Unveiling the Magic: How Speech Synthesizers Work

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Unveiling the Magic: How Speech Synthesizers Work

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. Computerized Voices in Movies and TV Shows
    1. Reverse Speech Technique
    2. Artificial Effects
  3. Talking Dolls and Phonograph Technology
    1. Miniature Phonograph Mechanism
    2. See N Say
    3. Talking Cars
  4. Digitized Recordings in Early Computer Games
    1. Ghostbusters Game
    2. Speak and Spell
    3. Intellivoice for Intellivision
  5. True Speech Synthesizers
    1. Currah Speech 64 Cartridge
    2. Speech Sound Program Pack for Tandy Color Computer
    3. SAM Software Speech Program
  6. Practical Uses for Speech Synthesis
    1. Entertainment and Pranks
    2. Stephen Hawking and Automated Telephone Services
    3. Current State of Speech Synthesis
  7. Conclusion

Computerized Voices: Real or Artificial?

Have You ever wondered how computerized voices in movies and TV shows are created? In the past, we were captivated by these seemingly real voices, only to discover that they were actually cleverly manipulated recordings. In this article, we will uncover the secrets behind computerized voices and explore the evolution of speech synthesis technology.

Computerized Voices in Movies and TV Shows

During the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, computerized voices became popular in movies and television shows. However, these voices were not genuine, and careful techniques were employed to Create the illusion. The reverse speech technique was commonly used, where an actor would Read the lines in reverse and then the recordings were rearranged to sound coherent. Effects were also added to enhance the artificiality of the voices.

Talking Dolls and Phonograph Technology

Speech synthesis is not a recent development. Talking dolls and toy phonographs have been around since the late 19th century. These toys utilized miniature phonographs and records to produce sound. One popular toy, the See N Say by Mattel, employed a similar mechanism. The record was made of plastic, and each track had an entry groove that aligned with a specific sound when selected.

Digitized Recordings in Early Computer Games

Early computer games in the 1980s incorporated speech into gameplay. However, rather than true speech synthesis, these games used digitized recordings of pre-recorded phrases. For example, the Ghostbusters game used digitized sounds that could have been any other sound effect. Games like Speak and Spell and the Intellivoice for Intellivision also relied on pre-recorded phrases.

True Speech Synthesizers

The true speech synthesizers came later, offering the ability to generate words from fundamental speech elements called allophones. One example is the Currah Speech 64 Cartridge for the Commodore 64. This cartridge could speak any word Typed on the keyboard and offered different voices. Another option was the Speech Sound Program Pack for the Tandy Color Computer, which had a built-in speech synthesizer.

Practical Uses for Speech Synthesis

Speech synthesis technology had various practical uses. Apart from entertainment, early speech synthesizers allowed individuals to make prank phone calls by playing pre-recorded insults or messages. Speech synthesis has also been employed in automated telephone services. Today, technology like Siri showcases the continuous improvement of speech synthesis.

In conclusion, computerized voices in movies and TV shows have come a long way from clever manipulations to true speech synthesis. While early techniques relied on reversed recordings and digitized sounds, advancements in technology have made it possible to generate speech from fundamental elements. Speech synthesis continues to evolve, enhancing our entertainment and daily interactions.

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