|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067 |
Band-in-a-Box and RealBand manuals presently are provided electronically as pdf files. While pdf files are generally are okay for display on a computer screen they do not adapt to all resolutions well. Similarly pdf files are terrible when viewed on alternate displays such as a tablet, e-reader or smartphone. EPUB was created specifically to resolve the issue of viewing documents on various displays. EPUB is the most widely supported vendor-independent XML-based (as opposed to PDF) e-book format; that is, it is supported by the largest number of hardware readers. More information about the ePUB standard is available +++ HERE +++ This wishlist request is for PG Music to provide user manuals electronically as ePUB files in addition to the current, pdf, file format.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596 |
Interesting info; thanks Jim.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Mar 2017
Posts: 877 |
Band-in-a-Box 2024. Custom Build Desktop PC W/ Windows 10 Home 64-bit. CPU: Intel Core i5-9600k @ 3.7GHz (6 core x 6 threads) RAM: 16GB DDR4. Storage 238GB SSD + 2.7 TB HDD. GPU: ZOTAC NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1050 Ti 4GB
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154 |
I muri sono creature... scontrose
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847 |
I actually tried to convert the PDF file to ePub format, but it fails on something in the file. I'll look at it more closely as I have time. Clearly, PGMusic should do this, but I just thought I'd give it a shot so I can have it on my Kindle. I use Calibre (free) to convert various document formats to ePub or Mobi formats.
If I get a clean conversion in the near future, I'll post a copy for folks to take a look at.
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596 |
In reading a little about this, I noticed Kindle is one of the few devices not supported. Maybe that has changed since the articles I read.
There is no way to save a Microsoft Word file to ePub but there are workarounds using a third-party utility.
I did not look yet at other programs that could save a PDF as an ePub but there appear to be some.
John, perhaps the problem you ran into is similar to Music XML, which I understand to be a similar concept to ePub. There may be syntax requirements that haven't yet been standardized. In Music XML, a single misplaced or missing character, or missing or misspelled tag, can cause the importing program to reject the file (sometimes with no warning message).
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847 |
For Kindle, you have to convert to MOBI format. I've helped another Music Vendor convert their documentation accordingly (Diamond Cut Software). The problem is that my source material for BIAB was the PDF file, rather than the source Word File. The Diamond Cut folks provided me with the Word document, which made the conversion much easier.
Actually, you can load a PDF and view on Kindle, but then you don't get adjustable text sizes and it becomes very difficult to read. I didn't spend a lot of time with it yesterday, but will probably pursue it further. I tried to convert the PDF back to Word, but it died about 50% through. I'll try some other means to see if I can do it.
Barnes and Noble Nook requires the EPUB format. The Calibre application supports both formats (and others).
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596 |
Calibre was mention in several how-to articles about using Word.
You would think Word would just add it as a supported file type.
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,115
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 21,115 |
If it's an open standard and is gaining popularity with devices especially suitable for reading electronic format material. +1
BIAB & RB2026 Win.(Audiophile), Windows 10 Pro & Windows 11, Cakewalk Bandlab, Izotope Prod.Bundle, Roland RD-1000, Synthogy Ivory, Session Keys Grand S & Electric R, Kontakt, Focusrite 18i20, KetronSD2, NS40M, Pioneer Active Monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067 |
Bump primarily to allow more people the opportunity to support the idea of having electronic manuals available in the ePub format.
Last edited by Jim Fogle; 01/10/18 01:49 PM. Reason: Removed misinformation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jul 2000
Posts: 27,596 |
BIAB 2026 Win Audiophile. Software: Fender Studio One 8, Swam horns, Acoustica-7, Notion 6, Song Master Pro, Win 11 Home. Hardware: Intel i9, 32 Gb; Fender Quantom HD8 & Faderport 8, Royer 121, Adam Sub8 & Neumann 120 monitors.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,847
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,847 |
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 154 |
I muri sono creature... scontrose
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
Get it done correctly so that text size works and graphics are viewable.
+1
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167
Apprentice
|
|
Apprentice
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 167 |
Band-in-a-Box, BiaB-plugin, Reaper, Win10 64bit, i7-8565U, 24GB RAM (always latest versions)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067 |
Here are the reasons I believe this request to be worthwhile:
(1) EPUB is built on the Open Web Platform. HTML, XML, CSS, JavaScript and SVG can be used for content authoring. The PG Music webmaster and documentation group use these tools every day so they will not need much time to become familiar with using them in this context.
(2) Using the Open Web Platform means all formatting technology needed to display a document on screens of all sizes and resolutions is readily available to PG Music.
(3) As a web based document EPUB allows the use of GIF (single and multiple images), JPEG (images), PNG (images), SVG (content documents), MP3 (audio), MP4 (audio), Javascript and many other applications. Expanding the documentation through the use of these applications opens the door to the use of content based tool tips, multiple GIF images with audio demonstrating new features.
(4) PG Music documentation will become an offline resource users can view on any digital device, any time they want to.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2000
Posts: 12,847 |
I'm all plus one for this. I'll have to try again now that I have newer versions of Word to see if I can convert the PDF and see what kind of result I get.
With a Kindle, as long as the file is in MOBI format, you can email the file to your Kindle account on Amazon (look online at your Amazon account to find the email address) and it will appear in your downloadable library. It will then display text in scalable fonts; however, be aware it will only use fonts available to Kindle (so you might see some weirdness).
That being said, the Word file I converted for Diamond Cut Productions for their DCArt (Audio Restoration Tools) is now offered as an option on their web site for the user documentation (in both MOBI and EPUB formats).
It should not be that difficult to do the same with PGMusic documentation. And Calibre is free!
John Laptop-HP Omen I7 Win11Pro 32GB 12TB SSD Desktop-ASUS-I7 Win10Pro 32GB 12TB SATA BB2026/UMC204HD&404HD/Casios/Cakewalk/Reaper/Studio One/Notion/Dorico/Noteworthy/NI/Halion/IK http://www.sus4chord.com (under rehosting/construction)
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173
Expert
|
|
Expert
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 1,173 |
I have the Manual PDF on an iPad which is ok.
I have found generally using Calibre on PDFs is not all that successful and often end up with a document that is almost unusable, say on a Kindle.
I do find however, now that the manuals are online, they are a really great tool. The online manual is easily searched. It can be scaled (on an iPad) very simply. I doubt the manual would be much chop on a Kindle or similar eReader.
My thoughts after a bit of a think.
Tony
HP i7-4770 16GB 1TB SSD, Win 10 Home,
Focusrite 2i2 3rd Gen, Launchkey 61, Maton CW80, Telecaster, Ovation Elite TX, Yamaha Pacifica 612
BB 2022(912) RB 2022(2), CakeWalk, Reaper 6, Audacity, Melodyne 5 Editor, Izotope Music Production Suite 4.1
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Other Programs Wishlist
|
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067
Veteran
|
|
OP
Veteran
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 11,067 |
The online manuals are a blessing. I'm VERY grateful PG Music has made both Windows and Mac manuals available online.
However, many e-readers and some tablets are offline only devices. I know this is true for both my e-reader and my wife's tablet. I use a USB memory stick to load E-books, updates, music files and videos to these devices.
Interesting side note, I download books using my account with the local library. Those files have a return time just like there is when I check out a physical book. When the return date occurs the file automatically deletes. I can extend my check out date if I extend prior to the return date and the book has no calls from other users.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Last Chance! The Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® Special Ends Today (May 31, 2026) at 11:59pm PDT!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PDT today!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the amazing new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. View the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to transcribe an entire track or transcribe specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Mac® to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 Mac Special Offers Extended Until May 31st!
Good news- we've extended our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® special offers until May 31, 2026!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 is packed with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can transcribe an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PDT on May 31st, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Check out the Band-in-a-Box® for Mac packages page to find the best package for you.
Holiday Weekend Hours
It's Victoria Day Long Weekend in Canada. Our Customer Service hours are:
Saturday, May 16: Closed
Sunday, May 17: Closed
Monday, May 18: 8:00am - 4:00pm
Regular hours resume Tuesday, May 19th!
Today's the Last Day of the Band-in-a-Box 2026® for Mac Special!
Order before 11:59pm PDT today (May 15, 2026) to save up to 50% off your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® upgrade and receive a FREE Bonus PAK loaded with great new Add-ons to use with this new version!
Don't wait - order today!
Check out all the new features in the redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac - Special Offers End at 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th, 2026!
Order before 11:59pm PDT on Friday, May 15th and SAVE up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 for Mac Upgrade packages... and that's not all! With your version 2026 for Mac purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons FREE! Upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks... that's 222 NEW RealTracks available with version Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac!
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac® today for as little as $49! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all available purchase options.
Learn more about the Free Bonus PAK and 49-PAK here.
If you have any questions about which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We're here to help!
202 New RealTracks Released with Band-in-a-Box 2026!
With Band-in-a-Box® 2026, we've released 202 incredible new RealTracks (in sets 468-488) in a variety of genres—featuring your most requested styles!
Jazz, Funk & World (Sets 468-475):
Our new jazz, funk & blues RealTracks include a groovin’ collection of RealTracks and RealDrums! These include more requested “soul jazz” RealTracks featuring artists Neil Swainson (bass), Charles Treadway (organ), Brent Mason (guitar), and Wes Little (drums). There are new “smooth jazz” styles (4), which include a RealTracks first: muted trumpet, as well as slick new smooth jazz brushes options for drums. Blues lovers will be thrilled—there are more “classic acoustic blues” styles, including guitar (5), bass (4), and drums (10) with blues master Colin Linden, featuring understated and tasty background acoustic soloing, plus brushes drums and acoustic bass. There are also new electric blues RealTracks, including electric blues with PG favorite Johnny Hiland (3) and soulful electric slide guitar from Colin Linden (4). If you love funk & gospel, there are great new options this year, including gospel organ (3) from Charles Treadway, as well as new funk, tango, and rock ’n’ roll drums (3) and bass (1). And for big, bold arrangements, we have uptempo soul horns (4) featuring a three-part hip horn section with options for a full mix or stems of each individual horn — plus an accompanying rhythm section (4) of drums, bass, guitar, and electric piano!
Rock & Pop (Sets 476–482):
Our new rock & pop RealTracks bring a powerful mix of requested favorites, fresh genres, and modern chart-inspired styles! We have more of our popular “Producer Layered Acoustic Guitars (15)” featuring Band-in-a-Box favorite Brent Mason. We’ve continued our much-requested disco styles (10), and added new Celtic guitar (5) with a more basic, accessible approach than our previous Drop-D or DADGAD offerings. There are also highly requested yacht rock styles (17), inspired by the smooth, polished soft-rock sound of the late ’70s and early ’80s — laid-back grooves, silky electric pianos, warm textures, elegant harmonic movement, and pristine production aesthetics. Fans of heavier styles will love our new glam metal (13), capturing the flashy, high-energy sound of ’80s arena-ready guitar rock. We also have a set of rootsy modern-folk rock (18), with a warm, organic sound combining contemporary folk textures and driving acoustic strumming. And we’ve added lots of new modern pop styles (16) — the kinds of sounds you’re hearing on the radio today, featuring exciting new drums, synths, and cutting-edge RealTracks arrangements.
Country, & Americana (Sets 483–488):
Our new country & Americana RealTracks deliver a rich collection of acoustic, electric, and roots-inspired styles! We have new country pop (9) with legendary guitarist Brent Mason. There is also a potpourri (14) of bouzouki, guitars, banjo, and more, perfect for adding texture and character to contemporary acoustic arrangements. We’ve added funky country guitar (5) with PG favorite Brent Mason, along with classic pedal steel styles (5) featuring steel great Doug Jernigan. There are more country songwriter styles (8) that provide intimate, rootsy foundations for storytelling and modern Americana writing. Finally, we have “background soloing” acoustic guitar (12) with Brent Mason — simpler, but still very tasty acoustic lines designed to sit beautifully behind vocals or act as a subtle standalone solo part.
Check out all the 202 new RealTracks (in sets 468-488)!
And, if you are looking for more, the 2026 49-PAK (for $49) includes an impressive collection of 20 bonus RealTracks, featuring exciting and inspiring additions to add to your RealTracks library. You'll get new country-rhythm guitar styles from PG Music favorites Johnny Hiland and Brent Mason, along with modern-pop grooves that capture today’s radio-ready sound! There are also new indie-folk styles with guitar, bass, 6-string bass used as a high-chording instrument, acoustic guitar, and banjo. Plus, dedicated "cymbal fills" RealDrums provide an added layer that work very well with low-key folky styles with other percussion.
The 2026 49-PAK is loaded with other great new add-ons as well. Learn more about the 2026 49-PAK!
2026 Free Bonus PAK & 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
With your version 2026 for Mac Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- iOS Android Band-in-a-Box® App
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Mac®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics86,382
Posts804,146
Members40,110
| |
Most Online64,515
Apr 8th, 2026
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean