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🖥️ActiveHome Pro => SDK => Third Party Add-Ons & Software => Topic started by: HA Dave on February 17, 2007, 04:55:20 PM

Title: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on February 17, 2007, 04:55:20 PM

.../ Female Voice to Replace MS Mary

[TTA Edit: Split off from BXVC Main Thread, per Dave's list; gave 'temporary' title. ;) ]

---

Well....With the holidays behind me I returned to getting my voice to the Voice Commander.

GLT had explained (earlier post) in detail how to use an intercom - making some modifications. Knowing that would work (thanks to GLT and Don H) I had decided to try a cheaper alliterative, Walmart's least costly.. The Safety 1st Crystal Clear "baby monitor."  (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=893599) at $17 (US dollars).

The Safety 1st Crystal Clear really is "Crystal Clear" as I am sure lots of new audio devices are (as my hearing getting more muffled). Actually I tried several different things, wired microphones, a wireless mic, a bluetooh headset/comm-badge. EVERYTHING worked! That is, everything worked as a replacement to a microphone. Nothing worked well as a multiple unit set-up.

After having some extra spare time (snowed in) and then a PM with TTA and an IM (X10 yahoo chat?) with Bill (of BXVC (http://www.wgjohns.com/bxvc.htm)). I re-attempted the "baby monitors." (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/product.do?product_id=893599)(Thank-you both for your ideas and information)

This time I setup two sending/broadcasting units on appliance modules. And wrote a couple simple marcos that only allow one monitor on at a time. The receiving unit stays on with the computer. Right now, I am switching locations (sending units) using a two button remote (KR19A). But will be getting some HawkEye motion sensors to automate the switching. But will keep the remote as an over-ride.

Plus..this is Bill's idea... I will be adding a couple "follow me" commands to BXVC. (computer...follow me to my office). BXVC will handle the switching of the broadcasting units for me. Triggering one unit to turn off, and another to turn on (a Macro).

AHP $50, each room (Monitor + appliance module) $27, BXVC....... PRICELESS.


[TTA Edit: As per our PM conversation, SPLIT off from the main BXVC Daily 'Coffee Klatch':

Quote from: Dave_x10_L

...I read through the BXVC thread (yet again) and complied a list ...of posts that consist of me, tuicemen and glt discussing better voices (listed below). They are classic "Coffee Klotch", but would provide real usable info as a thread (I think).

I don't know what to do here... I could write something... but I really think the "posts" say it all. Maybe, just combined in a thread called "Selecting a voice for BXVC (complied from the BXVC thread)"...

][/size]

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on February 21, 2007, 11:05:01 PM

Since the whole concept rides on having only one microphone on at a time (but always one) it's important that the mic thats on... is in voice range.

Following up on Bill's idea...  of adding "follow me" commands to BXVC. (computer...follow me to ......). BXVC will handle the switching of the broadcasting units for me. First I created a macro that switches the microphones...triggering one unit to turn off, and another to turn on.  After spending some frustrating time correcting (thanks for the help Tuicemen) a poorly conceived macro, I do have one "follow me" command written and running.

When leaving my office the voice command "follow me upstairs" triggers a macro that turns ON the upstairs mic... then turns OFF the downstairs mic.... waits a few seconds, then turns OFF the office lights.

When BXVC "hears" the OFF for the office microphone MS Marys says "moving upstairs" (so I know the lights will be turning off behind me).

As soon as I get my HawkEye motion sensors...... A motion sensor in the office will trigger a macro that turns the lights ON as well as the upstairs mic OFF and Office mic ON. The motions sensors OFF signal will trigger nothing. So I won't need to move around to keep the lights and mic on.

If I forget to tell BXVC to follow me upstairs, I can use my two button remote to switch to the upstairs mic, then use BXVC to turn off the office lights. Since the remote only triggers a macro (not the actual appliance modules the monitors are plugged into) I only use one button to switch microphones (no matter how many mics I add). 

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: TakeTheActive on February 22, 2007, 12:41:33 PM

[An (obvious, at least to me ;) ) observation from a BXVC LURKER / FAN who, while reading this post, heard several loud DING-DING-DING-DING sounds in his head.]
::) :P OOW!

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on February 21, 2007, 11:05:01 PM

...First I created a macro that switches the microphones...triggering one unit to turn off, and another to turn on...

...When leaving my office the voice command "follow me upstairs" triggers a macro that turns ON the upstairs mic... then turns OFF the downstairs mic.... waits a few seconds, then turns OFF the office lights.

When BXVC "hears" the OFF for the office microphone MS Marys says "moving upstairs" (so I know the lights will be turning off behind me).

As soon as I get my HawkEye motion sensors...

...If I forget to tell BXVC to follow me upstairs, I can use my two button remote... to switch to the upstairs mic, then use BXVC to turn off the office lights. Since the remote only triggers a macro (not the actual appliance modules the monitors are plugged into) I only use one button to switch microphones (no matter how many mics I add).

While you're waiting for your HawkEyes, you can certainly trigger the 'Motion Detected' Macros with a 'spare' two (four / eight) button remote from your JunkBox. They're also good for troubleshooting / debugging. (During writing / designing, I use a wired Mini-Controller to trigger.)

While I started out with BSR/SEARS wired Maxi-Controllers(16), and then added RadioShack wired Mini-Controllers(8 ), it was a no-brainer to switch to wireless PalmPads(16) when, during some X10 *DEAL* in the past 20 years, they were giving one away *FREE* with every ?I Don't Remember What Anymore?. With the addition of the CM11A, a few of the old 2 AAA boxy two button controllers were strategically placed to allow access to 4 macros (8 with the addition of the HARD-TO-FIND mercury-tilt switch in the battery compartment). And, most recently, a 4-FOR-1 X10 *DEAL* augmented my JunkBox with some wireless Credit Card Controllers(4) (But I just *HATE* getting nailed for those extra BUCKS at Battery-Replacement-Time! >:( ).

Anyhow, that's my 1½ cents worth on the subject... ;)

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on February 22, 2007, 06:00:57 PM

Quote from: TakeTheActive on February 22, 2007, 12:41:33 PM

While you're waiting for your HawkEyes, you can certainly trigger the 'Motion Detected' Macros with a 'spare' two (four / eight) button remote from your JunkBox. They're also good for troubleshooting / debugging. (During writing / designing, I use a wired Mini-Controller to trigger.)

Yep... I do have plenty of remotes in the big plastic box. And in my office I have a palmpad, a small screw driver, and a chart of the codes I am using (and what they do). The 2 button remote.... the way the macros are triggered..... becomes a 4 button remote, as the off buttons can trigger separate actions (Bill's idea). The keychain remote will end-up on my keychain as a back-up/override.

I am only a couple (how many are in a couple?) macros away from putting a palmpad or two in a drawer!

Thats one of the reasons I get so hopped up about BXVC! When I go (downstairs) to the theater  (http://davesdomainonline.com/ht/ht.htm) to watch a movie, one voice command sets up the lighting (of course I still have to manually insert a DVD). One button on my Harmony/Logotech remote starts the movie and turns off lights. Another button brings up exit lighting when the movie ends.

BXVC is not only REALLY COOL it's eliminating the button pushing.

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on February 22, 2007, 09:53:40 PM

Quote from: TakeTheActive on February 22, 2007, 12:41:33 PM

While you're waiting for your HawkEyes, you can certainly trigger the 'Motion Detected' Macros with a 'spare' two (four / eight) button remote from your JunkBox. They're also good for troubleshooting / debugging. (During writing / designing, I use a wired Mini-Controller to trigger.)

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on February 22, 2007, 06:00:57 PM

I am only a couple (how many are in a couple?) macros away from putting a palmpad or two in a drawer!

Thats one of the reasons I get so hopped up about BXVC! ..................BXVC is not only REALLY COOL it's eliminating the button pushing.

Well ......I have good news!
I wrote the marcos and it's awesome! The only reason I needed a pampad by my easy chair was to view the (security) cameras. One I use to check the garage door (to make sure it's closed) but I like to scan through all of them. And now I can simply ask MS Mary to scan the cameras, the macro cycles through the cams (even turns a floodlight on for a better view) and then turns off.

One PalmPad remote is now in the drawer! The endstand is less cluttered.... WAF should go up.

 

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: glt on February 23, 2007, 08:38:32 AM

Hey Dave,

Glad to see ya working well w/ VR - but you should really get some BETTER voices! MS Mary sounds lke Bill Gates's wife to me - i.e. just another computer. I use AT&T voices (which I beleve are no longer available for sale in an unrestricted version).

I call my computer "Michelle" (really AT&T's Crystal 16 bit voice), and oddly enough really missed "her" last week after killing my Kiosk touchscreen computer (plugging in a DVD player while  the computer was on - smart huh?). Well somehow that only messed up XP startup files, and "Michelle" is back now.

You should have seen the look on my yard person's face when I told her that "I had killed Michelle".

Anyway, HS sells these now: http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx

and a little googleing or a trip to cocoontech.com should find some others. You WON'T be disappointed!

And I think Bill is still working on IR control with the USB-UIRT - so save some money for that. Controlling IR equipment with voice is REALLY cool.

GLT

P.S. Bill : While reading a little on USB-UIRT seems people found it difficult to learn some remotes to it, but were really happy w/ it overall - "rock solid". Progress update?

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: glt on February 26, 2007, 09:46:15 AM

Dave,

Interesting thread involving NextUP and AT&T voices:

http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=119361

Note they are somewhat heavy users of processor power, and always require permission from firewalls.


Bill,

Tuiceman has an email activation system for payment - maybe ask it how well it works. I was hoping mostly for cheap IR to add to cheap VR - making an inexpensive assisted living system possible. IR is probably the key to the whole picture (I see Tuiceman adding VR to the dialer program), so maybe IR could be part of BVC's "plus" package.

Be careful of licensing though, I mean X-10 apparently has few programmers left and the next "must have" plugins would surely be VR and IR control. How can you sell to (or work for) them when you have already licensed your product to users? Just a wild idea.

GLT

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: Tuicemen on February 27, 2007, 02:04:59 PM

Quote from:

Dave,

Interesting thread involving NextUP and AT&T voices:

http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=119361

Note they are somewhat heavy users of processor power, and always require permission from firewalls

I've been a little concerned with this as well as I'd like to use other voices with my programs
The samples you play over the internet give one no real idea of how they will play on their system.
How ever I have found Voices which you can download, install and test on your system to make sure they are going to perform correctly for you!
Cepstal  (https://www.cepstral.com/downloads/) makes several Voices although I'm sure there are other companies that offer this same option!
The few I've tried ran fine with BXVC, X10WavPlayer,X10dispatch,and AlertDialer But do test them on your system first to be sure! ;) :D
Note: you need the 8 bit versions to work with telephone Programs like AlertDialer over the phone line!

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on February 27, 2007, 07:06:41 PM

Quote from: Tuicemen on February 27, 2007, 02:04:59 PM

Quote from:

Dave,

Interesting thread involving NextUP and AT&T voices:

http://board.homeseer.com/showthread.php?t=119361

Note they are somewhat heavy users of processor power, and always require permission from firewalls

I've been a little concerned with this as well as I'd like to use other voices with my programs
The samples you play over the internet give one no real idea of how they will play on their system.
How ever I have found Voices which you can download, install and test on your system to make sure they are going to perform correctly for you!
Cepstal  (https://www.cepstral.com/downloads/) makes several Voices although I'm sure there are other companies that offer this same option!
The few I've tried ran fine with BXVC, X10WavPlayer,X10dispatch,and AlertDialer But do test them on your system first to be sure! ;) :D
Note: you need the 8 bit versions to work with telephone Programs like AlertDialer over the phone line!

Thanks for the input GLT and Tuicemen!

I've been doing some searching and reading on the voices. And I've discovered Anna, Microsoft's new voice in Vista. But I haven't found a way to own and use it other than upgrading the PC that is running BXVC. Which is disappointing as I just bought a Vista laptop.

Mean-while I've been working on the 1st things 1st. I created some nice little macros, and I am more than pleased with the way BXVC is working with the microphone (baby monitors) switching. I had to change my dryer receptacle and dryer plug to use the phase coupler I bought, and also had to modify the AHP interface antenna. With the system stable I have been back to creating marcos (some more successful than others) and trying to automate some of the ways I use X10. Then creating a command that replaces a series of button pushes.

So far my original command of "theater On", which sets up my pre-movie lighting is the most impressive, and hassle saving. I also created a "camera scan" command that turns on the video sender/receiver units, then scans through my security cameras in a pre-set manner, then shuts the last camera and video down. I was less then successful at setting up motion sensors to switch microphones, but voice commands work well with follow me commands (computer....follow me to the office....).

I have worked at getting the computers sounds (voice) back to me. If I remember the posts correctly... GLT is using X10 sound power units, and Tuicemen is using 900MHz wireless speakers. I tested my video (with sound) sender/receiver units over the weekend... and with cameras, wireless broadband, and wireless phone already in use.... I am afraid I have tied up the 2.4MHz (sound power I THINK). I have also thought about just fishing a small wire and plugging in another speaker.

I will continue to update this thread as I make more progress.

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: glt on February 27, 2007, 08:07:44 PM

Yes - soundpower is 2.4 ghz and uses the same channels as the wireless cams..

The microwave can be a BIG problem unless you kill the power to soundpower while you use the microwave (I described how I did this in an earlier post).

BUT the soundpower is cool for several reasons:

1. RF wireless remote - works through walls  - my system  is in the attic.

2. Maintains Bass, Treble, Balance and Volume settings even when it loses power.

3. Durable - mine has been in a hot FL attic for 3 or 4 years.

However, wired is ALWAYS better than wireless if you can do it. I'm also quite impressed w/ my RS ceiling speakers which I picked up on sale for $20 each.

I'm quite partial to AT&T voices but you can sample many on this page:

http://nextup.com/TextAloud/SpeechEngine/voices.html#morefreevoices

I use Crystal which is quite good , but I'm so impressed w/ the British Audrey that I may buy her as well. I played the sample for my English friends this morning and they thought she was a real person!

GLT

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: Tuicemen on February 27, 2007, 10:35:54 PM

One thing to note!
The Morefreevoices refered to by glt are sapi 4 voices created for the Lernout & Hauspie Text To Speech engines  many newer programs don't support them!
Including BXVC,X10dispatcher and my programs, although  the MSAgent version of X10wavPlayer does! ;)

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: glt on February 28, 2007, 07:42:51 AM

Quote from: Tuicemen on February 27, 2007, 10:35:54 PM

One thing to note!
The Morefreevoices refered to by glt are sapi 4 voices created for the Lernout & Hauspie Text To Speech engines  many newer programs don't support them!
Including BXVC,X10dispatcher and my programs, although  the MSAgent version of X10wavPlayer does! ;)

Yeah those are on the bottom of the page - should have been a link to the top of the page like this:

http://nextup.com/TextAloud/SpeechEngine/voices.html

But anyway, it's the same page so just scroll up (or down).

GLT

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on February 28, 2007, 10:22:59 AM

Here is a Page at Microsoft (http://www.microsoft.com/speech/evaluation/thirdparty/engines.mspx) that lists all the voice's I've heard of.

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on February 28, 2007, 10:16:05 PM

I looked and listened to several "better voices" online (voices better than MS Mary, Mike or Sam). Some require an engine that is different then the microsoft SAPI.... IF I understand this correctly.... and I am not sure I do.

I emailed Neospeech and asked about the Kate16 and Paul voices.

----- Original Message -----
From: "Ken White - NextUp.com" <kdwhite@nextup.com>
To: "myname" <atmyname>
Sent: Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Subject: Re: I have a short question


> Kate and Paul will work with it.
>
> Ken White
> NextUp.com
> The Power of Spoken Audio
> http://www.NextUp.com
>
> ** Check out the exciting new voices from NextUp.com and NeoSpeech at
> http://www.nextup.com/neospeech.html (http://www.nextup.com/neospeech.html)
>
>
> Dave_X10 L wrote:
>> I am using a home automation product that runs ONLY on microsoft
SAPI speech. Will I be able to use Kate and Paul 16 on the microsoft
engine? Or do I need an engine that you use?


11mar07 an update:

I ordered the Kate and Paul Voice both 8 and 16 bit voices are included   (Tuicemen provided this link) (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx)[/b]

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: HA Dave on March 18, 2007, 10:38:30 PM

I ordered the Kate and Paul Voice both 8 and 16 bit voices are included   (Tuicemen provided this link) (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx)[/b]

I just installed the voices, despite the install warning that said it requires homeseer software to use the voices (I don't have homeseer). It installed and runs fine with my microsoft standard XP Pro software!

I haven't listened to Paul yet... but I am running Kate16 now. I swear to God...on my system she sounds just like Seven-of-nine (http://www.sherylfranklin.com/trekwomen_seven_sounds.html)!

 

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: glt on March 19, 2007, 10:17:25 AM

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on March 18, 2007, 10:38:30 PM

I ordered the Kate and Paul Voice both 8 and 16 bit voices are included   (Tuicemen provided this link) (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx)[/b]

I suppose I'll take that as a compliment......

Glad to see HS does not CRIPPLE thes voices as HAL (www.automatedliving.com) did with the AT&T voices (I had to buy them TWICE). The ones I got from HS work with EVERYTHING like my laptop GPS software (big improvement).

And as Tuiceman ACTUALLY did say, the 8 bit voices are necessary for some phone applications.

Now Dave, you can make Seven of Nine say anything you want! That can be really creepy. (The precedeing comment does NOT imply anything and is subject to the readers mindset, be that innocent, or like most posters here, just slightly perverted.)

And just to bury something really deep....

Want a free HA program that works w/ the ocelot, w800rf32, CM11A, with VR and TTS? See: http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=7094

I don't vouch for anything about that program, I haven't used it.

GLT

Title: Re: Dave's Never-Ending Search for a Good Woman...
Post by: Tuicemen on April 09, 2007, 02:54:33 PM

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on March 18, 2007, 10:38:30 PM

I swear to God...on my system she sounds just like Seven-of-nine (http://www.sherylfranklin.com/trekwomen_seven_sounds.html)!

 

With the new Operator Face set (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=12225.0) she should look more like her too! ;) :D ;D

Note: I did discover that the 16 bit voices work with my phone program, not that they will work with all of the others! ;)

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on November 08, 2007, 08:53:36 PM

Wow! I just hear a new Karen voice (http://nextupdownloads.com/scansamples/Karen.wav). Nice youthful sound. From NextUp (http://nextup.com/TextAloud/SpeechEngine/voices.html).

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: s0urc3f0ur on November 09, 2007, 12:42:14 AM

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on November 08, 2007, 08:53:36 PM

Wow! I just hear a new Karen voice (http://nextupdownloads.com/scansamples/Karen.wav). Nice youthful sound. From NextUp (http://nextup.com/TextAloud/SpeechEngine/voices.html).

Karen's voice is nice.. I may have to go with Lee though..My wife digs the male aussie accent.... ;D

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: Tuicemen on November 12, 2007, 06:23:06 PM

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on November 08, 2007, 08:53:36 PM

Wow! I just hear a new Karen voice (http://nextupdownloads.com/scansamples/Karen.wav). Nice youthful sound. From NextUp (http://nextup.com/TextAloud/SpeechEngine/voices.html).

Karen was created by Nuance RealSpeak Solo® for NextUp,it will only work if you have TextAloud (http://www.nextup.com/TextAloud/download.html) installed! :(

You have to be careful what voices you get as they can require additional costs! :(

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: Aquadeveloper on November 24, 2007, 04:18:13 PM

Dave,

As to the:

"The only reason I needed a pampad by my easy chair was to view the (security) cameras. One I use to check the garage door (to make sure it's closed)................"

Why not just use a voice command like, "Garage Status", and have a universal remote give the status, with confirmation?

It would open up the Cam for other use.  :)

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on November 24, 2007, 04:28:48 PM

Quote from: Aquadeveloper on November 24, 2007, 04:18:13 PM

Why not just use a voice command like, "Garage Status", and have a universal remote give the status, with confirmation?

It would open up the Cam for other use.  :)

Yeah... I did setup something similar.... and now rarely use my palmpad (it's in a drawer). BVC now announces when the garage door is opened and reminds me every few minutes if it remains open. I also have a little light on an end stand by my easy chair. You can see and hear a demo of it via video on my BVC Web Page (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm).

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: Aquadeveloper on November 24, 2007, 04:41:11 PM

ok,
  Y'all have me hooked on trying Bill's BVC.

I downloaded his trial version, and the SpeechSDK  and Dot Net, but get a error:

"Can not initialize the speech API"    :(

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: -Bill- (of wgjohns.com) on November 25, 2007, 01:56:33 AM

Quote from: Aquadeveloper on November 24, 2007, 04:41:11 PM

ok,
  Y'all have me hooked on trying Bill's BVC.

I downloaded his trial version, and the SpeechSDK  and Dot Net, but get a error:

"Can not initialize the speech API"    :(

Sorry if this is a stupid question, but I see it happen often.  After downloading the Speech SDK, did you run it?  It is an installer file and doesn't just install because you downloaded it.

Like I said, many people have made the mistake of downloading the Speech SDK file and not actually running it to install the Speech SDK.

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: s0urc3f0ur on November 27, 2007, 03:39:53 PM

I found a Voice command prog for only 10 bucks that should enable you to program voice commands for basic computer conrol i.e. restarts, shutdown, and the like. I have not tried it yet but I have off the next 2 days so I plan on playing with it.  here's the link:

http://www.dwvac.com/

and a link for the how to:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-Spells-to-Control-Your-Computer!/


P.S. The instructables website has some pretty cool how to's

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: Tuicemen on November 28, 2007, 09:05:54 AM

Quote from: s0urc3f0ur on November 27, 2007, 03:39:53 PM

I found a Voice command prog for only 10 bucks that should enable you to program voice commands for basic computer conrol i.e. restarts, shutdown, and the like. I have not tried it yet but I have off the next 2 days so I plan on playing with it.  here's the link:

http://www.dwvac.com/

and a link for the how to:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Use-Spells-to-Control-Your-Computer!/


P.S. The instructables website has some pretty cool how to's

Why spend $10.00 for that program when Bills BVC  (http://www.wgjohns.com/bvc.htm) can do so much more?
True BVC can't shut down your PC(YET) but for a $10.00 donation I'm sure Bill  could add computer control! ;)( realy isn't that dificult an add)!

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: s0urc3f0ur on November 28, 2007, 11:17:46 AM

Well
I guess the idea is to aleviate bill of having to program that... I mean the guy just works so hard. I figure this would give him a sort of break.. God knows he needs one!

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: Tuicemen on November 28, 2007, 01:04:13 PM

Not to say that Bill doesn't need a break but I'm sure he could use the donation as well!
Besides if one really wants to shut off there PC via voice they can do it without Bill doing any programing!
Here's how:

[li]Create a batch file[/li]
[li]In it simply add the lines[/li]
[li]@echo off [/li]
[li] Shutdown -s[/li]
[li]Next create a macro that executes this batch file using the window command option![/li]
[li] Program BVC so "shut down computer" or something similar triggers the macro![/li]
[/list]
You can do this for virtually any windows command! ;)

Note: If one wishes (Like I'm sure Dave_x10_L   does) just to reboot, replace the "-s" with "-r"
Now I could use the $10.00 donation or a helpful ;) :D

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: s0urc3f0ur on November 28, 2007, 03:20:56 PM

ok you get a helpful! ;D

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on December 03, 2008, 10:10:18 AM

Kate (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) woke me up this morning!  Which is interesting.... as I never have created that BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) alarm clock macro. What happened was simple enough... and I think good basic Home Automation.

The wife went to work this morning. I (being retired) opted to sleep in (I don't really do that often... and rarely do I sleep late). The wife hadn't been gone long... when I was awoke by a voice. Since I was asleep... I was confused at first. I looked at the clock and saw it couldn't be the wife calling me... she should had left. Then I realized it was Kate (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) announcing something. I knew it wasn't my perimeter detection system... that lasts several seconds... and is louder than other announcements.

I got up... thought I should maybe look around. The garage door OPEN lamp was ON (because the garage door was forgotten open) and Kate (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) had said: "The garage door is open". The garage door reminder (http://www.x10community.com/forums/index.php?topic=14721.msg81860#msg81860) had woke me... I had never intended it for that. You can both see and hear the garage door reminder in action on my YouTube Video (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=apZF77tsZlI).

P.S. The alarm clock announcement (when created) will say:  "Get out of bed.... resistance is futile.... wake up and assimilate the day".

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: steven r on December 03, 2008, 10:48:51 AM

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on December 03, 2008, 10:10:18 AM

...P.S. The alarm clock announcement (when created) will say:  "Get out of bed.... resistance is futile.... wake up and assimilate the day".

I like it!

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: -Bill- (of wgjohns.com) on December 03, 2008, 09:40:11 PM

Quote from: Dave_x10_L on December 03, 2008, 10:10:18 AM

...P.S. The alarm clock announcement (when created) will say:  "Get out of bed.... resistance is futile.... wake up and assimilate the day".

What makes that even better is Dave says the voice he got for Kate sounds just like Jeri Ryan (7 of 9 on Star Trek Voyager)!   :)%

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on December 03, 2008, 10:18:38 PM

Quote from: -Bill- (of wgjohns.com) on December 03, 2008, 09:40:11 PM

What makes that even better is Dave says the voice he got for Kate sounds just like Jeri Ryan (7 of 9 on Star Trek Voyager)!   :)%

It's true! You can follow the Kate (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) link... the click the Kate16 link to hear Kate (http://store.homeseer.com/store/HomeSeer-Voices-Kate-and-Paul-P261C68.aspx) for yourself.

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on May 18, 2009, 12:38:15 AM

Things do change!

I was recently asked about how to purchase the Kate16 voice I have mentioned so often. I followed my own links... then I searched.. then I wrote (emailed) nextup.com. see below:


Hi Dave,
 
According to Neospeech, they have pulled them off the consumer market for a while and said no companies are currently allowed to legally sell them.  I think they are retooling them with some better copy protection or something along those lines. 
 
We do have AT&T Natural Voices and also we have Acapela and Nuance RealSpeak voices that work with our TextAloud product.  If you have questions or want to explain your need I'll be glad to recommend something.
 
Thanks,
Rick Ellis
NextUp.com
Listen and Learn Anywhere
http://www.NextUp.com

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: davideinmd on May 18, 2009, 07:27:02 AM

I couldn't find a better place for this. Move it ya wanna. I tried an idea for a bvc microphone that would use the baby monitor idea but instead of a baby monitor, I tried rigging a gmfrs radio. I was hoping that I could use that going down the road to turn on my driveway lights on. I know that the rig was working but because of the tinny crappy output (even wired direct) the voice recognizer was unable to interpret most of what I said. So if you ever get this great idea, skip it unless you test the output of the recieving radio to have great quality. I have considered the idea of using additional equipment to preamplify the output which would allow me to add richness to the voice coming through, but that seems like a lot of equipment tied up into that making it not so worth it. That siad I STILL have not figured out a way to turn on my driveway lights before I get to the driveway. Anyway, that's all for now.

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: hawk1 on May 18, 2009, 09:11:45 AM

I used a old realistic voice activated walkie talkie headset.  Modded one of them for a line in input and a speaker input.  Now when Christina says "Good Morning" it activates the voice activation and goes through the walkie talkie and I here it and talk to her through the other one.

I didn't think it would work, but it actually works rather well.  I can walk way past my driveway and still talk to her and listen to what she has to say.  The walkie talkies have a 2 mile radius.  The only drawback is that I or whoever wears it are the only person to be able to command her.   ;) 

I don't use this system all the time though.  Just when I'm outside working.   :'    ;)

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: astrothug on May 18, 2009, 11:40:57 AM

i used the baby monitor but was not working to well as it is static. so instead I use a normal mic in the middle of the house that works well, I use a uk Lucy from  Acapala she has a very realistic sounding voice and sounds like a nanny......

Title: Re: A "better Voice" for BXVC
Post by: HA Dave on May 18, 2009, 05:05:57 PM

Quote from: astrothug on May 18, 2009, 11:40:57 AM

...... I use a uk Lucy from Acapala she has a very realistic sounding voice and sounds like a nanny......

Your the first person I've heard using Lucy. I have heard of someone using Heather... both voices are from http://www.nextup.com/acapela.html (http://www.nextup.com/acapela.html). Nice to know the Acapala voices are SAPI5 (BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm)) compatible. Thanks astrothug. Since for me a big part of the Voice Control is hearing notices, alerts, and warnings from the HA Computer (Kate).. having a nice voice is important. I have a couple Vista computers (my wife and use daily) and I think the free Microsoft Anna voice that comes with Vista is great. It's hard to beleive shes related to Sam.

I had tested several ways (http://davesdomainonline.com/microphone/mystory) to get my voice to BVC (http://davesdomainonline.com/bvc/bvc.htm) back... well over two years ago. The only methods I tried that didn't work for me was the little CB radios and a powerline intercom that interfered with my X10. I post all info I collect. (http://forums.x10.com/index.php?topic=12202.msg67395#msg67395)