Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a phone or wireless cell internet service to connect?

No, you don't need a phone or wireless internet. MediaScouter uses a database contained on your PDA or smart phone. You don't have to pay any wireless charges when you are using a PDA.

Do I need a barcode scanner?

The scanner is optional, but highly recommended for faster scouting. We recommend Socket scanners (www.socketcom.com), The 5m or 5p models are great because they fit into the PDA's compact flash slot (make sure your PDA has a compact flash (CF) slot). The Socket Bluetooth 7M and 7P hand held scanners are also a good choice for a wireless scanner (make sure your PDA has Bluetooth connectivity). The Socket Bluetooth 9M and 9P ring scanners are a good choice for freeing up both hands.

Are all the books in the database?

We cannot guarantee every book in the world is in the database, but most are. We are constantly searching for new titles to add to our database.

What is required to install your software?

Installation of the program requires some basic understanding of how to download, unzip, and install applications. It requires a windows based PC to load the program onto your PDA or smart phone. We offer free technical support for any questions that you may have via email (support@mediascouter.com) and live chat.

How fast do the results display on the screen?

After you scan, the screen displays the results in less than a second (immediately) and a beep will sound. The beep indicates if the item matches your predetermined criteria. You can then scan your next item without even having to look at the screen.

Is the Amazon info displayed?

We display 5 lowest used and the lowest new prices, sales rank, total number of items on Amazon, title, # of pages and almost anything else you could possibly want.

What kind of information is entered?

MediaScouter accepts ISBN as well as UPC and EAN numbers. The EAN or UPC numbers are available for Music, VHS and DVDs, Video and Computer Games and Software.

How do I enter the books I want?

You can enter your scouting criteria on the PDA. You choose your criteria based on different ranks, market availability, market prices, etc.

How often can I change my scouting criteria?

MediaScouter allows for several diferent criteria settings. You can change your criteria at any time. There is a form for changing your criteria (you can set your minimum price, etc.). The program comes with its default criteria, but you can add an extra set of two.

What if the books I buy sometimes are a quarter, sometimes $3 USD?

You can enter two different types of criteria. You can make your own kinds of criteria (high price, low price, less risk, etc). It is easy to switch between criteria when you are scouting. You can also enter in the purchase cost, and the program will estimate the profit for you.

How big is the cache file download and how long does it take to download?

The data download is 300 MB. It can take anywhere from 5-15 minutes depending on your broadband connection speed using our desktop download tool. Once a month you should download the static title information which is 1 gb in size.

How often do I have to download the data files?

We refresh data every day. You could update your data files every time you want to use the program.

Can I use the same update on two different PDAs or smart phones?

No, the license is for a single PDA or smart phone. It is not possible to use the same update on two PDAs or smart phones because they each have a different registration code.

What kind of support do you offer?

We offer free technical support via email (support@mediascouter.com) and live chat.  Phone support is available for our United States members at 651-323-8468.

What about Software and Games?

In addition to books, movies, VHS tapes, DVD's and CD's, you can also find the price and rank information for software and electronic games (PC, Xbox, Playstation Nintendo).

What about Title searches?

Title searches are available for pre ISBN items.

Can the beeps be turned off?

You can use a headphone if you don't want other people to hear your sounds, or turn off the Sound Volume on your PDA or smart phone, this way you can still see the info on the screen but you won't hear sounds. We display big numbers on the PDA or smart phone so you can look at prices with ease.

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