[bookcourier] Re: BETTER VOICES?
- From: "James O'Dell" <jamesodell@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: <bookcourier@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 29 Apr 2006 15:29:10 +0100
Hi Ben
I'm sure Springer will correct me if I'm wrong, but I think this has a lot to
do with the hardware that exists in Book Courier. Most of the more modern
voices that are available are in fact software-based speech synthesisers which
would require considerably more hardware and memory resources, and a compatible
software platform, to run. The Book Courier is so economical and affordable
because it is using special software made by the developers rather than any
kind of third-party operating system, and as far as I am aware, the Doubletalk
speech is a dedicated piece of hardware that more or less takes care of itself,
meaning that the BC's internal memory can mostly be dedicated to other
functions. Also I think using Eloquence or similar would result in a much
shorter battery life. If you want to use different voices, try a PC tool that
allows you to convert text to mp3 using any voice you have on your system.
take a look at Text aloud from www.nextup.com or Yeosoft text-mp3 speaker from
www.text-mp3.com. Both offer voices for sale at additional cost.
James
----- Original Message -----
From: Bennie and Catherine van Rensburg
To: bookcourier@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Sent: Saturday, April 29, 2006 3:05 PM
Subject: [bookcourier] BETTER VOICES?
Hallo There!
I've only been using Book Courier for a month and have found it to be a most
useful piece of electronics. Previously, when I travelled, I couldn't read any
books, as a laptop was almost as much trouble to carry around as a desktop!
I bought my Book Courier with open eyes, as it were, having listened to Exact
Pete on-line. However, I still found it amazing that Springer isn't using a
better voice. To my mind, there is so much better available now. I put this
point to support, suggesting Eloquence or IBM Read. They told me, in a very
courteous reply, that this issue had been discussed often before on the list
and that there were as many preferences as there were voices. So I apologise
if I'm introducing a hackneyed subject, but don't you guys think there's
something better out there than Double-Talk?
Regards.
Bennie
Ben and Catherine van Rensburg
c/o South African Embassy
Granatny Per 1, bldg 9
123001 MOSCOW
Tel: +7 495 2990326 (Home) Note: New area code for Moscow
Mobile (Ben) +7 8 915 397 6347
Mobile (Catherine) +7 8 915 300 40 43
South Africa +27 12 667 3545 (Parents/Claudia)
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