Paula.Mack.Of.100/514@f514.n100.z1.fidonet.org (Paula Mack Of 100/514) (06/06/90)
Index Number: 8692 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Hi Greg, please don't mind me putting my two cents in here, but before you go out and buy Soft Vert, please check out Vocal-Eyes. I also was a ScreenTalk user, and i had difficulty getting certain programs to talk because of certain hassles with Prokey, which is, as you know, a part of Screentalk. However, with Vocal-Eyes, I have gotten everything I have tried so far to work interactivly with speech. And I have no need to write macros. I don't even have Prokey installed any more. The other thing to consider is that it is much easier to make changes to your voice configuration with Vocal-Eyes than it is with Softvert. I tried their demmo, and the program is somewhat cumbersome to use. You should at least get both demmos and compare them, and if you like Vocal-Eyes, you will have the added advantage of getting it at a reduced price. Good luck. Paula ... What am I doing here, anyway? -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!100!514!Paula.Mack.Of.100/514 Internet: Paula.Mack.Of.100/514@f514.n100.z1.fidonet.org
Steve.Holmes@f1303.n102.z1.fidonet.org (Steve Holmes) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8903 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] < >Hi Doug, does Vocal-eyes handle erma. A lot of my work is done < >on a 4381. If and when I pick a new speech program one of the < >requirments it must have is the ability to work with erma. It hasn't so far but I know Doug is interested in getting this aspect to work. I am beta testing the 3270 emmulation portions for Doug whenever he gets it to me. So, stay tuned! <Steve> -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!102!1303!Steve.Holmes Internet: Steve.Holmes@f1303.n102.z1.fidonet.org
Juan.Mojena@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Juan Mojena) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8919 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Hi Doug, I haven't written in this echo before but have been reading the messages for a while and find yours very helpful. I bought a Sounding Board back in November 1988. I heard that your company GW Micro has made some improvements to the board. Can an old Sounding board be modified? In particular I want to know if features like voice inflection and a pause between lines could be added to the old board? Also could you tell me where I could get a demo of Vocal-Eyes. I'm glad to hear that the board is still being supported. Please let me know GW Micro's telephone number. Hope to hear from you soon. Juan # Origin: The Event Horizon Staten Island NY (718) 494-9273 (1:107/608) -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Juan.Mojena Internet: Juan.Mojena@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (06/28/90)
Index Number: 8924 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DK> HI DOUG, I DON'T KNOW MUCH ABOUT SPEECH SYNTHESIS, I AM DK> CURRENTLY USING ARTIC'S BUSINESS VISION ON MY OFFICE COMPUTER. DK> I WILL SOON BE BUYING A COMPUTER FOR MY HOME, AND I WOULD LIKE DK> TO GET SOMETHING THAT WILL TALK TO ME AS GOOD AS ARTIC DOES, DK> BUT AT A MUCH LOWER PRICE. AM I DREAMING? OR CAN THIS BE DK> DONE? IF YOU OR ANYBODY ELSE READING THIS MSG CAN GIVE ME SOME DK> ADVICE I WOULD SURE APPRECIATE IT. I HAVE NO IDEA WHAT DK> VOCAL-EYES DOES, BUT I HAVE SEEN VERT AND SOFT VERT AND THOUGH DK> I DO THINK THEY SOUND FINE, I THINK IT IS EXTREMLY OVERPRICED. DK> AS ISAID, I AM NO EXPERT ON SPEECH SYNTHESIS, BUT I FAIL TO DK> FIND ANY JUSTIFICATION TO SPENDING THAT KIND OF MONEY. PERHAPS DK> THROUGH BLINK TALK I CAN BECOME MORE ENLIGHTENED. THANKS FOR DK> ANY HELP. HENRY David and/or Henry, I am not sure if I should call you David or Henry. The message was from David Kasten but was signed Henry. I hope you get this reply! A few things you need to consider when purchasing a voice environment are: 1) Is there support available and how long do you have to wait for it! In my mind, this is the most overlooked feature until it is too late. You may save a buck or two at first but......... On the other hand, you could pay top dollar and then find out there is no support. Very frustrating! 2) Is the company willing to work with you or are they looking for a quick sale? 2) What type of warranty does the equipment carry and how long does it take for repairs. 3) Is the company dedicated to the blind community or is it just a second market for them. 4) Is the company willing to listen to the customers? By this I mean will they consider suggestions for future upgrades. 5) Is the synthesizer responsive. By this I mean does the synthesizer keep up with you or are you constantly waiting for it. I would consider the DECtalk an execelent sounding synthesizer but not a good choice for a blind user. It is simply not responsive. On the contray the Sounding board does not sound as good but is extreemly responsive. 6) As for the software, how much memory does it require? How easy is it to configure to your own needs? Are there a lot of complicated commands which make no sence required to be memorized? Is it copy protected? How are upgrades handled. Will it work with the main stream products? I could go on and on but I feel this should start you thinking. If you are familiar with the Artic Synphonix then you will also like the sound of the Sounding Board. This is our voice synthesizer. It uses the exact same speech chip used by the Artic but the difference lies in the Text-To-Speech. The Sounding Board contains 16K of its own RAM therby freeing up more of your DOS RAM. There are many features available including 10 hotkeys. From the keyboard, you can turn the voice on/off, speak the time and date, increase/decrease the rate and volume, adjust the punctuation level, turn hyperscan on/off, rewind, fastforward and even pause the speech. It contains like the artic, 10 rates, 10 pitch levels, 10 volume settings and 26 tone levels. The board contains a volume control and tone control on the back of the board. The board contains an onboard speaker but we also include an external speaker with a volume control and phone jack. There are many more features as well. The board sells for $395.00. As for a screen reader, I feel Vocal-Eyes would be an execelent choice. There are several unique features it contains the others don't. Such as the ability to set the command keys to your own choice of keystrokes. Set up to 46 cursoring keys. The ability to load up to 9 voice environments at one time. On default Vocal-Eyes requires 50K of your DOS RAM. This can range anywhere from 42K to 62K depending on your choice of settings. It works in extended memory and expanded memory. If loaded in either of these locations it only require 2K of your DOS RAM. You can do so many things without having to use macros although Vocal-Eyes will support commercial macro programs. It works with many voice synthesizers although I would recommend the Sounding Board. Vocal-Eyes sells for $450.00. However, if you purchase Vocal-Eyes and the Sounding Board together the cost is $795.00. This is a $50.00 savings and you also receive a mono headset. You mentioned you find it hard to justify the money required for some systems. I feel the $795.00 is an execelent price considering the ability these tools provide. All of GW Micro's products contain a full one year warranty on both parts and labor. As for support, I feel you can't get any better then we offer. I am personally in the office everyday and handle most of the technical support. If I am not available or can not answer your questions, you can be assured I will do my best to satisfy your needs. I hope I have enlightened you somewhat!! I would like to send you a demonstration of Vocal-Eyes and let you try it for yourself. If the artic board you are currently using supports SONIX.COM and TTS.COM, you can use this for your testing. Also, I would like to send some specific information on Vocal-Eyes and the Sounding Board. If you would like this material, please leave me your address and which disk size you would like. Either 3.5" or 5.25". You can either give me the info here or call or write me at: GW Micro 310 Racquet Drive Fort Wayne, IN 46825 (219) 483-3625 Sincerely, Doug # Origin: The CatWalk BBS Davie, Fl 305-370-3528 <HST> (1:369/8) -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!8!70!0!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f0.n70.z8.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (08/11/90)
Index Number: 9738 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] BK> By the way, did you BK> know that Jaws 2 will soon be available? I understand that it BK> will be possible to set it up in the flipper configuration, and BK> I'd really like that. I'll be getting a demo version soon and BK> should be able to tell you what I think of it. Bill K. Bill, Just to remind you, Vocal-Eyes has always been configurable to your choice of keystrokes. Every single hot key is definable to your choice. Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
John.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.org (John Sanfilippo) (08/23/90)
Index Number: 9960 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] WW>> 386SX, and Doug, I am happy to say that VE is safely tucked WW>> away in extended memory, functioning nicely, and boy, it's nice Doug, What would it take to have the speech software running right on the card? If someone (like me) has a SoundingBoard with, say 256k of RAM, could a new version of VE run right there and use next to nothing of any dos ram? -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!107!608!John.Sanfilippo Internet: John.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.org
Al.Hoffman@p0.f143.n109.z1.fidonet.org (Al Hoffman) (08/25/90)
Index Number: 9974 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Doug: How do you respond to the following argument? Given that using a Screen Reading program, the user must give commands to the software he is using, and the voice software, the keyboard is not big enough for everybody, if you include in this the option of using keyboard mcros to drive not only the voice software, but maybe the applications too! I like not giving up any of my keys to Sddcreen Reader. I know, its sort of an easy out, but I am not convinced that dualizing of the keyboard can ever be what we would like. With a bigger keyboard you simply get more options. You also avoid the keyboard interrupt grabbing problems, which are a pain to program around, and you still end up making macros in many cases for best results. ARtic tried an extra tack with the Turbo Pedal, which at first I thought I'd use enormously, but just seem to find myself pushing under the table and ignoring permanently. I have the Turbo Pedal at work, and well ... it just collect dust. However, I do know a few people who love it, but the one in particular loves anything good bad or otherwise coming from ARtic! So, I'm still not really convinced on that score. What about a mouse interface for voice review or pointer reaview--a three button mouse and some programming would seem to allow some pretty nifty add-ons to a already well thought out program like Vocal Eyes--I'd love to try that angle someday yet. A trackball could be used, especially since many are builtin into keyboards, but I doubt a light pen would be very good. Any other thought you've entertained but not implemented, or considered implementing and not finding the implementation to anybodies liking? Curious! -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!109!143.0!Al.Hoffman Internet: Al.Hoffman@p0.f143.n109.z1.fidonet.org
William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (08/25/90)
Index Number: 9976 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] AH> How do you respond to the following argument? AH> Given that using a Screen Reading program, the user must AH> give commands to the software he is using, and the voice AH> software, the keyboard is not big enough for everybody, if you AH> include in this the option of using keyboard mcros to drive AH> not only the voice software, but maybe the applications too! I AH> like not giving up any of my keys to Sddcreen Reader. Al, I suppose that for some people, you make a valid point, but this honestly is my feelings on the matter of a separate keypad. Not only do I not like taking my pinkies off the main keyboard, I don't even like leaving the home row keys for the cursor pad! I realize that this has to be a pain in the butt by a programmers perspective, and of course there are times when the exception key is going to have to be pressed in order to send what would be a speech command to the application, but without a doubt, at least for these very small (But rough and manly!) hands that is a lot easier than leaving the keyboard for another. Yeah, I did try the IBM Screen Reader system at both ACB conventions, and yeah, it was a lot less awkward than I expected, but I honestly don't think I could ever get as efficient with it as I am with any of the speech systems I currently use. For sure, one of the nicest things I have found about Vocal-Eyes is its ability to redefine, and in fact, to undefine, the keyboard. You were right Doug...On my extended keyboard and 386 I was able to define the alt-:, alt-., alt-, etc., and by doing this and undefining things I would seldomly need, I have a working Vocal-Eyes setup that hardly ever neccesitates my hitting the alt-N which I have defined as the bypass key (Does this setup sound familiar to any of you?) and yet one I can use without ever moving my hands from their default position on the keyboard. Al, I really do accept the fact that for some people and for some uses a conflict free, second keypad may be a nice route, but a setup where you can define only the speech keys you need is sure nice too, and for those of us who have hands that tend to get into trouble whenever they wander, it is the only way to go! Willie ... Like a bat out of Bellevue! -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!William.Wilson Internet: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Gary.Petraccaro@f90.n129.z1.fidonet.org (Gary Petraccaro) (09/04/90)
Index Number: 10068 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Al, I've seen some low-cost voice-recognition systems. How about using that with speech output. "Line 1", "say again", column equals", "window equals", "read window". Just a thought. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!90!Gary.Petraccaro Internet: Gary.Petraccaro@f90.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Rick.Alfaro@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Rick Alfaro) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10362 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] > Well, Doug, I got too happy to quick. As a matter of > fact, I was so sure we had found the problem with /!l3, that > I fixed it on my hard disk, and it still did not work. So I > did what you suggested, and made a bootable floppy disk, > and put the following autoexec.bat on it. > @echo off > accent /!c1 /!l3 Walter, The above line is incorrect. Take out he /!c1 and leave the /!l3.. accent /!l3 What is happening is that you are telling the accent driver 2 different ports a5t the same time. I am sure that the driver is seeing your first comand line switch (/!c1) and trying to use com1 when it should be using lpt3. The /1l3 means, use lpt3 which is what yopu need for your internal accent. I am almost %100 sure that this is your problem. Here is the line again... accent /!l3 Hope this helps. Regards, Rick -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Rick.Alfaro Internet: Rick.Alfaro@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10364 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DS> Is Vocaleyes like other speech software in that you can set up DS> different configurations with different application software? DS> In other words, could you set up different configurations or DS> environments for Vocaleyes in which the keys are deffined DS> differently for each application you use? Darrell, That is exactly correct. You can define as many voice configurations as you like. Every option which is definable by Vocal-Eyes is saved with these environments. In fact, you can load up to 9 of the environments in memory at one time. This makes switching between them extreemly fast and easy. This also allows programs like Noteworthy and Calcworthy to automatically tell Vocal-Eyes to load the correct voice environment when they are popped up and switch back to the original when they are popped out. All this automatically. This is one of the features that gives Vocal-Eyes its total flexability. Let me know if you have any other questions. Would be glad to answer them! Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10365 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DS> Hi. Does Vocaleyes support spelling of alpha-numberic words? DS> An example would be the amateur radio callsign NU7I. Darrell, Vocal-Eyes on its own does not do this. At least not yet. However, some synthesizers do offer it. For example our Sounding Board has this exact option. In fact it was added for you ham operators. One problem I have with Vocal-Eyes is what should be placed in it or what should be assumed to be in the synthesizer. The more you add to Vocal-Eyes the larger it gets. Another one of those difficult decissions. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/14/90)
Index Number: 10367 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DS> Hi Doug. Could you please tell me how I can use my Vocaleyes DS> demo using that Braille 'n Speak driver? Darrell, You bet. The Braille 'n Speak is a nice temporary synthesizer but I really would not recommend it as your main synthesizer. In any case, here are the steps to load Vocal-Eyes with it. You first have to place the Braille 'n Speak in the Speech box mode. You do this as follows: 1) It might be a good idea to first perform a warm rest: Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-chord Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6-chord 2) Now enable the speech port by: P-chord Dots 2, 6 Y 3) Now enable the speech box mode by: Dots 3, 4, 5-chord Dots 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 E-chord O.k. Now that the Braille 'n Speak is ready, you must then load the BNSPEAK.COM program supplied on the Vocal-Eyes demo disk. You need to specify the COM port being used on the command line as follows: BNSPEAK /!C1 This would specify COM1 if you are using COM2 then specify /!C2 the same is true for COM3 or COM4. After this the Braille 'n Speak should speak something like 'Braille 'n Speak device driver x.x'. If it doesn't then you have a problem. Now you are ready to load Vocal-Eyes. Simply type: VE That is it. You should be off and running at this point. Let me know if you have any problems. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Walter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren ) (09/17/90)
Index Number: 10397 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] RA> > Well, Doug, I got too happy to quick. As a matter of RA> > fact, I was so sure we had found the problem with /!l3, that RA> > I fixed it on my hard disk, and it still did not work. So I RA> > did what you suggested, and made a bootable floppy disk, RA> > and put the following autoexec.bat on it. RA> RA> > @echo off RA> > accent /!c1 /!l3 RA> Hey rick, I don't need it again. That did the trick. Actually, when I first did it it still did not work, then I discovered my other problem. I was forgetting to go in to the vocal-eyes directory to bring up 've'. I then correctted that problem, and it worked. Now all I have to do is to figure out how I get the menus to take hold. When I try to change the pitch and rate, it keeps leaving my new number when I hit enter. Now, I have to see what I am doing wrong. Thanks again Rick, now that it is talking maybe I can get somewhere. Walter -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!8.1!Walter.Siren. Internet: Walter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/17/90)
Index Number: 10402 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] WS> Well, Doug, I got too happy to quick. As a matter of WS> fact, I was so sure we had found the problem with /!l3, WS> that I fixed it on my hard disk, and it still did not work. WS> So I did what you suggested, and made a bootable floppy disk, WS> and put the following autoexec.bat on it. WS> @echo off WS> accent /!c1 /!l3 WS> ve Walter, I got it!!!! I now see what the problem is. If I remember correctly and that is getting difficult lately, in your old autoexec.bat file you placed a /!c1 on the command line for ACCENT.COM. When I saw this, I assumed you had an external Accent. So everything looked ok to me. However, now that you say you have the internal you should be using /!l3. Now your going to tell me you did use a /!l3 on the command line as it shows above. But here it comes Walter, you should have removed the /!c1. Only one of these is allowed at a time and Vocal-Eyes will only use the first one on the command line. Therefore it is still trying to use COM1 instead of LPT3. The Accent line should be exactly!!!!!! ACCENT /!L3 I am sure this will work Walter. This is because the internal ACCENT communicates to the outside world through LPT3 but you told the Vocal-Eyes ACCENT driver to communicate to it through COM1. All thoses speech bits were flotting out your serial port instead of to the Accent. Give this a try and I am sure it will work. Good luck! Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Marda.Anderson@f2.n393.z1.fidonet.org (Marda Anderson) (09/19/90)
Index Number: 10454 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Well, I tried Vocal-Eyes yesterday and I have to say I'm impressed. Now can you tell me what synthesizers the program will support? The school where I am a student is thinking about getting a synthesizer and screen reader for us to use. Vocal-Eyes seems like it would be a good choice, maybe with the sounding board. But I'd like to know what other synthesizers it supports. You have mentioned several times a program called NOteworthy. Can you tell me what that is? Thanks. marda -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!393!2!Marda.Anderson Internet: Marda.Anderson@f2.n393.z1.fidonet.org
Tandy.Way@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org (Tandy Way) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10462 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] walter now you have seen why I am promoting doug and his line of products. he is here he is now. and he is interested in what we want in the pgm not what he as a sighted person thinks we want. the other guys care so much they don't even bother to check in on this echo and it is readilly available to them. doug has no local node so he has to call rick or david of someone to pick up traffic. now that is dedication. I don't think I would be talking out of school to say that doug misread a line in a netmail message I sent him and it changed the tone of the whole message. rather than have an unhappy camper he ofrfered full restitution beyound the normal period. I didn't take him up on it because I believe in him and his stuff. Now it isn't perfect but neither is the other two screen packages I own but they all serve their purpose. he wrote a custom driver for my audapter and is working closely with its developer to make it even better. Thanks doug. keep on trucken tandy -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!377!6!Tandy.Way Internet: Tandy.Way@f6.n377.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10467 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] I have just recently added two new synthesizers which are supported by Vocal-Eyes. The Audapter from Personal Data Systems, Inc. and the Portable DECtalk from the Institute on Applied Technology Children's Hospital. The portable DECtalk had just enough quirks in it that I had to create a device driver specifily for it. Both the Portable DEC and Audapter synthesizers work very well with Vocal-Eyes. If any of you are interested in using either of these synthesizers with Vocal-Eyes, please let me know. Thanks Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10476 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] WS> Doug, it seems to me that this could be most difficult. WS> The ham calls have so many different configurations. We WS> have the old 1 by 2 such as a5bc, 2 by three such as aab5.bcd, WS> 1 by 3 'a5bcd' 2 by 1 'ab5c. Could you cover all of that? I WS> don't see any real problem without it. Walter, The Sounding Board would handle each of your three cases above. Any word which contains both alpha and numeric characters would be spelled if you had that option turned on. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10489 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] MA> Well, I tried Vocal-Eyes yesterday and I have to say I'm MA> impressed. Now can you tell me what synthesizers the program MA> will support? The school where I am a student is thinking MA> about getting a synthesizer and screen reader for us to use. MA> Vocal-Eyes seems like it would be a good choice, maybe with the MA> sounding board. But I'd like to know what other synthesizers MA> it supports. You have mentioned several times a program called MA> NOteworthy. Can you tell me what that is? Thanks. Marda, I am glad you are impressed with Vocal-Eyes. If you have any problem, please let me know. As for which synthesizers Vocal-Eyes supports, here is a list: Sounding Board, Accent, Artic, Votalker, Braille 'n Speak, DECtalk, Portable DECtalk, Audapter, Echo GP and PC, Echo PC plus, MC and 1000, Prose 4000 and Personal speech system versions A and B. Vocal-Eyes also has a generic driver which can be configured to a synthesizer not listed here. Noteworthy is a pop-up note taking program. You can pop it up anytime even inside an applications program. Once popped up, you can take a phone message, lookup information or what ever you want. It offers many editing features to allow you to manipulate the text. Its great for working on batch files. Anytime you need a litte editor, Noteworthy is great. It allows you to read by character, word, line, sentence and paragraph. Load, save or print directly in Noteworthy. Noteworthy was written to take advantage of your underlying screen reader. As I have said before, if you are using Vocal-Eyes, Noteworthy will sence that it is present and load the correct voice environment. Once you exit out of Noteworthy, your voice environment will return as it was. Noteworthy sells for $69.00. There is a demo of this program available. If you would like one, please let me know. I would be glad to send you a copy. Thanks again Marda. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (William Wilson) (09/20/90)
Index Number: 10493 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DG> As for which synthesizers Vocal-Eyes supports, here is a list: DG> Sounding Board, Accent, Artic, Votalker, Braille 'n Speak, DG> DECtalk, Portable DECtalk, Audapter, Echo GP and PC, Echo PC DG> plus, MC and 1000, Prose 4000 and Personal speech system DG> versions A and B. Vocal-Eyes also has a generic driver which DG> can be configured to a synthesizer not listed here. Doug, And if one writes a GENERIC.DAT file including the same codes you give in the docs for an example, Vocal-Eyes appears to fully support the ASP board from Automated Functions Inc., and thus the Personal Vert from TSI as well. Willie ... BlinkTalk, Dr. Deb and Silver in Pittsburgh! -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89.0!William.Wilson Internet: William.Wilson@p0.f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Walter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org (Walter Siren ) (09/21/90)
Index Number: 10573 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DG> WS> screens, there is no way apparently to go back and review the DG> WS> screen a line at a time. When I try to learn something, I DG> WS> like to take it slow, and go over things more than once. If DG> WS> there is a way, I haven't found it yet. I haven't spoke to DG> WS> doug about that yet, because I am trying to see how far I can DG> WS> get on my own. DG> DG> Walter, DG> I have noted your dissappointement. You are correct, you can not DG> review the help screens line by line. However, I would not recommend that DG> you learn how to use Vocal-Eyes through the help screens. Nothing could DG> replace the manual. The help screens are there to help remind you about DG> things, not necessarily teach you. Doug, I agree with you. I was just trying to check on some things about the menus without going back to the manuals. Which brings me to another point, when reading the menus, and you can't understand something, and you would like to spell it out, you can't do it with the arrow keys. Since the up and down arrow keys move you through the menu, why can't the left and right arrow keys move you over the words a letter at a time. Maybe you can do that if it is not too much trouble. While I am at it Doug, when I am typing, I like to keep the keyboard echo on, and echo each letter as I am typing. There seems to be a delay from the time I type the letter, and when the key is echoed back to me. Increasing the rate does not help. I also have all keys interrupt on, but it still does this to me, and this slows me down. Walter -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!396!8.1!Walter.Siren. Internet: Walter.Siren.@p1.f8.n396.z1.fidonet.org
John.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.org (John Sanfilippo) (09/21/90)
Index Number: 10577 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Ric, What is the easiest and quickest way to read a particular line on the screen without going into review? Please, this is a serious and sincere question, not intending to create a row of any kind. I want to do something like control space X, where X represents any screen line number of my chosing, and I don't want to have to preset any window or anything, just have any particular line read to me by just plucking it right out. Thanks much. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!107!608!John.Sanfilippo Internet: John.Sanfilippo@f608.n107.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (09/25/90)
Index Number: 10635 WS> Doug, I agree with you. I was just trying to check on WS> some things about the menus without going back to the manuals. WS> Which brings me to another point, when reading the menus, and WS> you can't understand something, and you would like to spell it WS> out, you can't do it with the arrow keys. Since the up and WS> down arrow keys move you through the menu, why can't the left WS> and right arrow keys move you over the words a letter at a WS> time. Maybe you can do that if it is not too much WS> trouble. Walter, [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Thanks for the input. I have noted your ideas. WS> While I am at it Doug, when I am typing, I like to keep WS> the keyboard echo on, and echo each letter as I am typing. WS> There seems to be a delay from the time I type the letter, and WS> when the key is echoed back to me. Increasing the rate does WS> not help. I also have all keys interrupt on, but it still WS> does this to me, and this slows me down. Walter, I am not sure if you have seen some of my older messages about this problem or not. I have just recently added a few device drivers and modified all the others. To make a long story short, the reason Vocal-Eyes was a bit slower then some other screen readers was because of a quirk in the synthesizer. For example, if you are using two different voice speeds or rates with your screen reader, at some point it might get stuck in the wrong rate or pitch. Vocal-Eyes would never do this. And because of this, the response was slower. I have since made a compremise and now you have the best of both worlds. (There was a lot more to this but I hope you get the idea). The bottom line, if you would like I would be glad to send you the latest device driver. This I am sure will clear up any sluggishness you may be having. All of the new drivers are currently in beta testing but very soon I will place them into production. They make a world of difference. Sincerely, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Darrell.Shandrow@f7.n300.z1.fidonet.org (Darrell Shandrow) (10/02/90)
Index Number: 10727 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] It would be a neat idea if Vocaleyes could have an external utility or something like that that you could use to write a device driver for a synthesizer that isn't supported directly. In other words, you would use menus to write the driver. 73 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!300!7!Darrell.Shandrow Internet: Darrell.Shandrow@f7.n300.z1.fidonet.org
John.Sanfilippo@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org (John Sanfilippo) (10/02/90)
Index Number: 10735 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Rick, You definitely hear a request in the making. Both being stuck in a window and having to press too many keys just to hear a chosen line at a snap, are enough to turn me away... Ouch, But I LOVE Hearing PAUSES in the appropriate places in the text, something which SV can't seem to manage for me. Thanks for the tip. -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!101!460!John.Sanfilippo Internet: John.Sanfilippo@f460.n101.z1.fidonet.org
Warren.King@p0.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org (Warren King) (12/05/90)
Index Number: 12244 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] Doug, I have your Vocal-Eyes demo on my board and was able to convince one of my users to give it a try, but he ran into a problem. He tells me that none of the drivers will work with his speech board. So, naturally, I told him that I would send you a message about it. <grin> He is using a CompTalker speech board using the comm ports. He said he could not get even the generic driver to work. Is he doing something incorrectly, or does he really need a special driver? If so, is it available for FREQing someplace? I will be happy to call and get the driver for him if it is available. Thanks for your help! He tells me that from reading the docs that the difference between what he has now and your program is like the difference from a Commodore 64 to a 386! -Warren- -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!275!429.0!Warren.King Internet: Warren.King@p0.f429.n275.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (03/28/91)
Index Number: 14506 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DK> i am checking out vocalize but i can't seem to find a way to DK> designate the number pad keys for cursor keys simular to the DK> jaws configuration.. . can i do this with this program? how? Dan, Vocal-Eyes allows you to define every single hot key to your choice of keystroke. However, the keystroke must produce a valid code. For example, you can not setup a hotkey to CONTROL-ALT-W or ALT-DELETE. If you have a 101 keyboard your choices increase tremendously but there are still limitations. Unfortunately the ALT number pad will not work. This is used by the system to produce certain ASCII values which would otherwise not be accessable from the keyboard. The main reason for this limitation is so Vocal-Eyes can be totally compatible with all macro programs out on the market. At some point Vocal-Eyes will probably have its own macro processor. But because macros are arely required with Vocal-Eyes this has not been a high priority but I had to allow the ability for those people that wanted macros. I guess Dan, this is a very long way of saying you can not assign a Vocal-Eyes hotkey to a ALT-num pad keystroke. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (03/28/91)
Index Number: 14508 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] WS> I wish tha doug would had been able to let us use the insert WS> key in combination with the number pad keys. I might have WS> switched already. Now, don't get me wrong, I did say might. Walter, Thank you for sending this reply to Dan. As for allowing the insert key like JAWS, all I can say is maybe at some time in the future. At some point I will probably design a macro program specifially for Vocal-Eyes. This would allow the use of many keystrokes. However, since macros really are not used that often with Vocal-Eyes I have not given it a high priority. WS> I have been taking a good hard look at vocal eyes, and WS> that is all I can say for now. I will be looking forward to WS> see what Doug puts in the new vocal eyes. I believe it will be worth the wait! Thanks again. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (04/13/91)
Index Number: 14851 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DM> Can you say whether it will rely on configurations, or will DM> it take a more "artificial intelligence" approach? Daveed, Personally I don't have much faith in "artificial intelligence". In this application that is. Only if there is a link between my brain and the computer will this approch work correctly for me everytime. What I want to hear or not hear may be completely different than the other guy. Therefore, you are back to custom applications. Now it is true with some intelligence the screen reader can make this customization easier but it will NEVER replace customization. I could also make sure that the popular programs work great out of the box but what happens when the programs are upgraded?? Or who is to say my idea of making a program talk great is your idea of making a program talk great? Therefore in regards to your question.....the answer is yes. Because I strongly believe custom setups will never be replaced, I plan on suppling several configurations wil Vocal-Eyes. The beta testers have made some great configurations. Regards, Doug ... GW Micro -- Fort Wayne, IN -- (219) 483-3625 -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org
David.Andrews@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org (David Andrews) (05/06/91)
Index Number: 15416 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] DA>> Further, when I download with it, from a DA>> BBS noticable slower then PROVOX, which I normally use. DG> As I suspected, you were running Vocal-Eyes out of expanded DG> memory. Expanded memory is without a dought going to be slower DG> than running out of DOS RAM. There will be overhead while DG> banking in and out of expanded memory. I reran Vocal-Eyes in conventional memory, and downloaded a big file from Willie's board, and the sppeed was the same as with other programs. I hope we have cleared up all our misunderstandings. I promise to be more careful in the future.! ... David Andrews -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!129!89!David.Andrews Internet: David.Andrews@f89.n129.z1.fidonet.org
Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org (Doug Geoffray) (06/28/91)
Index Number: 16587 [This is from the Blink Talk Conference] TW> unless I missunderstood your msg and that is quite possible the TW> upgrade is a freeby since I bought mine after june 1990. if I TW> am incorrect and I could be then well I will have to think TW> about it depending on the price. Tandy, The policy is as follows: If you purchased Vocal-Eyes before January 1, 1991, there is a $75.00 charge. If you purchased Vocal-Eyes on or after January 1, 1991, there is no charge for the upgrade. In either case, you will receive Vocal-Eyes 2.0, the addendum will be on the disk, on tape and in large print. I hope this clears things up a bit. Dan will be glad to demonstrate all the new features it offers. Regards, Doug -- Uucp: ..!{decvax,oliveb}!bunker!hcap!hnews!369!8!Doug.Geoffray Internet: Doug.Geoffray@f8.n369.z1.fidonet.org