# DECtalk (tm) text-to-speech synthesis info

Welcome to the DECtalk text-to-speech synthesis assistive products information home page. This site has been created to provide a focal point of publicly available information about DECtalk assistive products. It is in no way officially associated with or sanctioned by Digital Equipment Corporation. DECtalk is a trademark of Digital Equipment Corportation.

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The following DECtalk related items are covered in this area:

- What's New (3/4/97)
- DECtalk Products and Accessories
- DECtalk Speech Samples
- Applications.
- Authorized Resellers.
- DECtalk Licensed Products.
- Tips, Tricks and Updates.
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
- Other Interesting Sites.

This site last updated on 10/8/97.

# DECtalk™ Products and Accessories.

## DECtalk Products:

- DECtalk PC2
- DECtalk Express
- DECtalk Software

## DECtalk Accessories:

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##

## DECtalk™PC2 Text-to-Speech Synthesizer

The DECtalk™ PC2 Speech Synthesizer can be used with a variety of "screen access" software applications designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision, or individuals who have leaning disabilities. When used in conjunction with an application of this type, it allows users to hear both keyed input as well as other material displayed on the monitor screen by converting ASCII text to unparalleled natural-sounding speech output.

DECtalk™ PC2 provides a full range of speech synthesizer features including:

Nine Pre-defined Voices: Four male, four female and one child voice provide a wide selection for a variety of applications.

Speaking Rates 75 to 650 Words per Minute: Provide a wide range of speaking rates from slow spelling to fast scanning.

Pronounces Letters, Words and Phrases: Provide quick response for letters and words but also allows for more natural intonation for text clauses.

Extensive Letter-to-sound Pronunciation Rules: Extensive rule set provides greater accuracy of the pronunciation of spoken text and proper names.

Large Integrated Word Dictionary: Enhances the accuracy of word pronunciation.

Automatic Homograph Pronunciation: Enhances the accuracy of homographs (same word - different pronunciation).

Controls for Pauses, Pitch and Stress: Punctuation control provides more natural sounding speech.

Definable Dictionary: Dictionaries can be defined for particular applications.

Software Volume Control: The speech volume can be application controlled.

Separate Speaker with Volume Control and Headphone Jack: Speech volume can also be controlled directly by the user and headphones can be used for private listening.

Punctuation Pronunciation Options: Users can elect to hear some, most or all punctuation's pronounced.

## DECtalk™ PC2 Specifications:

Programming Interface: A Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR) program provides three modes of software interface:

- DOS command e.g., COPY, PRINT.

- DOS BIOS calls to COM or LPT.

- Program calls to the TSR program.

System Interface: 8 or 16 bit ISA-compatible bus connector.

System resources: 20KB memory (TSR) 1MB hard disk space and 1 I/O address.

Switch Selectable Settings: I/O Address.

Inputs: Text, phonemes and speech control.

Audio Output: Stereo and monaural 1/8 inch speaker jacks, 4-16 ohms impedance, 1 watt max.

External Speaker: 4x5x2 inch enclosure, 3 inch speaker, volume control, 1/8 inch stereo headphone jack, 36 inch cable.

Physical Dimensions: 3/4 length ISA bus 8-bit option card.

Warranty: One year return-to-factory.

## Ordering Information:

Product Name: DECtalk™ PC2

Model Number: DTC07-BA

Order - Assistive Technology Reseller : (Refer to the Authorized Reseller List)

Order- Digital Direct:

- Phone: 603-884-9317

- FAX: 800-588-3320

Pre-purchase Technology Assistance: 800-344-4825

Price: $1195

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## DECtalk Express

Digital's DECtalk speech synthesis technology is now available in an external, portable product that allows individuals who are blind or vision-impaired to access a variety of computer systems. This microprocessor and DSP based unit is intended for use with "screen access" software and allows the user to hear both keyed input as well as other material displayed on the monitor screen via the natural-sounding DECtalk speech synthesis output. The serial port allows for use with a personal computer (IBM or compatible,) laptop, notebook, palmtop, workstation and Apple or Macintosh computer.

The product can also be utilized to address text-to-speech synthesis needs requiring an industry standard serial line interface.

Major features of the DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer include:

Portable: Small, lightweight and battery powered for enhanced mobility.

Compatible: Supported by a range of "screen access" software applications and contains a serial port for use across computer system types.

Nine Pre-defined Voices: Four male, four female and one child voice offer a wide selection for a variety of applications.

Speaking Rates of 75 to 650 words per minute: Allows for uses from slow spelling up to fast scanning.

Comprehensive Pronunciation Rules and Controls for Pauses, Pitch and Stress: Provide for enhanced naturalness and accuracy of spoken text, including proper names and words that are spelled alike but spoken differently.

Speech Options: Users can elect to have text spoken by letter, word or phrase and to have "some", "none" or "all" punctuation pronounced.

Large Integrated Word Dictionary: Enhances the accuracy of word pronunciation.

Word-by-Word Indexing: Allows for a direct match between screen viewing and spoken text in applications geared toward learning disabilities.

## DECtalk Express Speech Synthesizer - Specifications

## Programming Interface:

## a. Terminate and Stay Resident (TSR - DECtalk PC compatibility mode).
b. Applications program calls via a com port.

System Interface: RS232/423 serial, 300-19.2KB.

System Requirements: 20KB memory (TSR).

Switch Selectable Settings: None required.

Speaker: Internal, 2" diameter.

Inputs: Text, phonemes and speech control commands.

Audio Output: 1/8" stereo headphone jack, > 16 ohms impedance, 300mW maximum.

Controls: Combined On/Off and Volume.

Power: Integral battery pack and a 115VAC 60Hz external power wall cube.

Physical Dimensions: 3.6" wide x 7.6" long x 1.3" high; weight 15 ounces.

Accessories Included: Carrying case, detachable accessory pouch, headphones, 9-pin RS232 connector, 2' cable, external power wall cube.

Warranty: One year return-to-factory.

## Ordering Information

Product Name: DECtalk TM Express Speech Synthesizer.

Model Number: DTC08-AA

Order: Assistive Technology Reseller: (Refer to the Authorized Reseller List).

Order: Digital Direct: 603-884-9317, FAX: 800-588-3320

Pre-purchase Technical Assistance: 800-344-4825

Price: $1195

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#

# DECtalk™ Text-to-SpeechSynthesis Software

### Converts standard text into highly intelligible and human-like speech

## DECtalk Software Features

Converts standard ASCII text into natural, highly intelligible speech Speech output through any audio device is supported by Microsoft Video for Windows or Multimedia Services for Digital UNIX

- API gives developers direct access to text-to-speech functions
- Choose from nine voice personalities -- four female, four male, one child
- Provides punctuation and tonal control
- Unlimited vocabulary
- Supports customized pronunciation of trade jargon and acronyms
- Bundled applets and sample code enable you to get started quickly and productively
- Provides human voice quality and advanced phonetic and linguistic pronunciation
- Common programming interface works with both Alpha and Intel platforms
- Enables users to proofread text, such as spreadsheets, far more easily against written source material
- Mobile professionals can access electronic mail and other documents, significantly increasing on-the-road productivity
- Great for form filling and word processing, too!

## Description

Digital, an industry leader in text-to-speech synthesis technology, proudly offers DECtalk, advanced desktop software that lets you create and employ applications that electronically speak to users. With DECtalk, your applications can convert standard text into highly intelligible, human-like speech through a sound card on your system. Use DECtalk to provide important information in situations where reading text would be inconvenient or impossible, such as mobile computing, telephone-based data access services for consumers, and even electronic mail. DECtalk is versatile, too -- you can incorporate it into any application running on Windows NT or Digital UNIX. And it offers you a choice of nine rich voice personalities, intonation and speed control, and has built-in phonetic, linguistic, and pronunciation rules.

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# DECtalk Accessories

All the accessories for the DECtalk products listed here can be purchased from the Components Group, Digital Equipment Corporation, phone 800-344-4825.

## DECtalk Express

### Description: Part Number

#### Cables:

2-foot serial: BC16E-02

10-foot serial: BC16E-10

#### Connectors:

9-pin RS-232: H8571-J

25-pin RS-232: H8575-A

8-pin mini-DIN (Mac): H8584-AB

#### Accessories:

Enclosure Case and Accessory Pouch: 34-42609-01

Power Supply/Charger: 30-42007-01

Stereo Headphones: 30-41889-01

Battery Pack: 12-41261-01

## DECtalk PC

#### Software:

V4.2C DECtalk PC Update: QB-XA6AD-SA

#### Accessories:

Speaker Assembly: 70-29613-01

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# What's New

3/4/97 Updated FAQs. Added info on DECtalk Software.

12/20/96 Added the trouble shooting guide, updated the reseller list and corrected some broken links to files.

11/22/96 DECtalk PC2 beta 4.2cd

11/22/96 DECtalk Express V4.2CD Install/Update

9/11/96 DECtalk Software NT/Win 95 Demo

9/6/96 DECtalk Express and Win 95

9/3/96 DECtalk PC2 V4.2CC Update files

7/12/96 Windows 95 Resource Registration INF file for DECtalk PC and DECtalk PC2.

7/12/96 DECtalk PC and DECtalk Express Accessories and S/W Updates.

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