This is a request that an EPUB reader be developed based on the Sigil EPUB editing program (Sigil Lite). The idea would be to use the basic Sigil program, remove its editing ability, and scale back the features to be consistent with an EPUB viewer only. The main new feature needed would be the ability to view and print the entire EPUB (not just specific files within it).
Why is a NEW reader needed when there are already programs like Calibre out there? The major reasons are as follows:
1. There is a need for a self-contained (or near self-contained) reader that faithfully and accurately reproduces EPUBs and which could be sent with EPUBs to ensure consistency and fidelity of viewing. This is not a big concern if your content is primarily uncomplicated text, such as in a novel. But when rather complicated tables, images, graphics and more are included, the appearance of the EPUB can vary considerably by reader. Sigil and Calibre virtually stand alone as the two programs that do display complicated EPUBs consistently and properly.
2. However, unlike Calibre, Sigil accommodates EPUB3 multimedia (audio, video, etc.). This is a MAJOR advantage that Sigil has over Calibre.
3. And, unlike Calibre, Sigil can print the EPUB to any printer, not just to a PDF file. For what I do this is another MAJOR advantage that Sigil has over Calibre.
4. Lastly, the EPUB management features included with Calibre are either overrated or not applicable for many of us. In my case I deal with small numbers of very complicated books and multimedia support, consistent viewing, fidelity to the original, and printing ability are far more important to me.
This is not meant to disparage Calibre. Calibre is an outstanding program for what it does, and I certainly use Calibre for certain applications. Unfortunately, Calibre does not meet the above needs for me in a reader.
To whomever in Sigil development might be listening, thank you for your consideration of this request.
Why is a NEW reader needed when there are already programs like Calibre out there? The major reasons are as follows:
1. There is a need for a self-contained (or near self-contained) reader that faithfully and accurately reproduces EPUBs and which could be sent with EPUBs to ensure consistency and fidelity of viewing. This is not a big concern if your content is primarily uncomplicated text, such as in a novel. But when rather complicated tables, images, graphics and more are included, the appearance of the EPUB can vary considerably by reader. Sigil and Calibre virtually stand alone as the two programs that do display complicated EPUBs consistently and properly.
2. However, unlike Calibre, Sigil accommodates EPUB3 multimedia (audio, video, etc.). This is a MAJOR advantage that Sigil has over Calibre.
3. And, unlike Calibre, Sigil can print the EPUB to any printer, not just to a PDF file. For what I do this is another MAJOR advantage that Sigil has over Calibre.
4. Lastly, the EPUB management features included with Calibre are either overrated or not applicable for many of us. In my case I deal with small numbers of very complicated books and multimedia support, consistent viewing, fidelity to the original, and printing ability are far more important to me.
This is not meant to disparage Calibre. Calibre is an outstanding program for what it does, and I certainly use Calibre for certain applications. Unfortunately, Calibre does not meet the above needs for me in a reader.
To whomever in Sigil development might be listening, thank you for your consideration of this request.