Sans system have fussy requirements with sound cards. You would be well advised to make sure the sound cards you have will do the job. When dealing with language labs, sound is very important and as the Study 300 does not go through the network for audio, many potential problems do not exist. As far as teacher/student functionality the difference between the Sanako and Sans is akin to choosing GM over Ford. They both do the same thing with a little different appearance. Lee Ramsdell, Technical Supervisor Arts Resource Centre Room 130 - A1, Arts Building Phone 780-492-2142 Cell 780-952-8820 ---------4--- from [log in to unmask] Hello, Chris: I was glad to see that you posted your inquiry in the LLTI list, I do hope you get some comments. I am not familiar with the Sanoko system--have we had a demo from the representative? Does the Sanoko address our needs--they do go beyond pairing and grouping, especially now that we can record the students' work and be able to evaluate both indivisually and as a group. Regards, T. Johnson -----Original Message----- From: Language Learning and Technology International Information Forum [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of LLTI-Editor Sent: Monday, July 17, 2006 11:22 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: #8287 Sony vs. Sanoko from Christopher Stormer Director of the Language Learning Center Saint Louis University Ritter Hall 325 314-977-3644 Hello from SLU: At St. Louis University we're in the process of deciding on language lab software-- we think we're down to two choices-- the SANS/Sony Virtuoso Major and the Sanoko Study 1200. Both seem remarkably similar in terms of functionality, but we have a quote from Sanoko that's half the cost of the SANS/Sony system-- the huge difference in cost gives me pause. Does anyone have any positive or negative experiences with either of these products? Most faculty here are interested primarily in the pairing and grouping functions, and, of course, ease of use. We just migrated last Fall from a cassette-driven Sony LLC-9000 to a computer-based lab and have had a disastrous experience with eLangLab, which is why we're in the market for another software solution. Any warnings, recommendations, or general comments about these systems in actual use would be extremely helpful. Thanks, Chris *********************************************** LLTI is a service of IALLT, the International Association for Language Learning, and The Consortium for Language Teaching and Learning (http://consortium.dartmouth.edu). Join IALLT at http://iallt.org. Otmar Foelsche, LLTI-Editor ([log in to unmask]) ***********************************************