Text to speech

[Lil O'lady]

Can anyone recommend a good text to speech program? I don't mind paying but need to try first - I need to be able to export sound files as .wav or .mp3 - and preferably an English rather than US voice.

[ACtheTROLL]

MS Office and adobe reader both have the option for free - if you can put up with the accent
http://www.adobe.com/enterprise/accessibility/ reader6/sec2.html

http://www.adobeforums.com/webx/.3c0650bc

a freebie such have audacity has a recorder (direct from the PC speaker)

so a possible free solution ....

[cancross]

Not free (not cheap) are TextHELP http://www.texthelp.com/page.asp
http://www.texthelp.com/page.asp?pg_id=1002

and Kurzweil 3000
http://www.kurzweiledu.com/kurz3000.aspx

Both will export mp3 files, both will allow for Engish/US voicing of text. Both have excellent applicability in learning situations. You should be able to get 30 day demos of either product.

[Lil O'lady]

I don't want to record a voice, not possessing a good enough one - hence the text reader option. However, 'Microsoft Sam' and his buddies have some strange intonations and I;m looking for a better, UK-english intoned product, if any exists.

[cancross]

On-line I found NaturalSoft (NaturalReader) - fairly cheap, try the UK English voice here:

http://www.naturalreaders.com/sample.htm#

AT&T Audrey is not bad either, here:

http://www.nextup.com/