date:20161019

You may need to look for specific drivers.  When I looked at the optelec site 
(as mentioned in another message) I did not find this display, but I have seen 
it as listed previously. Window-Eyes lists several 575s, one of which needs a 
USB converter.  This indicates to me that these may have started out as serial 
devices. So: I wonder if this series of displays have been pulled by 
Optelec?

Offering to be helpful - but not had to become familiar with this display.

Vaughan.



-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of Singing Sparrow via Talk
Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2016 10:52 a.m.
To: Doug Geoffray; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Alva 570 Pro

How can you get an Alva 570 Pro to work with windows 7 64 bit?


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talking dos box

hey anyone on here used talking dos box except for me? the talking dos 
box i sent up to the list has windows3.1 and keysoft 1 or 2 and keynote 
gold multimedia install in win3.1. it also has a demo of mega dots2.0, 
wordperfect 5.1 and lotus 123 along with lots of text games.


before you run it you can set NVDA to use decTalk access32 nvda addon 
sorry does not work with window eyes requires nvda in sleep mode ... ... 
from the grossgang.com  site ... asap screen reader works best. could 
not get the vocal eyes demo to work.




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Alva 570 Pro

2016-10-19 Thread Singing Sparrow via Talk


How can you get an Alva 570 Pro to work with windows 7 64 bit?


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tiny talk and flipper


hi

no i also used or played aorund with tiny talk and flipper and smooth 
talker that used the sound blaster card as a tts sort of sounded like a 
double talk. yes its in talking dos box.




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reminiscing about old screen readers

I used keysoft version 1.33F in dos with a keynote gold SA external 
synthesizer. Then switched to windows95 with jaws3.2 and a braille 
blazer embosser for the synthesizer. then used a braille lite for the 
synthesizer until eloquence came out with jaws3.2. played around with 
window eyes demos during that time also and also keynote gold multimedia 
software for windows as well. sure wish that still existed.




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old dos synthesizers


hello

you can play around with dos again. here is a file that lets the asap 
screen reader speak through NVDA in sleep mode or any dos or windows3.1 
reader that supports braille n speak on com1 as its synthesizer. the link is


note you need to install com0com x86 for 32bit systems x64signed for 
64bit set virtual pair1 in its settings in first edit box put com8 in 
second, put com9. the link is


https://www.sendspace.com/file/pk2ni7




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RE: Audible's "The Great Courses" series and Window-Eyes.

Hello Dave.

I'm encouraged by your comments, so will check things out.  Seems like I won't 
need the extra material - booklet and cd/dvd, so won't be forking out any more 
cash.

The wish list feature of Audible is great, and is accessible to Window-eyes.  
As you find titles you might be interested in, there is a link to "add to wish 
list" which is below the "add to cart".

>From the Audible home page, you can go to your Wish List.  You can check 
>individuals titles or all in the list to transfer to cart for subsequent 
>purchase.

You comment also about needing help with downloading.  There are several ways 
of achieving this, and my preference is that once the order has been completed, 
I use the Audible app on my iPhone.  I don't have a Stream, and Audible files 
are  not accessible to the new Blaze series of devices from HIMS.

If you download to the pc via the Audible Download Manager, operation of which 
has been improved due to fixes within Window-Eyes, the various links regarding 
books and their parts are accessible to Window-Eyes.

I agree: Audible help desk staff are very efficient - courteous and helpful.


Hope I've been of as much help to you as you have been to me.

Warmest regards.

Vaughan.



Please telephone the Regional Disability and Health Team prior to emailing or 
faxing any new referrals.

Vaughan Dodd, Regional Disability Advisor.

Desk2desk: 97187.
Email: vaughan.dodd...@msd.govt.nz.
For referrals: email fax_gnlis001_health_disabil...@msd.govt.nz.

Our up-to-date desk file is located at: 
http://doogle.ssi.govt.nz/resources/publications/reports-research/regional/auckland/auckland-health-disability-resources.html


-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of David Helkenn via Talk
Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2016 9:56 a.m.
To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com; talk-requ...@lists.window-eyes.com
Cc: dhelk...@san.rr.com
Subject: re: Audible's "The Great Courses" series and Window-Eyes.

Hi all.

Resending, as replies did not reach me.  Appreciate comments from those who 
might know.

With thanks.

[dh: This may, or may not be tied into what you need. My responses will be in 
brackets '[]'.

Vaughan.


-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com]
On Behalf Of Vaughan Dodd via Talk
Sent: Thursday, 13 October 2016 3:57 p.m.
To: 'Window-Eyes Discussion List'
Subject: Audible's "The Great Courses" series and Window-Eyes.

Greetings everyone.

I've loaded several of the "Great Courses" into my Audible wish list, and 
notice that titles have extra material which I guess is a form of study guide 
to supplement the lectures.

[dh: DING! The extra material is in the form of a print booklet/study guide, 
which, if you order the DVD from the Teaching Company, comes along with the 
disks. The supplements truly are helpful, especially if you plan on using them 
in a study session/class.

I've downloaded via Audible.com, over a dozen courses. Every time I've 
downloaded, except twice, I've had to have assistance which actually is very 
good. I've never downloaded the extra material via Audible.com since I only 
wanted the audible. In fact, I didn't know I could get the extra material. 
Also,I've never used the 'wishlist' feature.]

What form does this extra material take, and is it readable with Window-Eyes?

[dh: Do not know the format/form of the material as I haven't downloaded it. In 
the direct order placement with the Teaching Company, the box contains the 
disks and the booklet.]

Some of the courses do look genuinely interesting, but I'm not prepared to 
purchase if the package for each course is not truly accessible.  I do notice 
that there is a return book option, but user feedback from those who have gone 
down this path might ensure that I don't make the mistake of buying something, 
only to be disappointed.

[dh: I doubt if you will be disappointed unless you want/need the extra 
material. These courses are truly excellent and the version you get via Audible 
is heavily discounted since they are released through this outlet. Just an 
example, the course "From Jesus to Constantine" 
cost me around $150 (maybe more. It's been a while.) I got the disks and the 
booklet. The version from Audible was 'free' as I used the one credit of my 
gift membership to get it. I know it's a duplicate, but I wanted to be able to 
use my Victor Reader Stream to listen to it without being required to use my 
DVD player. The booklet came in handy when I taught some Adult Education 
classes on the history of Christianity. The booklet had some maps, timelines, 
etc. which the sighted 'students' enjoyed.

I do not know what the supplemental information is since the courses do have 
additional material (on the first disk) about the course and the professor. If 
that's what the 'extra material' is,

re: Audible's "The Great Courses" series and Window-Eyes.

2016-10-19 Thread David Helkenn via Talk


Hi all.

Resending, as replies did not reach me.  Appreciate comments from 
those who might know.


With thanks.

[dh: This may, or may not be tied into what you need. My responses 
will be in brackets '[]'.


Vaughan.


-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com] 
On Behalf Of Vaughan Dodd via Talk

Sent: Thursday, 13 October 2016 3:57 p.m.
To: 'Window-Eyes Discussion List'
Subject: Audible's "The Great Courses" series and Window-Eyes.

Greetings everyone.

I've loaded several of the "Great Courses" into my Audible wish list, 
and notice that titles have extra material which I guess is a form of 
study guide to supplement the lectures.


[dh: DING! The extra material is in the form of a print booklet/study 
guide, which, if you order the DVD from the Teaching Company, comes 
along with the disks. The supplements truly are helpful, especially 
if you plan on using them in a study session/class.


I've downloaded via Audible.com, over a dozen courses. Every time 
I've downloaded, except twice, I've had to have assistance which 
actually is very good. I've never downloaded the extra material via 
Audible.com since I only wanted the audible. In fact, I didn't know I 
could get the extra material. Also,I've never used the 'wishlist' feature.]


What form does this extra material take, and is it readable with Window-Eyes?

[dh: Do not know the format/form of the material as I haven't 
downloaded it. In the direct order placement with the Teaching 
Company, the box contains the disks and the booklet.]


Some of the courses do look genuinely interesting, but I'm not 
prepared to purchase if the package for each course is not truly 
accessible.  I do notice that there is a return book option, but user 
feedback from those who have gone down this path might ensure that I 
don't make the mistake of buying something, only to be disappointed.


[dh: I doubt if you will be disappointed unless you want/need the 
extra material. These courses are truly excellent and the version you 
get via Audible is heavily discounted since they are released through 
this outlet. Just an example, the course "From Jesus to Constantine" 
cost me around $150 (maybe more. It's been a while.) I got the disks 
and the booklet. The version from Audible was 'free' as I used the 
one credit of my gift membership to get it. I know it's a duplicate, 
but I wanted to be able to use my Victor Reader Stream to listen to 
it without being required to use my DVD player. The booklet came in 
handy when I taught some Adult Education classes on the history of 
Christianity. The booklet had some maps, timelines, etc. which the 
sighted 'students' enjoyed.


I do not know what the supplemental information is since the courses 
do have additional material (on the first disk) about the course and 
the professor. If that's what the 'extra material' is, then it is 
certainly accessible with WE.]


Vaughan.
[dh: The 'return policy' is just as advertised. I've had to return a 
course to Audible because it turned out not to be what I thought it 
would be whenI downloaded it. I did removed it from my Stream. There 
was a restoration of my credit for the download, no questions asked. 
It was very smooth.


Try the download. Better yet, check with the person on the other end 
of the phone. I've called their help line over a dozen times to get 
help with the download and delivery onto my Stream. As I said, I was 
only able to do the full transfer twice! Just make sure the other 
person is familiar with your needs.


Try it. You'll like it!

Dave
dhelk...@san.rr.com]

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Re: TWC

2016-10-19 Thread Helen Murphy via Talk

I USE A LARG PRINT GUIDE I HAD PRINTED UP MY SELF FROM TIME WARNER CABLE  

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:37 PM, Tom Fairhurst via Talk 
 wrote:
 

 I use Time Warner Cable. Has anyone tried to program the program guide from 
the web site? Also, are you aware of manuals for controlling a remote for a 
cable box? Obviously, if they are, I would need the names of the remote and the 
box to locate them. I don’t have them now, soI’m asking for general 
information. Thanks.
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TWC

2016-10-19 Thread Tom Fairhurst via Talk

I use Time Warner Cable. Has anyone tried to program the program guide from the 
web site? Also, are you aware of manuals for controlling a remote for a cable 
box? Obviously, if they are, I would need the names of the remote and the box 
to locate them. I don’t have them now, soI’m asking for general information. 
Thanks.
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Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

When I was talking about not being able to do contracted braille input into 
the computer via the Alva, I was talking about standard grade two.  If I am 
writing in the notes section of the Alva, using it like a notetaker, I can 
write in grade two.  But if I have it hooked up to the  computer using it as 
a braille display, I can't input stuff from the Alva onto the computer using 
the Alva's keyboard.  Pam.


-Original Message- 
From: Vaughan Dodd via Talk

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:01 PM
To: 'Kevin Huber' ; 'Window-Eyes Discussion List'
Subject: RE: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Maybe my below contribution reflects user inadequacy: just looking at the 
settings for my Alva bc640, it is not clear that braille input includes 
contracted, as per new UEBC requirements.


Its internal Notes app, which is a primitive notepad, might accept 
contracted braille, but I don't use it so will need to experiment.
A recent look at the Optelec website as taken via VFO does not indicate that 
there are upgraded braille tables or firmware which should be installed.


Doug: great having you contributing to this discussion.  Once the future of 
Window-Eyes as a going concern for development is confirmed, my strong 
recommendation is to regard features like direct contracted braille input to 
be part of Window-eyes.


Knowing that I've banged on for ages about updating braille support 
generally,and accepting that there is reliance upon display manufacturers, 
my hope is that VFO will properly resource this aspect of screen reader 
development.


Vaughan.



research/regional/auckland/auckland-health-disability-resources.html


-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of Kevin Huber via Talk

Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2016 5:39 a.m.
To: Doug Geoffray; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Hi Doug:

I think the braille display that you are talking about is the Alva 640.  As 
far as I recall, the Alva 640 alows for contracted braille input.


Kevin Huber


On 10/18/16, Doug Geoffray via Talk  wrote:

Hello Roger,

Wow, it has been a long time.  I was not aware of your health issues
but applaud you for telling those doctors/statisticians what they can
do with their odds (smile)!

Window-Eyes core never allowed for contracted braille input.  This is
something that could be added to the individual braille drivers and I
thought there was a braille manufacturer which actually took advantage
of that in their Window-Eyes braille driver but I'm not certain.
Because most braille drivers are developed by the braille
manufacturer, I lose track of what displays are out there and how they
work with Window-Eyes.  I've wanted to add contracted input into
Window-Eyes core but have never gotten to it.  It is still on the wish 
list.


Regards,
Doug

On 10/18/2016 9:46 AM, Adaptive Information Systems Inc. wrote:

Hi Doug,

I wanted to ask you about two way entry with Braille displays and
Window-eyes 9.53.

If my memory is correct, I thought we had contracted two way entry
with Braille displays and the BrailleNote devices with earlier
versions of Window-eyes.

I have customers who are using Window-eyes, like TVI teachers who own
a Brailliant BI display from HumanWare and can't do contracted
Braille input from their Brailliant BI to the computer, like word or
email, it is all computer Braille only.

I see that NVDA 2016.3 also is only doing computer Braille input too.

While Jaws still offers contracted two way input from a Braille display.

Is contracted two way input something that did happen years ago?

Is this something that can be included in  future releases of
Window-eyes?

It is a pain to have to type in computer Braille using a perkins
style keyboard on a Braille display.

Thank you for your time!

I am still alive and kicking after 2013 and doctors gave me a 1%
diagnoses that I would live and I beat that!  But now I am fighting
cancer of the Prostate, Dam!

Regards,

Roger a. Behm, President




Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
We Make Technology Accessible to the vision Impaired and Reading
Disabled

Roger A. Behm, President
1611 Clover Lane
Janesville WI 53545-1388
Fax: 608-758-7898
Voice: 608-758-0933
Email: aist...@ameritech.net
Web Page: www.adaptiveinformation.org

-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+aistech=ameritech@lists.window-eyes.com]
On Behalf Of Doug Geoffray via Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 8:15 AM
To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com
Subject: Re: history of window eyes

Just wanted to correct a few things (smile).

Malcolm created Screen-Talk which later became Screen-Talk Pro
(linked with ProKey).  As stated, he may of wanted to call this
Vocal-Eyes but Bill Grimm didn't like that name, at the time.  I had
nothing to do with Screen-Talk.  I did create most of the Apple 2
software

RE: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Pam: Window-Eyes supports uncontracted braille input, specifically computer 
code.  It will support contracted braille output.  The Alva will allow you to 
enter computer code as driven by Window-Eyes.

Best.

Vaughan.

-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of Pamela Dominguez via Talk
Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2016 8:50 a.m.
To: Kevin Huber; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

I have the Alva BC 640, and I tried doing contracted braille input with window 
eyes.  I found that it didn't work.  Then I was told that window eyes didn't 
support braille input.  Pam.

-Original Message-
From: Kevin Huber via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 12:39 PM
To: Doug Geoffray ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Hi Doug:

I think the braille display that you are talking about is the Alva 640.  As far 
as I recall, the Alva 640 alows for contracted braille input.

Kevin Huber


On 10/18/16, Doug Geoffray via Talk  wrote:
> Hello Roger,
>
> Wow, it has been a long time.  I was not aware of your health issues 
> but applaud you for telling those doctors/statisticians what they can 
> do with their odds (smile)!
>
> Window-Eyes core never allowed for contracted braille input.  This is 
> something that could be added to the individual braille drivers and I 
> thought there was a braille manufacturer which actually took advantage 
> of that in their Window-Eyes braille driver but I'm not certain.
> Because most braille drivers are developed by the braille 
> manufacturer, I lose track of what displays are out there and how they 
> work with Window-Eyes.  I've wanted to add contracted input into 
> Window-Eyes core but have never gotten to it.  It is still on the wish list.
>
> Regards,
> Doug
>
> On 10/18/2016 9:46 AM, Adaptive Information Systems Inc. wrote:
>> Hi Doug,
>>
>> I wanted to ask you about two way entry with Braille displays and 
>> Window-eyes 9.53.
>>
>> If my memory is correct, I thought we had contracted two way entry 
>> with Braille displays and the BrailleNote devices with earlier 
>> versions of Window-eyes.
>>
>> I have customers who are using Window-eyes, like TVI teachers who own 
>> a Brailliant BI display from HumanWare and can't do contracted 
>> Braille input from their Brailliant BI to the computer, like word or 
>> email, it is all computer Braille only.
>>
>> I see that NVDA 2016.3 also is only doing computer Braille input too.
>>
>> While Jaws still offers contracted two way input from a Braille display.
>>
>> Is contracted two way input something that did happen years ago?
>>
>> Is this something that can be included in  future releases of 
>> Window-eyes?
>>
>> It is a pain to have to type in computer Braille using a perkins 
>> style keyboard on a Braille display.
>>
>> Thank you for your time!
>>
>> I am still alive and kicking after 2013 and doctors gave me a 1% 
>> diagnoses that I would live and I beat that!  But now I am fighting 
>> cancer of the Prostate, Dam!
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Roger a. Behm, President
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
>> We Make Technology Accessible to the vision Impaired and Reading 
>> Disabled
>>
>> Roger A. Behm, President
>> 1611 Clover Lane
>> Janesville WI 53545-1388
>> Fax: 608-758-7898
>> Voice: 608-758-0933
>> Email: aist...@ameritech.net
>> Web Page: www.adaptiveinformation.org
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Talk
>> [mailto:talk-bounces+aistech=ameritech@lists.window-eyes.com]
>> On Behalf Of Doug Geoffray via Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 8:15 AM
>> To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com
>> Subject: Re: history of window eyes
>>
>> Just wanted to correct a few things (smile).
>>
>> Malcolm created Screen-Talk which later became Screen-Talk Pro 
>> (linked with ProKey).  As stated, he may of wanted to call this 
>> Vocal-Eyes but Bill Grimm didn't like that name, at the time.  I had 
>> nothing to do with Screen-Talk.  I did create most of the Apple 2 
>> software such as Braille-Out which later turned to Braille-Talk, and 
>> Word-Talk and File-Talk and Term-Talk (prior to Term-Talk it was 
>> Talking Transend) and several other smaller things as well as the TTS 
>> engine for all Sounding Board variants.  I also created all the 
>> software for the Small-Talk portable computer, except for the 
>> Calc-Talk module, ah, fun times (smile).
>>
>> In 1988 I started from scratch with Vocal-Eyes.  This was completely 
>> different from the work Malcolm did.  I almost finished Vocal-Eyes 
>> when Bill Grimm got burnt out and decided to close Computer Aids, 
>> which officially closed November 1989.  I had started working at 
>> Computer Aids in the early 80's as a contractor and around 1983 
>> started full time as an employee.  Dan Weirich started around 1987ish 
>> and worked on the

RE: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Maybe my below contribution reflects user inadequacy: just looking at the 
settings for my Alva bc640, it is not clear that braille input includes 
contracted, as per new UEBC requirements.

Its internal Notes app, which is a primitive notepad, might accept contracted 
braille, but I don't use it so will need to experiment.
A recent look at the Optelec website as taken via VFO does not indicate that 
there are upgraded braille tables or firmware which should be installed.

Doug: great having you contributing to this discussion.  Once the future of 
Window-Eyes as a going concern for development is confirmed, my strong 
recommendation is to regard features like direct contracted braille input to be 
part of Window-eyes.

Knowing that I've banged on for ages about updating braille support 
generally,and accepting that there is reliance upon display manufacturers, my 
hope is that VFO will properly resource this aspect of screen reader 
development.

Vaughan.

 

research/regional/auckland/auckland-health-disability-resources.html


-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+vaughan.dodd001=msd.govt...@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of Kevin Huber via Talk
Sent: Thursday, 20 October 2016 5:39 a.m.
To: Doug Geoffray; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Hi Doug:

I think the braille display that you are talking about is the Alva 640.  As far 
as I recall, the Alva 640 alows for contracted braille input.

Kevin Huber


On 10/18/16, Doug Geoffray via Talk  wrote:
> Hello Roger,
>
> Wow, it has been a long time.  I was not aware of your health issues 
> but applaud you for telling those doctors/statisticians what they can 
> do with their odds (smile)!
>
> Window-Eyes core never allowed for contracted braille input.  This is 
> something that could be added to the individual braille drivers and I 
> thought there was a braille manufacturer which actually took advantage 
> of that in their Window-Eyes braille driver but I'm not certain.
> Because most braille drivers are developed by the braille 
> manufacturer, I lose track of what displays are out there and how they 
> work with Window-Eyes.  I've wanted to add contracted input into 
> Window-Eyes core but have never gotten to it.  It is still on the wish list.
>
> Regards,
> Doug
>
> On 10/18/2016 9:46 AM, Adaptive Information Systems Inc. wrote:
>> Hi Doug,
>>
>> I wanted to ask you about two way entry with Braille displays and 
>> Window-eyes 9.53.
>>
>> If my memory is correct, I thought we had contracted two way entry 
>> with Braille displays and the BrailleNote devices with earlier 
>> versions of Window-eyes.
>>
>> I have customers who are using Window-eyes, like TVI teachers who own 
>> a Brailliant BI display from HumanWare and can't do contracted 
>> Braille input from their Brailliant BI to the computer, like word or 
>> email, it is all computer Braille only.
>>
>> I see that NVDA 2016.3 also is only doing computer Braille input too.
>>
>> While Jaws still offers contracted two way input from a Braille display.
>>
>> Is contracted two way input something that did happen years ago?
>>
>> Is this something that can be included in  future releases of 
>> Window-eyes?
>>
>> It is a pain to have to type in computer Braille using a perkins 
>> style keyboard on a Braille display.
>>
>> Thank you for your time!
>>
>> I am still alive and kicking after 2013 and doctors gave me a 1% 
>> diagnoses that I would live and I beat that!  But now I am fighting 
>> cancer of the Prostate, Dam!
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Roger a. Behm, President
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
>> We Make Technology Accessible to the vision Impaired and Reading 
>> Disabled
>>
>> Roger A. Behm, President
>> 1611 Clover Lane
>> Janesville WI 53545-1388
>> Fax: 608-758-7898
>> Voice: 608-758-0933
>> Email: aist...@ameritech.net
>> Web Page: www.adaptiveinformation.org
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Talk
>> [mailto:talk-bounces+aistech=ameritech@lists.window-eyes.com]
>> On Behalf Of Doug Geoffray via Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 8:15 AM
>> To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com
>> Subject: Re: history of window eyes
>>
>> Just wanted to correct a few things (smile).
>>
>> Malcolm created Screen-Talk which later became Screen-Talk Pro 
>> (linked with ProKey).  As stated, he may of wanted to call this 
>> Vocal-Eyes but Bill Grimm didn't like that name, at the time.  I had 
>> nothing to do with Screen-Talk.  I did create most of the Apple 2 
>> software such as Braille-Out which later turned to Braille-Talk, and 
>> Word-Talk and File-Talk and Term-Talk (prior to Term-Talk it was 
>> Talking Transend) and several other smaller things as well as the TTS 
>> engine for all Sounding Board variants.  I also created all the 
>> software for the Small-Talk portable computer, except for the 
>> Calc-Talk module, ah, fun times (smile).
>>
>> In 1988 I started

Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

I have the Alva BC 640, and I tried doing contracted braille input with 
window eyes.  I found that it didn't work.  Then I was told that window eyes 
didn't support braille input.  Pam.

-Original Message- 
From: Kevin Huber via Talk

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 12:39 PM
To: Doug Geoffray ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Hi Doug:

I think the braille display that you are talking about is the Alva
640.  As far as I recall, the Alva 640 alows for contracted braille
input.

Kevin Huber

On 10/18/16, Doug Geoffray via Talk  wrote:

Hello Roger,

Wow, it has been a long time.  I was not aware of your health issues but
applaud you for telling those doctors/statisticians what they can do
with their odds (smile)!

Window-Eyes core never allowed for contracted braille input.  This is
something that could be added to the individual braille drivers and I
thought there was a braille manufacturer which actually took advantage
of that in their Window-Eyes braille driver but I'm not certain.
Because most braille drivers are developed by the braille manufacturer,
I lose track of what displays are out there and how they work with
Window-Eyes.  I've wanted to add contracted input into Window-Eyes core
but have never gotten to it.  It is still on the wish list.

Regards,
Doug

On 10/18/2016 9:46 AM, Adaptive Information Systems Inc. wrote:

Hi Doug,

I wanted to ask you about two way entry with Braille displays and
Window-eyes 9.53.

If my memory is correct, I thought we had contracted two way entry with
Braille displays and the BrailleNote devices with earlier versions of
Window-eyes.

I have customers who are using Window-eyes, like TVI teachers who own a
Brailliant BI display from HumanWare and can't do contracted Braille
input
from their Brailliant BI to the computer, like word or email, it is all
computer Braille only.

I see that NVDA 2016.3 also is only doing computer Braille input too.

While Jaws still offers contracted two way input from a Braille display.

Is contracted two way input something that did happen years ago?

Is this something that can be included in  future releases of
Window-eyes?

It is a pain to have to type in computer Braille using a perkins style
keyboard on a Braille display.

Thank you for your time!

I am still alive and kicking after 2013 and doctors gave me a 1%
diagnoses
that I would live and I beat that!  But now I am fighting cancer of the
Prostate, Dam!

Regards,

Roger a. Behm, President

Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
We Make Technology Accessible to the vision Impaired and Reading Disabled

Roger A. Behm, President
1611 Clover Lane
Janesville WI 53545-1388
Fax: 608-758-7898
Voice: 608-758-0933
Email: aist...@ameritech.net
Web Page: www.adaptiveinformation.org

-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+aistech=ameritech@lists.window-eyes.com]
On Behalf Of Doug Geoffray via Talk
Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 8:15 AM
To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com
Subject: Re: history of window eyes

Just wanted to correct a few things (smile).

Malcolm created Screen-Talk which later became Screen-Talk Pro (linked
with ProKey).  As stated, he may of wanted to call this Vocal-Eyes but
Bill Grimm didn't like that name, at the time.  I had nothing to do with
Screen-Talk.  I did create most of the Apple 2 software such as
Braille-Out which later turned to Braille-Talk, and Word-Talk and
File-Talk and Term-Talk (prior to Term-Talk it was Talking Transend) and
several other smaller things as well as the TTS engine for all Sounding
Board variants.  I also created all the software for the Small-Talk
portable computer, except for the Calc-Talk module, ah, fun times
(smile).

In 1988 I started from scratch with Vocal-Eyes.  This was completely
different from the work Malcolm did.  I almost finished Vocal-Eyes when
Bill Grimm got burnt out and decided to close Computer Aids, which
officially closed November 1989.  I had started working at Computer Aids
in the early 80's as a contractor and around 1983 started full time as
an employee.  Dan Weirich started around 1987ish and worked on the
hardware.  So after Computer Aids closed in 1989, Dan and I started GW
Micro February 15, 1990.  I spent another 6 or so months finalizing
Vocal-Eyes and released it right after that.  As for Bill Grimm, he did
die but it was a few years later...I can't remember the exact year but
it was around 1994 or 95.

We started working on Window-Eyes around 1994 and released 1.0 in
October 1995.

Doug

On 10/17/2016 2:41 PM, Dave Basden via Talk wrote:

I might add that Malcolm, who worked as a ranger at Yosemite near
Fresno where I lived at the time, initially called his PC screenreader
Vocal-Eyes and I was one of the beneficiaries.  He had originally
designed it for a fellow ranger at Yosemite who was only partially
sighted.  I still see his name on the lists occasionally.  Bill Grimm
was then naming

Re: speech synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Linette Sukup via Talk




The Kate and Paul voices in Kurzweil 1000 are pretty good. In previous 
versions, the Neospeech voices were good, also, but they conflicted with 
a screen reader voice and caused one's system to lock up.


Peace.
Linette



On 10/19/2016 8:55 AM, Larry Higgins via Talk wrote:

It seems to me that the more human sounding they try to make the
synthesized voice, the more computer like they end up sounding. I have,
thank God,  known, or have heard,  only a few people that would fit the
description, but I have heard a few people, and I'm sure most of you
have at one time or another,  that sound more like synthesizers than
people. I must say that I feel quite sorry for people who just can't
help speaking that way.

Of course, I, like the rest of you I'm sure want the robotic sound of a
synthesizer to sound as pleasantly robotic as possible, but again, the
more human sounding they succeed in making the voice, the quality of the
delivery becomes just irritatingly stilted, halting, or whatever
appropriate adjective might be applicable.

Case in point, have you listened to NOAA Weather Radio lately?

As for me, I think I'll just stick with my trusty Eloquence for as long
as I can.

On 10/19/2016 7:57 AM, Chris Grabowski via Talk wrote:

You can, sort of, its name is Fred.


-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com]
On Behalf Of Kevin Barry via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List

Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

As do I.
There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are
not, and in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as
the venerable DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk <
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:


I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much
more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.

Alison

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Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

2016-10-19 Thread Doug Geoffray via Talk

Thanks Kevin,

I was thinking it was one of the Alva displays but I wasn't sure and 
even if it was, exactly what model.

Doug

On 10/19/2016 12:39 PM, Kevin Huber wrote:
> Hi Doug:
>
> I think the braille display that you are talking about is the Alva
> 640.  As far as I recall, the Alva 640 alows for contracted braille
> input.
>
> Kevin Huber
>
>
> On 10/18/16, Doug Geoffray via Talk  wrote:
>> Hello Roger,
>>
>> Wow, it has been a long time.  I was not aware of your health issues but
>> applaud you for telling those doctors/statisticians what they can do
>> with their odds (smile)!
>>
>> Window-Eyes core never allowed for contracted braille input.  This is
>> something that could be added to the individual braille drivers and I
>> thought there was a braille manufacturer which actually took advantage
>> of that in their Window-Eyes braille driver but I'm not certain.
>> Because most braille drivers are developed by the braille manufacturer,
>> I lose track of what displays are out there and how they work with
>> Window-Eyes.  I've wanted to add contracted input into Window-Eyes core
>> but have never gotten to it.  It is still on the wish list.
>>
>> Regards,
>> Doug
>>
>> On 10/18/2016 9:46 AM, Adaptive Information Systems Inc. wrote:
>>> Hi Doug,
>>>
>>> I wanted to ask you about two way entry with Braille displays and
>>> Window-eyes 9.53.
>>>
>>> If my memory is correct, I thought we had contracted two way entry with
>>> Braille displays and the BrailleNote devices with earlier versions of
>>> Window-eyes.
>>>
>>> I have customers who are using Window-eyes, like TVI teachers who own a
>>> Brailliant BI display from HumanWare and can't do contracted Braille
>>> input
>>> from their Brailliant BI to the computer, like word or email, it is all
>>> computer Braille only.
>>>
>>> I see that NVDA 2016.3 also is only doing computer Braille input too.
>>>
>>> While Jaws still offers contracted two way input from a Braille display.
>>>
>>> Is contracted two way input something that did happen years ago?
>>>
>>> Is this something that can be included in  future releases of
>>> Window-eyes?
>>>
>>> It is a pain to have to type in computer Braille using a perkins style
>>> keyboard on a Braille display.
>>>
>>> Thank you for your time!
>>>
>>> I am still alive and kicking after 2013 and doctors gave me a 1%
>>> diagnoses
>>> that I would live and I beat that!  But now I am fighting cancer of the
>>> Prostate, Dam!
>>>
>>> Regards,
>>>
>>> Roger a. Behm, President
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
>>> We Make Technology Accessible to the vision Impaired and Reading Disabled
>>>
>>> Roger A. Behm, President
>>> 1611 Clover Lane
>>> Janesville WI 53545-1388
>>> Fax: 608-758-7898
>>> Voice: 608-758-0933
>>> Email: aist...@ameritech.net
>>> Web Page: www.adaptiveinformation.org
>>>
>>> -Original Message-
>>> From: Talk
>>> [mailto:talk-bounces+aistech=ameritech@lists.window-eyes.com]
>>> On Behalf Of Doug Geoffray via Talk
>>> Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 8:15 AM
>>> To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com
>>> Subject: Re: history of window eyes
>>>
>>> Just wanted to correct a few things (smile).
>>>
>>> Malcolm created Screen-Talk which later became Screen-Talk Pro (linked
>>> with ProKey).  As stated, he may of wanted to call this Vocal-Eyes but
>>> Bill Grimm didn't like that name, at the time.  I had nothing to do with
>>> Screen-Talk.  I did create most of the Apple 2 software such as
>>> Braille-Out which later turned to Braille-Talk, and Word-Talk and
>>> File-Talk and Term-Talk (prior to Term-Talk it was Talking Transend) and
>>> several other smaller things as well as the TTS engine for all Sounding
>>> Board variants.  I also created all the software for the Small-Talk
>>> portable computer, except for the Calc-Talk module, ah, fun times
>>> (smile).
>>>
>>> In 1988 I started from scratch with Vocal-Eyes.  This was completely
>>> different from the work Malcolm did.  I almost finished Vocal-Eyes when
>>> Bill Grimm got burnt out and decided to close Computer Aids, which
>>> officially closed November 1989.  I had started working at Computer Aids
>>> in the early 80's as a contractor and around 1983 started full time as
>>> an employee.  Dan Weirich started around 1987ish and worked on the
>>> hardware.  So after Computer Aids closed in 1989, Dan and I started GW
>>> Micro February 15, 1990.  I spent another 6 or so months finalizing
>>> Vocal-Eyes and released it right after that.  As for Bill Grimm, he did
>>> die but it was a few years later...I can't remember the exact year but
>>> it was around 1994 or 95.
>>>
>>> We started working on Window-Eyes around 1994 and released 1.0 in
>>> October 1995.
>>>
>>> Doug
>>>
>>> On 10/17/2016 2:41 PM, Dave Basden via Talk wrote:
 I might add that Malcolm, who worked as a ranger at Yosemite near
 Fresno where I lived at the time, initially called his PC screenreader
 Vocal-Eyes and I was one of

Re: best antivirus with window eyes

Hi Drew:

I use Microsoft Security Esentials.
I have used Nod32 in the past, but I don't know how accessible the
latest version is.

Kevin Huber

On 10/16/16, Drew Clark via Talk  wrote:
> sorry if this is repeated but, what is the recommended antivirus that
> is accessible with window eyes on windows 7?
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Re: Fw: Re: How do I read PDFs in windows 10 please

Just blame it on the wine.  :)

Kevin Huber

On 10/16/16, Martha via Talk  wrote:
> Sorry - wrong recipient. Ignore it.  Do I blame BECKY! or the glass of
> red wine?
>
>
> Forwarded by Martha 
> --- Original Message ---
>  From:Martha via Talk 
>  To:  Jo Taliaferro ,
>   Window-Eyes Discussion List 
>  Date:Sun, 16 Oct 2016 16:08:38 -0500
>  Subject: Re: How do I read PDFs in windows 10 please
> 
>
> Hi, Leslie.
>
> Congratulations on the anniversary. I hope that you and Gerry have
> another 8 years or so together.
>
> Martha
>
> On Wed, 7 Sep 2016 07:50:34 -0500
> Jo Taliaferro via Talk  wrote:
>
>  Hi, how do I read PDF files that I receive as attachments in my emails? I'm
> using windows 10 and the latest version of window eyes. I have attempted to
> use acrobat or Adobe Acrobat DC and I don't know how to use the thing. Maybe
> my brain is mush do I really have to use Microsoft edge?
>
>  Jo Taliaferro
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> - Original Message Ends 
>
>
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Jim via Talk


Hi THere!

My first synthesizer was a very old Type & Talk.  There was only one 
control for volume rate and pitch. There was no speaker so I had to use 
headphones.  The worst thing about it was it's  awfdul sound.  I finally 
graduated to an Accent SA which I use for many years in colledge as well 
as for job interviews and a lot of other stufff.  I believe I still 
might have it around here somewhere and I believe that it still might 
work if I could find some sort of windows driver for it. Anyway, that is 
how I actually got started in the speech world with computers.  I did 
have an old Apple Ii E which I never had speech for, although I now 
believe it might have been available-just didn't know about it at the 
time.  Have A Great Day! de


.


On 19-Oct-16 12:41, Lee Hodgson via Talk wrote:

These memories are great.

Well persnally I used first of all a little program at college called 
word star then went on to word perfect.


Screen reader wise, I used to have an apollo synth with Hal.
Then when I got my own pc, I had good old vocal eyes, and when I went 
to windows, went straight to window eyes.
Synth wise I had the old dec talk pc, which was the card inside the 
machine, lovely bit of kit with its own little speaker and volume 
control.


then I progressed to dectalk express, which I am still using and love. 
I am not a fan of built in speech, and find it intrusive, but love dt 
express.


Lovely to hear peoples memories. smiles.
Lee, Emily my guiding  furry snowflake and Chester and simba the 
feline fellas

leehodge on dice world
My wife is JessHodge on Dice world
Follow me on Twitter Lee__Hodgson with two underlines between first  
and second names, and on audioboo user name leehodge



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RE: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Lee Hodgson via Talk


These memories are great.

Well persnally I used first of all a little program at college called 
word star then went on to word perfect.


Screen reader wise, I used to have an apollo synth with Hal.
Then when I got my own pc, I had good old vocal eyes, and when I went 
to windows, went straight to window eyes.
Synth wise I had the old dec talk pc, which was the card inside the 
machine, lovely bit of kit with its own little speaker and volume control.


then I progressed to dectalk express, which I am still using and 
love. I am not a fan of built in speech, and find it intrusive, but 
love dt express.


Lovely to hear peoples memories. smiles.
Lee, Emily my guiding  furry snowflake and Chester and simba the 
feline fellas

leehodge on dice world
My wife is JessHodge on Dice world
Follow me on Twitter Lee__Hodgson with two underlines between 
first  and second names, and on audioboo user name leehodge



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Re: two way contracted Braille input on Braille displays

Hi Doug:

I think the braille display that you are talking about is the Alva
640.  As far as I recall, the Alva 640 alows for contracted braille
input.

Kevin Huber


On 10/18/16, Doug Geoffray via Talk  wrote:
> Hello Roger,
>
> Wow, it has been a long time.  I was not aware of your health issues but
> applaud you for telling those doctors/statisticians what they can do
> with their odds (smile)!
>
> Window-Eyes core never allowed for contracted braille input.  This is
> something that could be added to the individual braille drivers and I
> thought there was a braille manufacturer which actually took advantage
> of that in their Window-Eyes braille driver but I'm not certain.
> Because most braille drivers are developed by the braille manufacturer,
> I lose track of what displays are out there and how they work with
> Window-Eyes.  I've wanted to add contracted input into Window-Eyes core
> but have never gotten to it.  It is still on the wish list.
>
> Regards,
> Doug
>
> On 10/18/2016 9:46 AM, Adaptive Information Systems Inc. wrote:
>> Hi Doug,
>>
>> I wanted to ask you about two way entry with Braille displays and
>> Window-eyes 9.53.
>>
>> If my memory is correct, I thought we had contracted two way entry with
>> Braille displays and the BrailleNote devices with earlier versions of
>> Window-eyes.
>>
>> I have customers who are using Window-eyes, like TVI teachers who own a
>> Brailliant BI display from HumanWare and can't do contracted Braille
>> input
>> from their Brailliant BI to the computer, like word or email, it is all
>> computer Braille only.
>>
>> I see that NVDA 2016.3 also is only doing computer Braille input too.
>>
>> While Jaws still offers contracted two way input from a Braille display.
>>
>> Is contracted two way input something that did happen years ago?
>>
>> Is this something that can be included in  future releases of
>> Window-eyes?
>>
>> It is a pain to have to type in computer Braille using a perkins style
>> keyboard on a Braille display.
>>
>> Thank you for your time!
>>
>> I am still alive and kicking after 2013 and doctors gave me a 1%
>> diagnoses
>> that I would live and I beat that!  But now I am fighting cancer of the
>> Prostate, Dam!
>>
>> Regards,
>>
>> Roger a. Behm, President
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Adaptive Information Systems Inc.
>> We Make Technology Accessible to the vision Impaired and Reading Disabled
>>
>> Roger A. Behm, President
>> 1611 Clover Lane
>> Janesville WI 53545-1388
>> Fax: 608-758-7898
>> Voice: 608-758-0933
>> Email: aist...@ameritech.net
>> Web Page: www.adaptiveinformation.org
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Talk
>> [mailto:talk-bounces+aistech=ameritech@lists.window-eyes.com]
>> On Behalf Of Doug Geoffray via Talk
>> Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 8:15 AM
>> To: talk@lists.window-eyes.com
>> Subject: Re: history of window eyes
>>
>> Just wanted to correct a few things (smile).
>>
>> Malcolm created Screen-Talk which later became Screen-Talk Pro (linked
>> with ProKey).  As stated, he may of wanted to call this Vocal-Eyes but
>> Bill Grimm didn't like that name, at the time.  I had nothing to do with
>> Screen-Talk.  I did create most of the Apple 2 software such as
>> Braille-Out which later turned to Braille-Talk, and Word-Talk and
>> File-Talk and Term-Talk (prior to Term-Talk it was Talking Transend) and
>> several other smaller things as well as the TTS engine for all Sounding
>> Board variants.  I also created all the software for the Small-Talk
>> portable computer, except for the Calc-Talk module, ah, fun times
>> (smile).
>>
>> In 1988 I started from scratch with Vocal-Eyes.  This was completely
>> different from the work Malcolm did.  I almost finished Vocal-Eyes when
>> Bill Grimm got burnt out and decided to close Computer Aids, which
>> officially closed November 1989.  I had started working at Computer Aids
>> in the early 80's as a contractor and around 1983 started full time as
>> an employee.  Dan Weirich started around 1987ish and worked on the
>> hardware.  So after Computer Aids closed in 1989, Dan and I started GW
>> Micro February 15, 1990.  I spent another 6 or so months finalizing
>> Vocal-Eyes and released it right after that.  As for Bill Grimm, he did
>> die but it was a few years later...I can't remember the exact year but
>> it was around 1994 or 95.
>>
>> We started working on Window-Eyes around 1994 and released 1.0 in
>> October 1995.
>>
>> Doug
>>
>> On 10/17/2016 2:41 PM, Dave Basden via Talk wrote:
>>> I might add that Malcolm, who worked as a ranger at Yosemite near
>>> Fresno where I lived at the time, initially called his PC screenreader
>>> Vocal-Eyes and I was one of the beneficiaries.  He had originally
>>> designed it for a fellow ranger at Yosemite who was only partially
>>> sighted.  I still see his name on the lists occasionally.  Bill Grimm
>>> was then naming all his software releases Whatever-talk, so when
>>> Malcolm teamed up with Computer Aids, the

Re: speech synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Kim Lingo via Talk

I think the Expressive voices from Vocalizer are just fine.  I realize that 
there are probably ones out there that sound more human (or is hu-person 
these days, Grin?)  I used Alex on my I-phone and think that sounds pretty 
good.  I've since downloaded a newer one that I guess came out with IOS-10 
called Tom.  I didn't mind the DecTalk voices, but I always thought they 
sounded like some Scandinavian guy after a couple of glasses of Aquavit.

Kim Lingo

- Original Message - 
From: "Larry Higgins via Talk" 
To: "Chris Grabowski" ; "Window-Eyes Discussion 
List" 

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 6:55 AM
Subject: Re: speech synthesizers


It seems to me that the more human sounding they try to make the 
synthesized voice, the more computer like they end up sounding. I have, 
thank God,  known, or have heard,  only a few people that would fit the 
description, but I have heard a few people, and I'm sure most of you have 
at one time or another,  that sound more like synthesizers than people. I 
must say that I feel quite sorry for people who just can't help speaking 
that way.


Of course, I, like the rest of you I'm sure want the robotic sound of a 
synthesizer to sound as pleasantly robotic as possible, but again, the 
more human sounding they succeed in making the voice, the quality of the 
delivery becomes just irritatingly stilted, halting, or whatever 
appropriate adjective might be applicable.


Case in point, have you listened to NOAA Weather Radio lately?

As for me, I think I'll just stick with my trusty Eloquence for as long as 
I can.


On 10/19/2016 7:57 AM, Chris Grabowski via Talk wrote:

You can, sort of, its name is Fred.


-Original Message-
From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of Kevin Barry via Talk

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 


Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

As do I.
There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are 
not, and in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the 
venerable DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.


On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk < 
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:



I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much
more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.

Alison

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Re: Contacting VFO Regarding Window-Eyes

Hi:

OK already!  Let's stop this useless chatter about something that we
can't control.
For right now, we still have our Window-eyes so let's get back to
helping each other work out our problems with Window-eyes, and then
cross whatever bridges are to be crossed when we get to them.
Kevin Huber

On 10/15/16, John Farley via Talk  wrote:
> Hello list,
>
> I have now sent a note to VFO via their contact us facility on their web
> site.
>
> It was interesting to find that in their list of products that they will
> take note of Window-Eyes does not exist!
> I had to use JAWS and then tell them I was talking about Window-Eyes in my
> comments.
>
>
>
> Regards, John
>
> Tel: +44 (0) 1442 259243
> Mob: +44 (0) 7815 056076
>
>
>
> -Original Message-
> From: Talk
> [mailto:talk-bounces+john_farley=btinternet@lists.window-eyes.com] On
> Behalf Of Chris Skarstad via Talk
> Sent: Friday, October 14, 2016 11:51 PM
> To: darren harris; Window-Eyes Discussion List
> Subject: Re: is this definite? was RE: The Phasing Out of Window-Eyes
>
> No official word yet.  If you want to make sure Window-eyes stays
> around, please write to the VFO folks and let them know that you expect
> the same type of customer service and great products as you did when ai
> squared was around. This will let them know you care about the product
> and that you are a loyal user.
>
>
>
>
> On 10/14/2016 4:17 PM, darren harris via Talk wrote:
>> Hi all,
>>
>> Is this actual policy or are people just panicking? Is wineyes going to
>> be
>> fazed out?
>>
>> -Original Message-
>> From: Talk
>> [mailto:talk-bounces+darren_g_harris=btinternet@lists.window-eyes.com]
>> On Behalf Of Samuel Wilkins via Talk
>> Sent: 14 October 2016 20:28
>> To: bj colt via Talk
>> Subject: The Phasing Out of Window-Eyes
>>
>> Hello John,
>>
>> I have been drafting a letter to VFO because, as you know, there is
>> speculation that Window-Eyes is going to be phased out.  If it is, I am
>> not switching to Jaws, because I won't be able to afford it, amongst
>> other reasons.  However, in my letter, I have pointed out that if
>> Window-Eyes goes, it provides a significant problem for blind people
>> wanting to get into work, as not everyone has an access to work fund.
>> Moreover, one of the few ways we can work, especially for younger
>> people, is volunteering, and there, we may be in a crisis, as IT
>> technicians are paranoid about NVDA, since it is open source, and they
>> think it could contain a virus or compromise security in another way.
>> We would be in limbo, as they won't want NVDA, and they won't pay for
>> Jaws, as Access to Work won't pay for equipment for unpaid work, so you
>> would have to buy a license for every computer you use out of your own
>> pocket.  What do you think?  Also, I have heard that they are developing
>> both Magic and ZoomText.  How come they are doing that, but phasing out
>> Window-Eyes?  To me, this is a case of double standards.
>>
>>
>
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> author
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

Hi Donald:

I used Vert Plus when I was working for a non-proffit agency in the
late 1980s.  I was training at the time and one of my clients said
that it sounded like an old guy with a cigar in his mouth.

Kevin Huber


On 10/19/16, Donald L. Roberts via Talk  wrote:
> I am wondering whether I am the only list member who began with Vert
> Plus and later used both Flipper and Tiny Talk?
>
>
> Don Roberts
>
>
>
> On 10/18/2016 6:36 PM, Dave via Talk wrote:
>> Hello,
>>
>> Some of you are bringing up Screen Readers I have never heard of, and I
>> was there back in those early DOS days.
>>
>> I started out in the mid 1980's with a Tandy TRS 80 with something
>> called TRSDOS I can't recall the name of the Screen Reader, but it was
>> basic, but for then, it was way better than having nothing.  The
>> Synthesizer was an Echo GP, which had this very Robotic Voice.  But,
>> once  you learned its accent, it was alright.  Spent a lot of time
>> Writing with something called Lazy /writer, which was a very simple Word
>> Processor.  I also spent way too much time playing those Info Comm Text
>> Adventure Games.
>>
>> I was to be married to this woman, but it wasn't working out and I broke
>> up with her.  She was so angry, she threw her Engagement Ring at me.  It
>> was Gold with Diamonds, so I kept it.
>>
>> I ended up trading that Ring for a real deal IBM XT, with a giant 10 MB
>> HD and 256 K of memory.
>>
>> I bought something called PC Enhanced, which was a Screen Reader made by
>> someone out of Ohio.  Had that until I bought the Screen Reader made by
>> Artic, which I used for a couple of years.  Think I was still using the
>> Echo GP for the Synth.
>>
>> Then in the mid to early 90's, I bought Vocalize, and I've been a
>> Vocalize and then Window Eyes user ever since.
>>
>> I laugh about it now, but I owe my 25 years of working in the Computer
>> Software field, to that woman getting so mad, that she flung her Ring at
>> me.  I would have never been able to buy an IBM system back then, and if
>> I had not gotten that IBM, I would have never learned enough about
>> computers to be Dangerous enough for someone to take the risk and hire
>> me.
>>
>> Now, that's what I call making Lemon Aid out of Lemons!
>>
>> And of course, Vocalize and Window Eyes were invaluable tools to keep me
>> employed and making some good money.
>>
>>
>> funny how things work out sometimes.
>>
>> Grumpy Dave
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
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>> author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
>>
>> For membership options, visit
>> http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/donald.roberts99%40gmail.com.
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>> .
>>
>
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

I really think I'd have to go with Joseph's suggestion. As he said, it 
had a rather smug form of expression or inflection, and I can't disagree 
with that assessment or critique. But I'm fairly certain that it wasn't 
the Vert Plus, because I worked with that one a time or two, and it 
sounded nothing like the one Wakefield was using on the tapes.


On 10/19/2016 9:34 AM, Pamela Dominguez wrote:

I remember a dos tape, but I don't remember who did it.  But maybe, was
he using Vert Plus?  I was hoping I would get that, but the Commission
gave me Artic.  Pam.

-Original Message- From: Larry Higgins via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 8:56 AM
To: Don H ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

OK folks, this question strays slightly off the precise topic a smidgen,
but here goes.

Some of you may have been acquainted with the intro  to DOS tapes made
by Doug Wakefield. I thought these presentations were quite good at the
time. But what I would like to know to this day is just what synthesizer
he was using on those tapes. I thought it sounded a bit more pleasant
than even DEC Talk. These must have been made in the late 80s or early 90s.

I do remember back in the day thinking that I would never get used to
the sound of the Artic Synphonic (spelling), and was aiming for a DT,
but ultimately had to settle for the Artic.

Anyway, if anybody knows the answer to my question, I would really like
to know, even after all these many years

On 10/19/2016 7:37 AM, Don H via Talk wrote:

My first screen reader was called Enable Reader and my syn was a Votrax
PSS if I remember right.  I also remember paying $500 for a 20 Meg
internal hard drive so I did not have to use 5 1/4 floppy disks to run
the machine.  Of course that was a DOS machine
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Donald L. Roberts via Talk

I am wondering whether I am the only list member who began with Vert
Plus and later used both Flipper and Tiny Talk?

Don Roberts

On 10/18/2016 6:36 PM, Dave via Talk wrote:

Hello,

Some of you are bringing up Screen Readers I have never heard of, and I
was there back in those early DOS days.

I started out in the mid 1980's with a Tandy TRS 80 with something
called TRSDOS I can't recall the name of the Screen Reader, but it was
basic, but for then, it was way better than having nothing. The
Synthesizer was an Echo GP, which had this very Robotic Voice. But,
once you learned its accent, it was alright. Spent a lot of time
Writing with something called Lazy /writer, which was a very simple Word
Processor. I also spent way too much time playing those Info Comm Text
Adventure Games.

I was to be married to this woman, but it wasn't working out and I broke
up with her. She was so angry, she threw her Engagement Ring at me. It
was Gold with Diamonds, so I kept it.

I ended up trading that Ring for a real deal IBM XT, with a giant 10 MB
HD and 256 K of memory.

I bought something called PC Enhanced, which was a Screen Reader made by
someone out of Ohio. Had that until I bought the Screen Reader made by
Artic, which I used for a couple of years. Think I was still using the
Echo GP for the Synth.

Then in the mid to early 90's, I bought Vocalize, and I've been a
Vocalize and then Window Eyes user ever since.

I laugh about it now, but I owe my 25 years of working in the Computer
Software field, to that woman getting so mad, that she flung her Ring at
me. I would have never been able to buy an IBM system back then, and if
I had not gotten that IBM, I would have never learned enough about
computers to be Dangerous enough for someone to take the risk and hire
me.

Now, that's what I call making Lemon Aid out of Lemons!

And of course, Vocalize and Window Eyes were invaluable tools to keep me
employed and making some good money.

funny how things work out sometimes.

Grumpy Dave

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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

Hi:

Just to add to this thread, My first screen reader was a package
called Freedom1 from a company called Interface Systems International
and I used the Votrax PSS as my speech synthesizer.
The Freedom1 package came with a tutorial on a casset tape by someone
from Interface Systems International.  The tutorial was verry well
done and I learned a lot about the PCin general, not just the Freedom1
package.
Kevin Huber

On 10/18/16, Dave via Talk  wrote:
> Hello,
>
> Some of you are bringing up Screen Readers I have never heard of, and I
> was there back in those early DOS days.
>
> I started out in the mid 1980's with a Tandy TRS 80 with something
> called TRSDOS I can't recall the name of the Screen Reader, but it was
> basic, but for then, it was way better than having nothing.  The
> Synthesizer was an Echo GP, which had this very Robotic Voice.  But,
> once  you learned its accent, it was alright.  Spent a lot of time
> Writing with something called Lazy /writer, which was a very simple Word
> Processor.  I also spent way too much time playing those Info Comm Text
> Adventure Games.
>
> I was to be married to this woman, but it wasn't working out and I broke
> up with her.  She was so angry, she threw her Engagement Ring at me.  It
> was Gold with Diamonds, so I kept it.
>
> I ended up trading that Ring for a real deal IBM XT, with a giant 10 MB
> HD and 256 K of memory.
>
> I bought something called PC Enhanced, which was a Screen Reader made by
> someone out of Ohio.  Had that until I bought the Screen Reader made by
> Artic, which I used for a couple of years.  Think I was still using the
> Echo GP for the Synth.
>
> Then in the mid to early 90's, I bought Vocalize, and I've been a
> Vocalize and then Window Eyes user ever since.
>
> I laugh about it now, but I owe my 25 years of working in the Computer
> Software field, to that woman getting so mad, that she flung her Ring at
> me.  I would have never been able to buy an IBM system back then, and if
> I had not gotten that IBM, I would have never learned enough about
> computers to be Dangerous enough for someone to take the risk and hire
> me.
>
> Now, that's what I call making Lemon Aid out of Lemons!
>
> And of course, Vocalize and Window Eyes were invaluable tools to keep me
> employed and making some good money.
>
>
> funny how things work out sometimes.
>
> Grumpy Dave
>
>
>
>
>
> ___
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> and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
>
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> http://lists.window-eyes.com/options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/huber.kevin7%40gmail.com.
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Tom Fairhurst via Talk

My first machine was a laptop from Computer Aids Corporation with Vocal-Eyes 
already on it. It had a 30-meg hard drive. I bought a 5.25 external drive. I 
used a desktop at my job with the same capacity. It had Vocal-Eyes with a 
Sounding Board synthesizer.


-Original Message- 
From: Don H via Talk

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 7:37 AM
To: Dave ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

My first screen reader was called Enable Reader and my syn was a Votrax
PSS if I remember right.  I also remember paying $500 for a 20 Meg
internal hard drive so I did not have to use 5 1/4 floppy disks to run
the machine.  Of course that was a DOS machine
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No virus found in this message.
Checked by AVG - www.avg.com
Version: 2016.0.7859 / Virus Database: 4664/13236 - Release Date: 10/19/16 


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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Joseph Norton via Talk

Hi:

The thing that made me come to that conclusion was a tape Doug made
for TSI (TeleSensory Systems, Inc.) about their screen-reader called
Vert Plus was called Valedictory Speech.  In the tape, Doug had Vert
Plus (using the Prose 4000) speech synthesizer sounding as if he was
giving a valedictory speech in front of an audience.  I couldn't help
feeling that Vert Plus sounded a little smug, as if to say, I'm
fantastic, and, if you don't have a lot of money, you can't afford my
excellent services.  Just my feeling back then, as I knew I'd never be
able to afford that particular speech system.

Actually, come to think of it, their is a Sapi 4 synth that sounds
just a little like the Prose.  It's called TrueVoice.  Maybe not quite
as good as the Prose, but, just reminds me of it a little.

On 10/19/16, Larry Higgins  wrote:
> Yes!, that is exactly how it sounded, though I never really thought of
> it that way until you suggested it .
>
> Thank you so much,
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help with orbit reader20 prototype


hello

I am testing a prototype of the new low cost refreshable braille 
display, orbit reader20. I am a beta tester of the product and 
representative of orbit research. I followed the directions putting 
orbit20 into remote serial mode it says it is on com4. so I chose baum 
vario connect on com4. Window eyes will not use orbit20. It won't 
connect. Can you please fix this? Please let window-eyes use orbit20 in 
remote usb HID mode appearing as orbit20 in the window eyes display 
list. or in the meantime if you could tell me how to get the display 
working so I can try it out and report back to the


o...@tech.aph.org and

or20-subscr...@tech.aph.org

email lists it would be appreciated. thanks.


Josh Kennedy



--
mozilla thunderbird email client

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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

I remember a dos tape, but I don't remember who did it.  But maybe, was he 
using Vert Plus?  I was hoping I would get that, but the Commission gave me 
Artic.  Pam.

-Original Message- 
From: Larry Higgins via Talk

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 8:56 AM
To: Don H ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

OK folks, this question strays slightly off the precise topic a smidgen,
but here goes.

Some of you may have been acquainted with the intro  to DOS tapes made
by Doug Wakefield. I thought these presentations were quite good at the
time. But what I would like to know to this day is just what synthesizer
he was using on those tapes. I thought it sounded a bit more pleasant
than even DEC Talk. These must have been made in the late 80s or early 90s.

I do remember back in the day thinking that I would never get used to
the sound of the Artic Synphonic (spelling), and was aiming for a DT,
but ultimately had to settle for the Artic.

Anyway, if anybody knows the answer to my question, I would really like
to know, even after all these many years

On 10/19/2016 7:37 AM, Don H via Talk wrote:

My first screen reader was called Enable Reader and my syn was a Votrax
PSS if I remember right.  I also remember paying $500 for a 20 Meg
internal hard drive so I did not have to use 5 1/4 floppy disks to run
the machine.  Of course that was a DOS machine
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Version: 2016.0.7859 / Virus Database: 4664/13236 - Release Date: 10/19/16 

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Re: speech synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Reeva Webb via Talk

did't noaa switch from using vocalizer tom to neospeech Paul recently?  I
hate eloquence, Dectalk, espeak insert other robot voices of years past. I
like the human sounding tts voices. Neospeech Kate being my favorite of all
time.





On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, Loy via Talk 
wrote:

> I started using Window Eyes with version 4, using Eloquence. I have tried
> many of the so called human sounding voices and none suit me.  I still use
> Eloquence, it sounds the best to me. I can't stand the DecTalk or Espeak.
>   - Original Message -
>   From: Larry Higgins via Talk
>   To: Chris Grabowski ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
>   Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 9:55 AM
>   Subject: Re: speech synthesizers
>
>
>   It seems to me that the more human sounding they try to make the
>   synthesized voice, the more computer like they end up sounding. I have,
>   thank God,  known, or have heard,  only a few people that would fit the
>   description, but I have heard a few people, and I'm sure most of you
>   have at one time or another,  that sound more like synthesizers than
>   people. I must say that I feel quite sorry for people who just can't
>   help speaking that way.
>
>   Of course, I, like the rest of you I'm sure want the robotic sound of a
>   synthesizer to sound as pleasantly robotic as possible, but again, the
>   more human sounding they succeed in making the voice, the quality of the
>   delivery becomes just irritatingly stilted, halting, or whatever
>   appropriate adjective might be applicable.
>
>   Case in point, have you listened to NOAA Weather Radio lately?
>
>   As for me, I think I'll just stick with my trusty Eloquence for as long
>   as I can.
>
>   On 10/19/2016 7:57 AM, Chris Grabowski via Talk wrote:
>   > You can, sort of, its name is Fred.
>   >
>   >
>   > -Original Message-
>   > From: Talk [mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski =
> aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com ] On Behalf Of Kevin
> Barry via Talk
>   > Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
>   > To: CJ  MAY >; Window-Eyes
> Discussion List >
>   > Subject: Re: speech synthesizers
>   >
>   > As do I.
>   > There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are
> not, and in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the
> venerable DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.
>   >
>   > On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk <
> talk@lists.window-eyes.com > wrote:
>   >
>   >> I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much
>   >> more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.
>   >>
>   >> Alison
>   >>
>   >> ___
>   >> Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the
>   >> author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
>   >>
>   >> For membership options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/
>   >> options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/krbarry%40gmail.com.
>   >> For subscription options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/
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>   >> http://lists.window-eyes.com/ private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
>   >>
>   >
>   >
>   > --
>   > Sent from Kevin's iPhone.
>   > ___
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> author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
>   >
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>   >
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

Yes!, that is exactly how it sounded, though I never really thought of 
it that way until you suggested it .


Thank you so much,

Larry

On 10/19/2016 9:17 AM, Joseph Norton wrote:

Never having heard these tapes, though Doug Wakefield sure did make some
great tapes, I can hazard a guess.  At that time, the only synth comparable
to the DecTalk was the Prose 4000.  It was about the same price range, but,
had a pleasant, maybe even smug-sounding voice.  For the price, it could
afford to sound a little smug.



-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+joseph.norton=gmail@lists.window-eyes.com] On
Behalf Of Larry Higgins via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 8:57 AM
To: Don H ; Window-Eyes Discussion List

Subject: Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

OK folks, this question strays slightly off the precise topic a smidgen, but
here goes.

Some of you may have been acquainted with the intro  to DOS tapes made by
Doug Wakefield. I thought these presentations were quite good at the time.
But what I would like to know to this day is just what synthesizer he was
using on those tapes. I thought it sounded a bit more pleasant than even DEC
Talk. These must have been made in the late 80s or early 90s.

I do remember back in the day thinking that I would never get used to the
sound of the Artic Synphonic (spelling), and was aiming for a DT, but
ultimately had to settle for the Artic.

Anyway, if anybody knows the answer to my question, I would really like to
know, even after all these many years

On 10/19/2016 7:37 AM, Don H via Talk wrote:

My first screen reader was called Enable Reader and my syn was a
Votrax PSS if I remember right.  I also remember paying $500 for a 20
Meg internal hard drive so I did not have to use 5 1/4 floppy disks to
run the machine.  Of course that was a DOS machine
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RE: history of window eyes

2016-10-19 Thread Joseph Norton via Talk

Sure did!  I had a TI 99/4A with the speech synthesizer, then I bought an
Echo GP, and used it with the TI for a while, so I could play Infocomm Games
and run in Extended Basic and do a few other things.  Actually, only one
game, Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Then, I switched to the Apple IIe, then, to the PC.  Even kept the Echo GP
for a while until I got a DoubleTalk with my PC.

Anyway, that was a while back.

-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+joseph.norton=gmail@lists.window-eyes.com] On
Behalf Of Bob Hicks via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 9:15 AM
To: 'Micallef Michael at FITA' ; 'Window-Eyes
Discussion List' 
Subject: RE: history of window eyes

Surely some else had the TI 99/4A with the speech module!

Best Regards,

Bob Hicks

-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+bob=seeinghandassociation@lists.window-eyes.com] On
Behalf Of Micallef Michael at FITA via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 1:46 AM
To: wohlg...@gmail.com; Window-Eyes Discussion List
; Pamela Dominguez 
Subject: RE: history of window eyes

Waw what a nostalgia this morning, I remember that my first computer that
ever used was the Amstrad PC with 5.25inch floppy disk and with the votrax
type n' talk speech synthesizer.  Later I switch to  the double talk speech
synthesizer and the ASAP for dos screen reader, at that time the WordPerfect
5.1 word processor was the best accessible word processor for us the blind.
Although today I'm feeling comfortable with Microsoft word, but I'm still
missing that WordPerfect for DOS.

Anyway, as they say, every good thing, sometimes comes to an end. Now it is
the time for window eyes unfortunately.

Michael Micallef
Officer in charge of ICT Accessibility Certification and ICT Training for
Persons with a Visual Impairment

Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA)

Email:
Office:
URL:
FB:
michael.mical...@gov.mt  
+356 2599 2343
http://www.fitamalta.eu
http://on.fb.me/1hCRTAx

Kindly consider your environmental responsibility before printing this
e-mail

-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+michael.micallef=gov...@lists.window-eyes.com] On
Behalf Of Jim via Talk
Sent: Tuesday, 18 October 2016 17:25
To: Pamela Dominguez; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: history of window eyes

Hi there!

My first windows screen reader was Artic Winvision.  Yes I do like
Window-Eyes, but I thought that Winvision was the easiest to configure on
the fly as well as use straight from the box.  We have come along ways since
then, and I really do appreciate the ease of use with W.E.  
My first and only DOS screen reader was called TinyTalk.  It was referred to
as the poor man's screen reader since I only paid $75 for it. Just a bit of
my history with screen readers.  Have a Good 1! de

.

On 18-Oct-16 10:54, Pamela Dominguez via Talk wrote:
> Window bridge was the first windows screenreader I got for my first 
> windows computer, which was a Gateway 2000, with windows 98.  Pam.
>
> -Original Message- From: David Goldfield via Talk
> Sent: Monday, October 17, 2016 11:52 PM
> To: Jeff Samco ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
> Subject: Re: history of window eyes
>
> I'd like to add a few tidbits to this most fascinating thread.
>
> In addition to the Windows screen readers which were mentioned, 
> Synthavoice's Window Bridge came out sometime in 1992, if my memory is 
> correct. While I have not used that screen reader, another one that 
> many have forgotten is Windows Master, which was produced by Blazie 
> Engineering for Windows 3.1. I began working for Blazie Engineering in 
> May of 1991 and, at that time, they had a DOS screen reader called 
> Speaksys. Speaksys cost $150 and only supported the Braille 'n Speak 
> as a synthesizer. However, it was unique in that it also allowed the 
> Bns to be used for Braille input to a PC and I believe it even 
> supported Grade
> 2 input. Eventually, the screen reader was enhanced with new features 
> to try and bring it in line with other DOS screen readers at that 
> time. Its name was changed to PCMaster and its price was raised to $395.
> Eventually, a talented programmer named Daehee Lee was hired to write 
> a Windows version of this screen reader, which was called Windows Master.
> It also used a Bns for output (and I think input) and supported the 
> SSIL library of synthesizers as well. I believe Windows Master came 
> out in the summer of 1992 and may well have been the third or fourth 
> Windows screen reader at that time, although I'm certainly willing to 
> be corrected if this is incorrect. Actually, I vaguely remember 
> hearing about what I think was the first Windows screen reader before 
> Window Bridge, although its name now escapes me and I don't think it 
> lasted more than a few years.
>
> This thread reminds me of a blog post

Re: speech synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Loy via Talk

I started using Window Eyes with version 4, using Eloquence. I have tried many 
of the so called human sounding voices and none suit me.  I still use 
Eloquence, it sounds the best to me. I can't stand the DecTalk or Espeak. 
  - Original Message - 
  From: Larry Higgins via Talk 
  To: Chris Grabowski ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 
  Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 9:55 AM
  Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

  It seems to me that the more human sounding they try to make the 
  synthesized voice, the more computer like they end up sounding. I have, 
  thank God,  known, or have heard,  only a few people that would fit the 
  description, but I have heard a few people, and I'm sure most of you 
  have at one time or another,  that sound more like synthesizers than 
  people. I must say that I feel quite sorry for people who just can't 
  help speaking that way.

  Of course, I, like the rest of you I'm sure want the robotic sound of a 
  synthesizer to sound as pleasantly robotic as possible, but again, the 
  more human sounding they succeed in making the voice, the quality of the 
  delivery becomes just irritatingly stilted, halting, or whatever 
  appropriate adjective might be applicable.

  Case in point, have you listened to NOAA Weather Radio lately?

  As for me, I think I'll just stick with my trusty Eloquence for as long 
  as I can.

  On 10/19/2016 7:57 AM, Chris Grabowski via Talk wrote:
  > You can, sort of, its name is Fred.
  >
  >
  > -Original Message-
  > From: Talk 
[mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com] On Behalf 
Of Kevin Barry via Talk
  > Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
  > To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 

  > Subject: Re: speech synthesizers
  >
  > As do I.
  > There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are not, 
and in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the venerable 
DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.
  >
  > On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk < 
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:
  >
  >> I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much
  >> more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.
  >>
  >> Alison
  >>
  >> ___
  >> Any views or opinions presented in this email are solely those of the
  >> author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
  >>
  >> For membership options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/
  >> options.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com/krbarry%40gmail.com.
  >> For subscription options, visit http://lists.window-eyes.com/
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  >> http://lists.window-eyes.com/ private.cgi/talk-window-eyes.com
  >>
  >
  >
  > --
  > Sent from Kevin's iPhone.
  > ___
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author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
  >
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RE: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Joseph Norton via Talk

Never having heard these tapes, though Doug Wakefield sure did make some
great tapes, I can hazard a guess.  At that time, the only synth comparable
to the DecTalk was the Prose 4000.  It was about the same price range, but,
had a pleasant, maybe even smug-sounding voice.  For the price, it could
afford to sound a little smug.

-Original Message-
From: Talk
[mailto:talk-bounces+joseph.norton=gmail@lists.window-eyes.com] On
Behalf Of Larry Higgins via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 8:57 AM
To: Don H ; Window-Eyes Discussion List

Subject: Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers

OK folks, this question strays slightly off the precise topic a smidgen, but
here goes.

Some of you may have been acquainted with the intro  to DOS tapes made by
Doug Wakefield. I thought these presentations were quite good at the time.
But what I would like to know to this day is just what synthesizer he was
using on those tapes. I thought it sounded a bit more pleasant than even DEC
Talk. These must have been made in the late 80s or early 90s.

I do remember back in the day thinking that I would never get used to the
sound of the Artic Synphonic (spelling), and was aiming for a DT, but
ultimately had to settle for the Artic.

Anyway, if anybody knows the answer to my question, I would really like to
know, even after all these many years

On 10/19/2016 7:37 AM, Don H via Talk wrote:
> My first screen reader was called Enable Reader and my syn was a 
> Votrax PSS if I remember right.  I also remember paying $500 for a 20 
> Meg internal hard drive so I did not have to use 5 1/4 floppy disks to 
> run the machine.  Of course that was a DOS machine 
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Re: speech synthesizers

I am still using the dec-talk express on my tower.  I didn't notice, but 
there is a difference between that and the dec-talk 32.  It has been said 
that when they were going to make the software, they lost the original 
dec-talk specs, and had to recreate them, so it's not as good.  I have tried 
some of the ones they say come from human speech, but when you start to use 
them, the sound bytes have trouble fitting together properly, so it begins 
to sound garbled.  Also, another thing is, it is very sluggish when you try 
to use some of them.  Pam.


-Original Message- 
From: Kevin Barry via Talk

Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:14 AM
To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

As do I.
There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are not,
and in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the
venerable DecTalk
I wish I could get it on my iPhone.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk <
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:


I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much more
human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.

Alison

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Re: speech synthesizers

It seems to me that the more human sounding they try to make the 
synthesized voice, the more computer like they end up sounding. I have, 
thank God,  known, or have heard,  only a few people that would fit the 
description, but I have heard a few people, and I'm sure most of you 
have at one time or another,  that sound more like synthesizers than 
people. I must say that I feel quite sorry for people who just can't 
help speaking that way.


Of course, I, like the rest of you I'm sure want the robotic sound of a 
synthesizer to sound as pleasantly robotic as possible, but again, the 
more human sounding they succeed in making the voice, the quality of the 
delivery becomes just irritatingly stilted, halting, or whatever 
appropriate adjective might be applicable.


Case in point, have you listened to NOAA Weather Radio lately?

As for me, I think I'll just stick with my trusty Eloquence for as long 
as I can.


On 10/19/2016 7:57 AM, Chris Grabowski via Talk wrote:

You can, sort of, its name is Fred.


-Original Message-
From: Talk [mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com] 
On Behalf Of Kevin Barry via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 

Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

As do I.
There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are not, and 
in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the venerable 
DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk < 
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:


I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much
more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.

Alison

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Re: speech synthesizers

Yes.  Those voices are part of dec-talk.  They just don't have the names 
they used to.  Pam.

-Original Message- 
From: Tom Fairhurst via Talk

Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 11:15 PM
To: Linette Sukup ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

If you run  the DecTalk Access 32 synthesizer and play around with the tone
option, you'll find similar voices.

-Original Message- 
From: Linette Sukup via Talk

Sent: Tuesday, October 18, 2016 7:04 PM
To: Reeva Webb ; Window-Eyes Discussion List
Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

The Kurzweil reading machine has a child's voice called Kit the Kid.

Peace.
Linette

On 10/18/2016 4:02 PM, Reeva Webb via Talk wrote:

Ok, this is semi random but anyone remember a synth from the mid to late
'90s that had like child voices?  They were somewhat real sounding. No, it
wasn't vocalizer or dectalk or eloquence. I haven't heard them since but
remember them from elementary school at that time.

On Tuesday, October 18, 2016, Jim via Talk 
wrote:

Hi there folks!

My first relatively high end synthesizer was the Accent Sa External unit.
I loved it-accept for the volume control which either needed cleaned or
replaced.  I used it in colledge as well as on many other computerss with 
a

TinyTalk boot disk which I personally made.  Well, I had a lot of friends
helping me to learn DOS which helped out a great deal! Catch Ya Later de

.

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RE: speech synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Steve Clower via Talk

To add to this, Dennis Klatt invented the Klat-Talk algorithm (which is 
available in the public domain) in the 1980's based on modeling waveforms of 
his own voice through a computer. DECTalk is derived from Klat-Talk, as is 
Macintalk on the Apple platform, though the two projects quickly branched off 
the original Klat-Talk code. This is why DECTalk and Macintalk sound so 
similar, yet different.

Steve

-Original Message-
From: Talk [mailto:talk-bounces+sclower=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com] On 
Behalf Of Chris Grabowski via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 8:57 AM
To: Kevin Barry ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 

Subject: RE: speech synthesizers

You can, sort of, its name is Fred.

-Original Message-
From: Talk [mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com] 
On Behalf Of Kevin Barry via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 

Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

As do I.
There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are not, and 
in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the venerable 
DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk < 
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:

> I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much 
> more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.
>
> Alison
>
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RE: speech synthesizers

2016-10-19 Thread Chris Grabowski via Talk

You can, sort of, its name is Fred.

-Original Message-
From: Talk [mailto:talk-bounces+cgrabowski=aisquared@lists.window-eyes.com] 
On Behalf Of Kevin Barry via Talk
Sent: Wednesday, October 19, 2016 4:15 AM
To: CJ  MAY ; Window-Eyes Discussion List 

Subject: Re: speech synthesizers

As do I.
There are many newer ones which say they are human sounding, they are not, and 
in my opinion they are not as clear as easy to understand as the venerable 
DecTalk I wish I could get it on my iPhone.

On Wednesday, October 19, 2016, CJ  MAY via Talk < 
talk@lists.window-eyes.com> wrote:

> I originally used Dectalk Express and despite the wide choice of much 
> more human voices, I still prefer to use Dectalk Access 32.
>
> Alison
>
> ___
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> author and do not necessarily represent those of Ai Squared.
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Re: Reminiscing about old Screen Readers and Synthesizers