- Quick specs
- Price: Free to try (20-use trial); $19.95 to buy
- Operating system: Windows Vista, Windows Me, Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows 98
- Date added: May 26, 2005
- Total Downloads: 21,954
- Downloads last week: 118
- See full specifications
- CNET editors' rating: stars
- Average user rating: stars out of 6 votes
See all user reviews
CNET editors' review
Reviewed by: CNET Staff
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.Publisher's description
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.
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User reviews
- Average user rating: 4.0 stars out of 6 votes
- My rating: 0 stars Write review
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Showing 5 of 6 user reviewsSee all 6 user reviews
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Version: Speech Synthesizer 5
"Limited recording capability"
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.
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Version: Speech Synthesizer 5
"excellent speech application !"
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 !
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Version: Speech Synthesizer 5
"excellent for kids learning English !"
Pros: This program is simply great for teaching kids ! Its a very good teaching tool for spelling for children. Good sound as well.
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Version: Speech Synthesizer 5
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 !
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Version: Speech Synthesizer 5
"wonderful learning software !"
Pros: Very easy to operate for my child. Simple yet very educational. The kid enjoyed playing with this program !
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