comparing and evaluating text-to-speech software: which one is right for your needs?
DESCRIPTION
Comparing and Evaluating Text-to-Speech Software: Which One is Right for Your Needs?. Kyle Slough [email protected] Melissa Engleman [email protected] Irene Howell Assistive Technology Center http://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/ci/sped/at/atlab.cfm Greenville, NC. Presentation Overview. - PowerPoint PPT PresentationTRANSCRIPT
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Kyle [email protected]
Melissa [email protected]
Irene Howell Assistive Technology Centerhttp://www.ecu.edu/cs-educ/ci/sped/at/atlab.cfm
Greenville, NC
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Presentation Overview From low-end to high-end, several text-to-speech
applications are widely used.Deciding which to use is sometimes by what the
disability services representative happens to know best, or by what is owned by the university.
Decisions are better made based on the match between user needs and software features.
In this presentation, features of a few application are compared, and a suggested protocol is presented that may assist in selecting the best software for users.
Features and CharacteristicsCostSupported platformsFeatures:
Voice quality & choicesDevices you can use: mp3, DAISY, portabilityControlling speedHighlighting capabilities (as it reads)FlexibilityBuilt in support features
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Other reading softwareTradeoff features and price
Read and Write Gold $395; $645Read Please (free) limited supportBlio (free) (price will vary by book)
Kurzweil 3000 $395; $1,095; $1,495
Natural Reader free-$299
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User Needs to ConsiderPlatform used, budget, study support needs, if
anyAvailable technical supportVoice
Must practice using voice to become familiar with itMany voices available with varying quality Non-English voices are available
Adjust speed Faster: light or familiar reading Slower: More complex passages
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User Needs to Consider Portability Listen to text-to-speech recorded to MP3 Strategies:
1. Student listens to reading while pacing in room
2. Student records study notes to listen to repeatedly while commuting
Some of the Major Players
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KurzweilCostSupported platformsVoice quality & choices
PortabilitySpeed controlsHighlighting
capabilities (as it reads)
FlexibilityOther features
$395; $1095; $1495Mac or PC (different
versions)
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KurzweilSelect text to readKurzweil highlights text being read
Read & Write GoldCostSupported platformsVoice quality & choices
PortabilitySpeed controlsHighlighting
capabilities (as it reads)
FlexibilityOther features
$395; $645Mac or PC (different
versions)
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Read and Write GoldSelect text to readRead and Write Gold highlights text being
read
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Natural ReaderCostSupported platformsVoice quality & choices
PortabilitySpeed controlsHighlighting
capabilities (as it reads)
FlexibilityOther features
Free-$299Mac or PC (different
versions)
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Blio readerText to Speech or E-Reader?
It is a free E-readerIt was designed by Ray Kurzweil
Blio reader is set to launched Septmember 28th and a more accessable version is due in October
Key featuresColor display of booksHighlighting Function and Notes
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Blio ReaderCostSupported platformsVoice quality & choices
PortabilitySpeed controlsHighlighting
capabilities (as it reads)
FlexibilityOther features
Depends on bookWindows only
currently but more to follow
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Blio Reader
http://blioreader.com/http://blioreader.com/about.html
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The Low-DownUse a protocol based on application features
and individual needsPay attention to individual preferencesFollow-up and follow-along training is vital to
success
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Link to Spreadsheet
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http://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?key=0AomYaPFK5E4QdFNCdG5MakZ1dzZZOGpzbzJ6dEQwX1E&hl=en
Questions?
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