Publisher's Description
From SpheNet:
TTSReader is a full-featured, text-to speech software package that allows reading text aloud as well as to wav or mp3 files. TTSReader is freeware, therefore you can download and use it free of charge. Main Features: Intuitive user interface design; Automatic highlighting of currently read text; Reading to wav; Reading to mp3, with adjustable settings; Pronunciation corrections; Support for both SAPI4 and SAPI5 voices; Support for rich text formatting; Skipping of sentences or paragraphs while reading; Auto-reading the clipboard; Reading with control tags; Global hotkeys; Documentation provided for all features. Version 1.30 adds floating toolbar, and Read clipboard hotkey.
What's new in this version: Version 1.30 adds floating toolbar, and Read clipboard hotkey.
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All versions:
4.3 starsout of 20 votes
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Current version:
4.3 starsout of 13 votes
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My rating:
Write review
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"Great Program. Avoid Bloatware During Installation!"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
- Clean, simple, easy to use interface
- Read text can be saved as an mp3 or wavCons
- None that I can see so far
Summary
Warning!
The Balabolka homepage actually has all the voices available on Sphenet and Bytecool.
Some users have been complaining about undesired software being downloaded onto their computers. Unfortunately, this is simply a result of missing some prompts during the installation process.
To avoid undesired software being downloaded, be vigilant during the installation process.
You will be asked to download a program called "Wagjam" (or something similar). Choose "Decline". If you choose "Accept" (which deceptively seems like the next logical option in the downloading process) you will download this program along with TTSReader.
Next you will see an image for a game. Make sure to click "Decline" again.
Next you will see a prompt for a program I can't recall. This time make sure to "uncheck" the boxes embedded in the description paragraph.
I know. It's all rather deceptive. A guileful way to have you download a bunch of programs you don't want. If you actually like a program and use it often, please consider donating to the developer. But this surreptitious way of fooling users into donating programs they didn't ask for is unimpressive.
TTSReader Review
Thankfully, I avoided all the extra bloatware, and I can say that TTSReader itself is a splendid little program.
My only complaint is that the voices are very robotic, but that is a result of the free voices available, not the software itself.
Tip : Free Extra Voices
You can download some extra voices from the developer "SpheNet" here :
http://www.sphenet.com/TTSReader/Voices.html
You can download voices in languages besides English (French, Spanish, Korean, etc.) from "Bytecool" here :
http://www.bytecool.com/voices.htm
My favorite voices are the British English voices (Peter and Carol) from the SpheNet site.
TTSReader vs Balabolka
Both are excellent programs.
TTSReader is more streamlined and easier to jump right into using, but Balabolka is more full featured (for example, audio files can be saved as Wav, mp3, mpeg 4, windows media, oog).
I'd recommend both programs.
Updated on Mar 10, 2013
You can find it here :
http://www.cross-plus-a.com/balabolka.htm
I'd highly recommend getting the Realspeak British English voice.
The voice is called Emily and it is an excellent compliment to the American sounding Microsoft Anna. -
"This has a good selection and control of voices"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
Simple interface and easy text to audio file output
Cons
As with all, limited but the quality of the voices, still somewhat robotic
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"one of the best Text to speech software"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
1) Read Text very clear.
2) Recognize all Voice which is install in my computer
3) Converts into Mp3 as wall.Cons
Right now I cannot see any Cons.
Summary
who want to buy if you get everything free in one software. my rating is 5 Start. for TTSReader.
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"Works well, had it for years."
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
Probably the best TTS reader available. Does its job very well.
Cons
There are none, as far as I'm concerned.
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"Does its job faithfully"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
No significant bugs
Fast
The voices are audiable
Can save output as audio filesCons
Well I appreciate it being a free before continuing.
It would be helpful if the document being read would be displayed in the original format.
The layout could be improved.Summary
Well for anyone who wants to start reading a text from positions other than the start, move the cursor to the position you want to read from and right-click and click read from cursor.
Well it has helped me a lot so i would recommend it. -
"Very user-friendly reader"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
All you need to do us select and copy any text in any program. And the TTS Reader will immediately start reading this text from the computer clipboard memory.
Cons
The customization of reading editor doesn't recognize spaces before and after a word. Which makes it difficult to customize the reading of short words that are the same as some parts of bigger words are.
Summary
This TTS Reader requires fewer steps to start reading text than any other computerized reader I've used. It's very good for having the computer read for you long articles on web pages.
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"Best TTS so far."
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
Its free! Excellent job of converting text to speech. No need to remove CR's to improve fluidity. Has mini-floating toolbar to read from copy buffer, and global hotkeys. Small footprint, standalone program.
Cons
Doesn't save preferences: speed, pitch, hotkey settings, etc.
Summary
This is an excellent TTS program. Previous TTS programs I have used required that I copy and paste my formatted text into an editor to remove the CRs, add periods, and other edits to improve the fluidity of the speech, and my own comprehension. However, TTSreader does this automatically. Additionally, TTSreader includes a pronunciation editor, something I have not seen with other free TTS programs. The voice is clear, and standard controls for speed, pitch and volume are included. The global hotkeys make this product easy to work with when reading from the clipboard (copy buffer), and if you don't like global hotkeys, there are controls in the main window, and an auxiliary, floating toolbar. The main window also has the ability to hold open several documents. Lastly on the plus side, is a pretty good help facility, and the SpheNet website has even more information.
Ok, now for less than favorable experiences. First, although TTSreader does tons better than any other program I've used, it still has a problem capturing the text from some websites using Java or JavaScript, and depending on the version and advanced features used, some PDF files. I've also noticed that when I rebooted my computer, that the settings returned to their default state. And lastly, when TTSreader is minimized to the tray that the icon changes when reading from the clipboard, but there is no explanation of what the changes mean. Pretty insignificant stuff.
Should SpheNet decided to release another version of this program, I'd like to see a "save options" button and directions in the help file of how to add new voices. A nice-to-have would be a way to change voices in my text with the use of editor marks; something akin to \vMary to change to Mary's voice. -
"Good reader for my vista 32-bit program, but 4 problems"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
Nice dashboard - simple
Reads very well
Adjustable speed, pitch, and volume
Doesn't have crashing problems like another reader program I haveCons
Reading only starts from begining of page, not elsewhere.
Pronunciation correction window not idiot proof; caused program to not read; had to reverse my wrong action.
Doesn't copy pictures to clipboard, or new page.
Page has limit of 4900 characters.Summary
My interest in this program product is for it's tolerance of my Vista program as I'm comparing it to Natural Reader 9.0; which seems to have a crashing (whiteout) problem if the cursor is put in the wrong place. Unlike some reading glitches with N.R., this one reads most of everything and doesn't skip letters after a period in a website address.
I'm using the program to help me read school text in a forcible and quick forward-going manner, so I can concentrate on the text without my mind wandering off every two sentences and see if it can help me in my education pursuits. It definitely has reduced one to two days of spotty and repetitive reading down to two hours for the same text, but memory retention is the question. I have to really concentrate on my reading when using this program at a fast pace and also be sure I don't lose my ability to listen (elsewhere).
The two biggest downfalls of this program for me is that it doesn't copy the pictures (like the Natural Reader does) and I have to use a second program to view the pictures. Also, the program won't allow me to start from the point I place the cursor at after I stop it (pausing works though) and it only starts from the beginning anew. The one plus is that one can click on a skip sentence and paragraph button and also program Alt and F and Control/Shift-Keys. The other bummer was the limitations of how much text one can put in the new page documents; it seems the number is limited to about 4,900.
Like others mention the voices are robotic, but the Microsoft one is pretty good in natural sound function. I didn't try to download any other voices. Adjusting the pitch produced some amusing effects.
I will be keeping the program and will keep a hopeful lookout for improvements of this program in the future. -
"Very satisfied"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
If you have additional voices of att this reader is very handy.
we can customize the hotkeys so that we can pause stop resume as we wish
I changed the hotkeys to f9 f10 f11 and it served my purpose well
good for students. and e book readers I guessCons
Its simple may not have advanced features and natural voices but if you buy att natural voices operation is good
Summary
I would certainly recommend this product
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"Great with 32-bit Vista"
Version: TTSReader 1.30
Pros
Exeptionally easy to use, very intuitive, works well in 32-bit environment.
Cons
Preinstalled voices ar of low quality. In 64-bit Vista does not recognize installed SAPI5 voices.
Summary
A perfect all purpose reader in 32-bit OS. All the SAPI4 voices that come with the program are of very low quality. Works well with SAPI5 AT&T and Nextup voices, but only in 32-bit Vista. Fails to recognize and use SAPI5 voices in 64-bit Vista.
