Text By SuperAdaptoid
SpeakEasy has an input area on the screen where a preset phrase, sentence, paragraph, statement, comment, or reply, can be listed and entered to be spoken. With the touch of the "Enter" key, or a mouse click, the text is called and sent to a voice synthesizer to be converted to spoken words.
Frequently used common words, statements, requests, replies, and directions can be saved by the program. In this way a preset library of communications can be developed and called upon when the appropriate occasion arises. The material can be organized by topics, such as greetings, humor, preferences, pronouncements, or requests of caregiver. Selecting a phrase will bring it to the input area and an "Enter" key depression, or mouse click, will start to "speak" the text.
A SoundBlaster Card is required. One of the following text-to-speech programs are required to enable SpeakEasy's voice. The two speech engines supported are:
Creative Labs' SoundBlaster Pro [16 bit] sound card with either TextAssist or Monologue For Windows software.
Text Assist [16 bit] with [Male and Female voices] is Creative Labs' text- to- speech program.
This program was included with some 16 bit SoundBlaster Cards. This program is no longer supported or commercially available. However, with your SoundBlaster Pro Registration Number you can order the TextAssist [32-bit] Upgrade which has both the 16 and 32 bit programs. Cost is under $15.00, Call 1-800-998-1000 for Sales.
First Byte's [16 bit] Monologue For Windows text- to- speech software works with MOST [16 bit] COMPATIBLE sound card, with [Male voice only]. SpeakEasy is not yet compatible with Monologue For Windows [32 bit] Version for MS Windows 95+. Earlier versions of this program were included with some 16 bit SoundBlaster Cards. This program is no longer supported or commercially available. The program can still be found in the secondary [Used and Discounted] software market. For assistance in locating early versions of Monologue For Windows ... email: SuperAdaptoid at: adaptoid@teleport.com
COMMENT
SpeakEasy is a simple easy to use program. Once the library of text is preset SpeakEasy can be accessed with a minimum amount of keyboard, mouse, joystick, blowswitch, or adaptive device input. SpeakEasy runs under MS Windows 3.+ on a 386/SX [or better]. SpeakEasy works well with other adaptive applications wrod-prediction, enhanced cursors, screen magnifiers, etc.
Technical Support By:
Jeff Pines address: jmp@tezcat.com