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Text-to-Speech (TTS) capabilities for a computer refers to the ability to play back text in a spoken voice. This article describes how to configure and use text-to-speech in Windows XP and in Windows Vista. TTS is the ability of the operating system to play back printed text as spoken words.
Speech recognition allows you to dictate your text into various programs such as Microsoft Word leaving you a little more hands-free. You can open menu items, toolbars, dialog boxes, and have text typed in using your own voice. In other words, your computer is literally at your command. And here is how you do it.
Author's note
In this article I will describe how to install and configure speech recognition in Windows XP. The article assumes that your computer is running Windows XP with at least service pack 1, Microsoft Office XP and that it is equipped with a microphone.
Speech recognition requirements
You only require four things in order to use speech recognition in Windows XP. These requirements include:
The Microsoft Speech Recognition Engine (SRE) is not included with Windows XP. You can acquire it by installing any of the Microsoft Office XP/2003 applications or by purchasing and installing the Windows XP Plus Pack 5.0
When it comes to applications that support speech recognition, you do not necessarily need to go out and purchase new software. Some applications that come with Windows XP, including Outlook Express and Notepad support speech recognition. You just need to enable support of advanced text services (as you will see later in this article).
Installing the speech recognition engine
If you are unsure if the speech recognition engine is already installed on the computer, you can check the Speech Properties dialog box as seen in Figure A. Within the Control Panel, open the Speech applet. If there is no Speech Recognition tab available from the Speech Properties dialog box, the engine has not been installed.
You can install the SRE by completing the steps below. This method requires you to have the Microsoft Office XP installation CD on hand.
Once the SRE has been added, you can enable it in any of the Microsoft Office applications. For example, in Microsoft Word, click the Speech option from the Tools menu. If prompted, insert the Microsoft Office XP installation CD to complete the installation.
Configuring speech recognition settings
The speech recognition engine can be controlled using the Speech applet in the control panel. The settings that can be configured on the Speech Recognition tab include the following:
Speech Recognition Engine Settings
From the Speech Recognition tab, you can select the SRE to use. If multiple engines are installed, you can use the drop down arrow under the Language section to select which one to use. Some engines will also support special features. You can click the Settings button beside the SRE to configure such features, as seen in Figure C. If the Settings button is not available, it simply means that the engine selected does not support any custom features.
Speech recognition profile settings
Windows XP stores recognition profiles. The information stored within a profile is used to recognize your voice. You can create different profiles for different users or for different noise environments. To change speech recognition profile setting options, use the steps listed below:
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