Adobe recently released Captivate version 4. In the upcoming weeks, I'll be spotlighting some of the coolest new features.
This week: Text to Speech.
Artificial
voices have been around for years. In fact, there are many applications
that will allow you to select text and then have Text to Speech
software convert the selected text into an audio file.
voices have been around for years. In fact, there are many applications
that will allow you to select text and then have Text to Speech
software convert the selected text into an audio file.
The
problem with artificial voices is, well, the voices sounded artificial.
Today's Text to Speech technology has made huge strides. While not
perfect, the artificial voices sound more human than ever before.
problem with artificial voices is, well, the voices sounded artificial.
Today's Text to Speech technology has made huge strides. While not
perfect, the artificial voices sound more human than ever before.
Why
consider artificial voices over recorded audio? Great question. If you
record the audio yourself, you should budget several hours to clean up
the audio (removing lip smacks and static in the background). In spite
of your best efforts, the audio files you create might still be
considered less than adequate, in spite of your best efforts. And
consider the fact that your voice changes over the day. If you need to
replace a small segment in a larger clip, you will find it nearly
impossible to match the audio levels without sophisticated and
expensive audio equipment.
consider artificial voices over recorded audio? Great question. If you
record the audio yourself, you should budget several hours to clean up
the audio (removing lip smacks and static in the background). In spite
of your best efforts, the audio files you create might still be
considered less than adequate, in spite of your best efforts. And
consider the fact that your voice changes over the day. If you need to
replace a small segment in a larger clip, you will find it nearly
impossible to match the audio levels without sophisticated and
expensive audio equipment.
By
using artificial voices, you can ensure that the audio levels and
quality are always consistent. And your artificial talent never gets
sick, never takes vacation, never ages and will never, ever, give you
any attitude.
using artificial voices, you can ensure that the audio levels and
quality are always consistent. And your artificial talent never gets
sick, never takes vacation, never ages and will never, ever, give you
any attitude.
Convert a slide note to speech
- Using Adobe Captivate 4, open any slide
- Open the Notes panel (Window > Slide Notes)
- Click in the Slide notes row and add a few lines of text to serve as notes
- Click the green circle in the Text to speech column just to the left of the note you added
The circle is replaced by a green check mark.
- Click the green circle just to the left of the second note you typed (if you added a second note)
This circle is also replaced by a green check mark.
- Click the Convert to speech button
The Speech Setting dialog box appears where you can select from two voices: Kate and Paul.
- Select either voice from the Select speech agent drop-down menu
- Click OK
- Preview the project. When you get to the slide you edited, you will hear your new audio narration. How cool is that?
Note:
The artificial audio can be edited like any of the other audio clips.
In addition, you can change the voice from Paul to Kate, and then back
again simply by choosing Audio > Speech Management. Change the Speech Agent and click Apply Changes.
The artificial audio can be edited like any of the other audio clips.
In addition, you can change the voice from Paul to Kate, and then back
again simply by choosing Audio > Speech Management. Change the Speech Agent and click Apply Changes.
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Do you have a Captivate production problem that's making you pull your hair out? Email your problem and let others learn solutions from your experience.
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I am having a problem when I convert my Captivate file the text to speech audio becomes distorted is there a setting I am not using correctly.
I am having a problem when I convert my Captivate file the text to speech audio becomes distorted is there a setting I am not using correctly.
I am having a problem when I convert my Captivate file the text to speech audio becomes distorted is there a setting I am not using correctly.
Hi. In the Text to Speech, how do i alter the speed of talking?
Hi. In the Text to Speech, how do i alter the speed of talking?
Hi. In the Text to Speech, how do i alter the speed of talking?