ScanSoft help NZ blind keep abreast of events
ScanSoft help NZ blind keep abreast of events
Speech and imaging systems provider ScanSoft has deployed a speech-enabled daily news service for the Royal New Zealand Foundation of the Blind (RNZFB) using its Speechify text-to-speech (TTS) software.
The RNZFB will use the software to speech-enable its daily news service, comprised of content from The New Zealand Herald. It is the first deployment of Speechify TTS in the New Zealand market.
Text from the paper's web site is converted via XML feeds into natural-sounding speech in a male voice using Speechify software through a programme developed by the RNZFB. Unlike previous audio services where listeners would need to listen to the news in its entirety from start to finish, RNZFB members are able to select the stories they want from an extended menu.
"Broadcast media provides one medium of daily news, but it isn't as comprehensive as newspaper editorials and opinion pieces. This solution provides our visually impaired members with equal access as their sighted peers to print media through one of the nation's highly regarded newspapers," said Mary Schnackenberg, RNZFB Divisional Manager Adaptive Support. "We were exceedingly impressed with ScanSoft's responsiveness and willingness to help from inception. This ongoing interest and commitment assures the RNZFB that our news service will continue to be a sustainable success story."
The RNZFB will continue to refine the service and will shortly introduce a female Speechify 'news reader' so that members can select whether they want to listen to the news in a male or female voice.
"This application is an excellent example of how well Speechify TTS converts dynamically changing text to accurate and natural-sounding speech. We look forward to working with the RNZFB to further develop and support this innovative service as it evolves," said Peter Chidiac, Asia Pacific Regional Director, Network Speech Solutions at ScanSoft.
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