[DECtalk] Posted on behalf of Snoopy botten: YOU'RE SINGING WITH DECTALK

[Horspool, Matthew F.]

The following was posted to the DECtalk list at freelists:


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RELEASE  ANNOUNCEMENT

 After 3 long years it's finally here and ready to be released as of March 18th, 2005.  "YOU'RE SINGING WITH DECTALK" has over  1000 
song files which can be sung right on your computer or loaded into any  communication device that has Dectalk software and access to 
the phonetic  codes.  To insure that sing files will work on your AAC system, type in the  following:
[:phone on]   [ao<2000>]
If your device  held a sound for two seconds, my song files will work on your device.  If  the command was spoken letter by letter, 
E-mail me because I have a few other  tricks to try that may gain my files access to the necessary phonetic  codes.  If you have 
Dectalk in your device but it does not provide the  phonetic codes needed to sing, call and bug your manufacturer to program them in 
and allow access so it can sing.

 Dectalk was invented by Dennis Klatt.  It was his  dream and desire not only to provide everyone a voice to speak with, but also to 
sing with.  Even though Dennis past on in 1987 and I never had  the opportunity to meet him personally, it is my very high honour to 
be  working with Gallaudet University and the Fonix Corporation, and to be  continuing the work of Dennis Klatt and all of his fine 
staff.

This software is pact with features and bonuses.   I have been providing music to the disabled community since around 1990, and it 
is my personal policy to give people over and above what they've ordered and  expected.  I grew up in a time when quality was 
everything.  I do my  best to get all the bugs worked out of stuff before releasing it.  However,  bugs do slip by me, so please 
notify me of any problems.  At this time I am  offering a 90 day exchange or refund if a bad bug is found.  To the best of  my 
ability this software is stable, but at this point nothing would shock  me.

Let me get into what I think is the highest point  about this software.  This comes with Dectalk version 4.40 right on  it.  As soon 
as you insert the CD, the directory will pop up.  At this  time you will need to select "Start" to start up Dectalk because I gave 
up  trying to get the AUTORUN to start it up.  This will be fixed as soon as I  can figure it out.  Anyway, Dectalk tells you every 
step for every  task.  This eliminates looking through a manual and turning pages.   Every folder on the CD has a read me file. 
Read me automatically starts  up Dectalk and walks you through each tasks according to what you are trying to  do.  It also gives 10 
seconds in between each instruction so people have  time to follow each step.

Being that Dectalk 4.40 is right on the CD, it can be  used in emergency situations.  If someone's AAC device goes out, but they 
can access a computer, Dectalk can run on their computer until a loaner becomes  available, or until the AAC device is repaired.

The other advantage of having Dectalk right on the CD is for general education.  Some people are scared of speech software and 
don't understand why people need it or how it works.  This CD offers hands  on so people can get a better understanding of how 
disabled communicates.   It also allows editing of song files.  Exploring how songs are programmed provides endless hours of 
education and fun.

The software comes with an audio CD called "Dectalk  101."  This is a very thorough instructional CD on how to program Dectalk  to 
sing.  Whether someone is programming a song through their communication  device or on a computer, Dectalk 101 will fully teach 
people how to program  songs.

For PRC communication devices, there are a few  spontaneous song pages.  A spontaneous song means that the individual  controls when 
lines in a song are sung and in what order.  This is to teach  interaction with others, as well as turn taking.

The GT Bible page should really get kid's  interests.  The Bible Page is short Bible verses that are put into songs to  help with 
memorization.  GT tape ordering information is included on the CD  if anyone wants to order the tapes that go with the selected 
sound clips.   I know Doug and Debbie Kingswriter personally and I'm honoured that they gave me  permission to include the sound 
clips.  I clipped each song in such a way  that they are looped.  This way, people can just keep replaying the short  loop for as 
long as they want the song.  Note, I may have spelled  "Kingswriter" wrong.

For the Vanguard ii and Vantage I have some  games.  I have a Bingo calling program for those who would like to call  Bingo.

I've created a mind reader game for kids.  Mind  reader turns the device into a mind reader.  When kids think of a number  between 1 
and 6, the mind reader will tell them the number they are thinking  of.  In the future I may make an adult version of it just 
because it is  kind of fun.  Plus it's easy to create actually.  I would share how I  did it but it would take the fun out of it, 
trust me.

Story pages are also included.  Stories such as  Cinderella, and Christmas Wolf.  These stories are loaded as pages.   Each icon 
contains one page of text from the book to make it easy for reading to  a class.  Voice changes and sound effects are  included.

I'm probably missing some features and bonuses that I  should be mentioning.  This CD is loaded with stuff.  Plus I'll be  adding to 
it all the time.

Until April 30th, the release price is $60.00.   After May 1st, the regular price will be $80.00.  I will always take  suggestions 
for songs, games, and stories.  I'll only program really short  stories because I personally hate reading with a passion.

To order, send checks or money order  to;
SNOOPI BOTTEN
182 HIGH STREET NE
APT. 105
WARREN, OH  44481

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