Speech Synthesizer 5

• License:

  Free to try; $19.95 to buy

• Editor's Rating:

  4.0 stars

• Average User Rating:

  4.0 stars (out of 6 votes) Rate it!

• Downloads:

  19,867

• Operating Systems:

  Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98

• Additional Requirements:

  Windows 98/Me/2000/XP/Vista

• Limitations:

  20-use trial

• Date Added:

  May 26, 2005

• Previous Versions:

  Select a version Speech Synthesizer 5 Speech Synthesizer 5.0

• Add to my Watch List

Publisher's description of Speech Synthesizer

From Caltrox Educational Software:

Speech Synthesizer is a great text-to-speech synthesizer for children to learn English speaking and vocabulary. Speech Synthesizer is a powerful text-to-voice converting application that is extremely useful for converting all types of text to speech, learning English pronunciation, and vocabulary building. The TTS software runs on all Windows systems and has adjustable speaking speeds, as well as an aesthetically designed user interface.

Its features include a realistic embedded multiplex text-to-speech synthesizer, reads all text, RTF, and Word documents, customizable display area, animated speaking character, eighteen voice outputs, adjustable speaking speeds, variable voice tones from low to high pitch, graphical sound output visual display, and you can record the speech output as WAV format as well. The software is designed specifically for kids with a fully graphical Windows-based interface. Version 5 has minor updates and bugfixes.

See more CNET content tagged:

Microsoft Windows,

speech

Editor's review of Speech Synthesizer

• 4.0 stars

• "Speech Synthesizer"

• Reviewed by: CNET Staff
• Version reviewed: Speech Synthesizer 5

This text-to-speech program can help serve as a language-learning aid, though we wouldn't call its speech prowess impressive. Speech Synthesizer can read TXT, DOC, or RTF files, and it also can recite any text you enter into the box. The application has a pleasing graphical interface that offers several nice features, including a tool for recording the speech and an animated clown that mouths the words. The program has nearly 20 voice outputs, and you can modify the speed, voice tone, and pitch. Unfortunately, the program uses the Microsoft Speech Engine, which often stumbles on words and can be hard to understand. Also, users unfamiliar with written English will wish the program highlighted or scrolled through the words as the program is speaking. The 15-use trial period could be more generous. Speech Synthesizer isn't a perfect teaching tool, but if you're looking to brush up on your English skills, you might give it a try.

User reviews

• Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 6 votes
• My rating: 0 stars Write review

• Showing 5 of 6 user reviewsSee all 6 user reviews
  This software version | All versions

• 2 stars

  Version: Speech Synthesizer 5

  "Limited recording capability"

  by graham (uk) on March 10, 2007

  Pros: OK-sounding natural speech, but I didn't download it for that.

  Cons: The WAV files will only record using the DEFAULT speed and pitch, so if you want a droning robot to add to your musical masterpiece, you're out of luck. Also, many of the voice options are polluted with a variety of musical tones on slower speaking speeds.

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• 5 stars

  Version: Speech Synthesizer 5

  "excellent speech application !"

  by abbymat on June 1, 2005

  Pros: An excellent and well designed program. It is far more effective way to teach children using this type of Audio-Visual based programs. My daughter liked this program very much, thanks !

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• 5 stars

  Version: Speech Synthesizer 5

  "excellent for kids learning English !"

  by Tracy72 on May 31, 2005

  Pros: This program is simply great for teaching kids ! Its a very good teaching tool for spelling for children. Good sound as well.

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• 5 stars

  Version: Speech Synthesizer 5

  "excellent teaching tool !"

  by johnny1515 on May 31, 2005

  Pros: I got this program for my niece who has just joined nursery school. After scouting around and trying a few other such software, this definitely has the best sound. A good program that is very suitable for kids to learn English pronounciation easily !

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• 5 stars

  Version: Speech Synthesizer 5

  "wonderful learning software !"

  by John1952 on May 28, 2005

  Pros: Very easy to operate for my child. Simple yet very educational. The kid enjoyed playing with this program !

  Was this review helpful? YES | NO

  Report this post Email this post Permalink to this post

  Reply to this review

• See all 6 user reviews Write review