New Feature - Embedding wav files in TextAloud audio

[Jim Bretti]

In TextAloud version 2.185, we added support for a new tag that allows you to embed wav files in TextAloud audio. You can place the tag anywhere in a TextAloud article.

The syntax of the tag is:
{{audio=wav file pathname}}

For example:
{{audio=c:\my sounds\hello.wav}}

There are currently a few restrictions with using this tag:
1. It only works when listening to text aloud (to the speakers). In 3.0 we plan to handle this embedding when writing audio files as well.
2. The sound file currently has to be a wav file. It is possible we'll support other audio formats in 3.0
3. You need to specify the entire path of the wav file in the tag.

We'd be interested in hearing any feedback. If your TextAloud version is older than 2.185, you can get the current build from http://nextup.com/files/textalouda.exe

Thanks!

[SFCurley]

Jim, Just curious as to how you guys or other people seethat being used.

Thanks.

[Jim Bretti]

We've had some users ask about it for some specific things, like wanting to add sound effects to a story, and to be able play an alarm sound if TextAloud is speaking some kind of alert text.

We're mainly curious to see if users in general find this useful, and the kinds of things it is used for.

[Bunger Henry]

This sounds like a cool new feature.

I create a lot of audiobooks. Instead of a pause between sections, I could see adding a short set of soft notes like chimes.

When I was in elementary school, I remember listening to audio programs in class, and they would often use chimes in the short break between sections.

I see this being more of a novelty, but interesting, like a pair of fuzzy green dice you hang from the rearview mirror.

[D.Leikin]

This feature might be very cool for learning foreign languages – an easy way to improve pronunciation (also rhythm and intonation) by just comparing your own voice (prerecorded into wave files) with TTS live playback (for the same text fragments).

Imho, it would be terrific if it were also possible to insert kind of active controls (not just audio tags) to allow recording wav/mp3 files (not just playing them back). I believe this feature might have imparted some great functionality of a language tutor to TextAloud.

[Melker63]

3. You need to specify the entire path of the wav file in the tag.

Please, let the user specify that in TextAloud Options - not in the main window each and every time. One should only have to rightclick and choose "insert sound".

[D.Leikin]

3. You need to specify the entire path of the wav file in the tag.

Please, let the user specify that in TextAloud Options - not in the main window each and every time. One should only have to rightclick and choose "insert sound".

…or just specify in Options a directory where many wave files are stored so that selecting " Insert sound file" on right mouse click would list the contents of this directory to let the user choose one of these files to be embedded

[kugelblitz]

Speaking a WAV File
{{audio=C:\Program Files\TextAloud\Sounds\papertur.wav}}
does not work in the "Speak to File" Mode.

[Jim Bretti]

Thats right, writing embedding wav's in audio files currently doesn't work, it only works when speaking aloud. We wanted to get some feedback on the functionality, and plan to extend support to include audio files later, probably in 3.0.

[kugelblitz]

I'd like to make a audiobook to a book I am writing. Every pageflip I'd like to use a Wav File "page turn". So it's easy for people to follow the script while listening.

[Jim Bretti]

Thanks ... When we implemented this feature, we weren't sure how useful it would really be, so this kind of feedback is vey helpful.