Classic oldschool speech synth (Text-To-Speech) Heard one in movies? This is probably it.

By Paradox Paroxym , in Random Shit, posted: 20-NOV-2006 18:48

Digging up the archives on my computer came up with "dectalk" which is a very retro sounding and classic speech synth in software. Often used in movies and also speech impairment tools This classic sound is synonymous. Sure, there are many newer ones around but all come at costs of high CPU usage and huge files and loose that classic "Computer speak" sound you all grew up with!

So here i present you...."Klatt Talk" by dennis klatt in the DECTALK variety.
This uses the classic voice, not the newer dectalk voice, I have modified the EXE to halve the size and provide the standard classic look of the beta and was initially modified by myself as a simple reliable tool for the speech impaired.

Included is a huge range of txt files to make it sing and have conversations among itself! Check out the Red Dwarf one.

There was a PocketPC varient of this floating about (long lost) and I heard DECtalk is still for sale somewhere but I could find no support for it.

Also, "softvoice" whom created that classic AMIGA voice, produced a weird kids toy speech synth for "PLUS! For Win95" which is brought to you.

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Section 92A browndown
When computers deserve to DIIIEEEEE!!!!!!
Spend some money! (funny pics)

Permalink to Classic oldschool speech synth (Text-To-Speech) Heard one in movies? This is probably it. | Add a comment (2 comments) | Main Index

Comment by Lewis, on 3-JUL-2008 07:24

Awesome! I've been trying to find a voice synthesiser like these for ages, thanks!

Comment by Lewis, on 3-JUL-2008 07:25

Awesome! I've been trying to find a voice synthesiser like these for ages, thanks!

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Paradox Paroxym

Paradox Paroxym

A blog about general computing, tech and occasional reviews.

Devices/services in use.

Computing:

Laptop:
ASUS EEEpc 900 dualWinLin (slackware/XP)

Thinclient HP t5700 Crusoe 900MHz, super low-power machine for mundane server tasks
+ 1TB WD essentials (these things have a 5400rpm Caviar Green low power drive in them)

Base PC
ASUS mobo (last ever made with 4 real PCI slots)

+ CPU - AMD athlon 6000 dualcore cpu
+ RAM - 2GB DDR2 800
+ HDD - 1TB SATA
+ HDD - 1 TB SATA II
+ HDD - 2TB USB
+ HDD - 1TB USB (Fat32, hold my DVD collection)
+ SND - Audigy 1 with the wonderful Kx drivers.
+ OS - Windblows entee 5.666, a very butchered, home grown unecumbered hybrid that is blisteringly quick.
+ Singstar USB dongle as a strero sound input device
+ USB adaptor for headphones
+ USB speakers for those "quieter" nights.
+ TriPath d-class aplifier with JBL MR25 speakers attached.

Comms:

Mobile: (Big downsize)
+ Nokia E71
                Telecom XT work phone, spends more time as a Voip handset and decent GPS navigator.
+ Nokia 6121
                Vodafone device, when I can be bothered with it
+ iPhone 2G
                2Degrees and cool mini "web tablet" as well as music player
+ iPod Nano 1st Gen with Rockbox.
                Used for line-in recording and easy loading of audio, typically my ripped CD collection.

Wired:
3COM 3CDRDW "officeconnect" router - Telecom BigTime plan as my sync speeds are a hopeless 3Mbps anyway

+wifi - EEEpc - Nokia E71 for VoIP

Home Theatre:

Panasonic 42" 720P Plasma display, I know it isn't full HD but this unit works with any source thrown at it instantly and the quality is superb. and it's actually Made in Japan!
Popcorn Hour - original 100 model w 320GB hard drive
XboxMOD - classic Xbox, Double ram, Xcecutor chip, 320GB HDD, LG Modded DVD drive
Sharp VHS HQ video recorder (classic)
Onkyo DVD player
2x YESS set-top-boxes, one DVB-T, one DVB-T both with recording firmware. (very handy)
HTPC - ASUS M2A-VM-HDMI, Athlon 3800+, 2Gb ram, 250GB HDD running MYTHTV, latest project, still working on it.

DEAD, DM500 Dreambox :-( RIP, I'll try to revive her, PLi and CCCam is dl'd and fingered crossed!

Transport:

+ 96 Celica, manual, great drivers car and surprisingly roomy boot, has transported my plasma and a washing machine with ease!

Hall Of Fame.
Over-it, category to be deleted.

Wall Of Shame.
Same here, Groan...