Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!yale!bunker!hcap!hnews!70!0!Doug.Geoffray From: Doug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) Newsgroups: misc.handicap Subject: Re: Vocal-Eyes Message-ID: <12509@bunker.UUCP> Date: 27 Jun 90 20:27:37 GMT Sender: wtm@bunker.UUCP Reply-To: Doug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org Distribution: misc Organization: FidoNet node 8:70/0 Lines: 116 Approved: wtm@bunker.UUCP Index Number: 8924 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DK> HI DOUG, I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SPEECH SYNTHESIS, I AM DK> CURRENTLY USING ARTIC'S BUSINESS VISION ON MY OFFICE COMPUTER. DK> I WILL SOON BE BUYING A COMPUTER FOR MY HOME, AND I WOULD LIKE DK> TO GET SOMETHING THAT WILL TALK TO ME AS GOOD AS ARTIC DOES, DK> BUT AT A MUCH LOWER PRICE. AM I DREAMING? OR CAN THIS BE DK> DONE? IF YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE READING THIS MSG CAN GIVE ME SOME DK> ADVICE I WOULD SURE APPRECIATE IT. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT DK> VOCAL-EYES DOES, BUT I HAVE SEEN VERT AND SOFT VERT AND THOUGH DK> I DO THINK THEY SOUND FINE, I THINK IT IS EXTREMLY OVERPRICED. DK> AS ISAID, I AM NO EXPERT ON SPEECH SYNTHESIS, BUT I FAIL TO DK> FIND ANY JUSTIFICATION TO SPENDING THAT KIND OF MONEY. PERHAPS DK> THROUGH BLINK TALK I CAN BECOME MORE ENLIGHTENED. THANKS FOR DK> ANY HELP. HENRY David and/or Henry, I am not sure if I should call you David or Henry. The message was from David Kasten but was signed Henry. I hope you get this reply! A few things you need to consider when purchasing a voice environment are: 1) Is there support available and how long do you have to wait for it! In my mind, this is the most overlooked feature until it is too late. You may save a buck or two at first but......... On the other hand, you could pay top dollar and then find out there is no support. Very frustrating! 2) Is the company willing to work with you or are they looking for a quick sale? 2) What type of warranty does the equipment carry and how long does it take for repairs. 3) Is the company dedicated to the blind community or is it just a second market for them. 4) Is the company willing to listen to the customers? By this I mean will they consider suggestions for future upgrades. 5) Is the synthesizer responsive. By this I mean does the synthesizer keep up with you or are you constantly waiting for it. I would consider the DECtalk an execelent sounding synthesizer but not a good choice for a blind user. It is simply not responsive. On the contray the Sounding board does not sound as good but is extreemly responsive. 6) As for the software, how much memory does it require? How easy is it to configure to your own needs? Are there a lot of complicated commands which make no sence required to be memorized? Is it copy protected? How are upgrades handled. Will it work with the main stream products? I could go on and on but I feel this should start you thinking. If you are familiar with the Artic Synphonix then you will also like the sound of the Sounding Board. This is our voice synthesizer. It uses the exact same speech chip used by the Artic but the difference lies in the Text-To-Speech. The Sounding Board contains 16K of its own RAM therby freeing up more of your DOS RAM. There are many features available including 10 hotkeys. From the keyboard, you can turn the voice on/off, speak the time and date, increase/decrease the rate and volume, adjust the punctuation level, turn hyperscan on/off, rewind, fastforward and even pause the speech. It contains like the artic, 10 rates, 10 pitch levels, 10 volume settings and 26 tone levels. The board contains a volume control and tone control on the back of the board. The board contains an onboard speaker but we also include an external speaker with a volume control and phone jack. There are many more features as well. The board sells for $395.00. As for a screen reader, I feel Vocal-Eyes would be an execelent choice. There are several unique features it contains the others don't. Such as the ability to set the command keys to your own choice of keystrokes. Set up to 46 cursoring keys. The ability to load up to 9 voice environments at one time. On default Vocal-Eyes requires 50K of your DOS RAM. This can range anywhere from 42K to 62K depending on your choice of settings. It works in extended memory and expanded memory. If loaded in either of these locations it only require 2K of your DOS RAM. You can do so many things without having to use macros although Vocal-Eyes will support commercial macro programs. It works with many voice synthesizers although I would recommend the Sounding Board. Vocal-Eyes sells for $450.00. However, if you purchase Vocal-Eyes and the Sounding Board together the cost is $795.00. This is a $50.00 savings and you also receive a mono headset. You mentioned you find it hard to justify the money required for some systems. I feel the $795.00 is an execelent price considering the ability these tools provide. All of GW Micro's products contain a full one year warranty on both parts and labor. As for support, I feel you can't get any better then we offer. I am personally in the office everyday and handle most of the technical support. If I am not available or can not answer your questions, you can be assured I will do my best to satisfy your needs. I hope I have enlightened you somewhat!! I would like to send you a demonstration of Vocal-Eyes and let you try it for yourself. If the artic board you are currently using supports SONIX.COM and TTS.COM, you can use this for your testing. Also, I would like to send some specific information on Vocal-Eyes and the Sounding Board. If you would like this material, please leave me your address and which disk size you would like. Either 3.5" or 5.25". You can either give me the info here or call or write me at: GW Micro 310 Racquet Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (219) 483-3625 Sincerely, Doug # Origin: The CatWalk BBS Davie, Fl 305-370-3528 (1:369/8) -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org