According to a press release published at PRNewswire, the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped (NLS), Library of Congress, produced its last analog cassette book machine on February 17, 2007, signaling the advent of Digital Talking Books.
NLS expects to launch the digital audio system in 2008. The new system will include solid state, flash-memory playback machines that will be about one-third the size of the current machine and will play digital audiobooks provided on flash-memory cartridges.
The system will provide better audio quality, be more durable, be more reliable, and consume less power. In addition, cartridges will allow longer playing time and practically eliminate the need to change cartridges, as is often required with audiocassettes.
The complete press release can be read here.
