[bcab] Re: Thunder (was RE: Wish List)

Hi Tim
I have found it fairly good for basic tasks.  It comes initially with the
sam sapi voice, which is not very good, and I can see this putting people
off.  However I bought the Danuiel realspeak to use with it, and there is a
vast improvement as this voice is excellent, and whats more its English.  I
have not stretched the program to its limits yet, and have found a couple of
things that don't seem to work on the face of it, but perhaps I have not got
to grips with tweeking it.  One thing I cannot seem to get going is the
continuous document read, although I have used the shortcut provided.
Another thing is that it goes to sleep every so often.  It does not crash
your system, and rightens itself after a short while.  I was told about this
before I got it, and its something to do with its off screen model.  Forgive
me if I got that expression slightly, not being a techy.  Apparently this is
in its favour, as it allows it to work with other screen reader applications
without conflict.  As for the web, it comes with a web brouser program
called webbie 3, which seems to be quite a good performer on the web.  I
have not put it through it paces, but I have been told by others that it
works very well.  I mean, Tim, what do people want for free.  It is breaking
new ground, and there will be free updates as it improves.  As for the big
boys, maybe it will make them sit up and take a long look at the prohibitive
cost of their software for those unfortunate enoyugh to have a low income.
Finally, I must mention, that I use the Daniel voice to help me produce a
monthly audio magazine, and its great to read bits I would have to get help
in reading, and I use Daniel to introduce items etc, - my listeners like the
Daniel voice, and it gives them a break from my droning waffle.
cheers
Alan Michael Rayner
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <tim.pennick@xxxxxx>
To: <bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Thursday, September 28, 2006 9:32 AM
Subject: [bcab] Thunder (was RE: Wish List)


Hi All,

In the "wish list" thread, there have been a number of references to the
desirability of a more affordable screen reader.  I'd be interested to know
if anyone has tried the freeware screenreader called Thunder, available from
http:/www.screenreader.net.  I've had a brief look at this, and it looked
promising for people who need basic internet access and other popular
computing functions, but I'm interested in other people's views as I think
that this type of initiative has the potential for a major impact on the
screen reader market, the consequences of which aren't yet clear.

Regards,

Tim Pennick

*** Disclaimer: ***

The views expressed in this message don't necessarily represent those of my
employer.

*** End disclaimer

-----Original Message-----
From: bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:bcab-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf
Of Phil Smalley
Sent: 28 September 2006 09:21
To: bcab@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [bcab] Wish List

Hi,

How about affordable digital TV with Audio Description, say £40!  An
accessible DVD Recorder for around £150.  Come to think of it, Jaws for £150
and ZoomText for £100 would be good too.

Phil





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