Voice output - Elk M1 and others

[shtojo]

Hi, my first post... please forgive me if this has been covered anywhere, but I spent a lot of time searching and did not find what I was looking for. I am considering the Elk M1 Gold, but I would really like to hear a sample of the built-in voice output. Is it customizable in any way (tone, etc)? Is it a male or female voice? Any opinions on it (quality, does it sound realistic, etc)? Finally if anyone has (or knows where I can download) a short sample audio clip, that would be great.
Since I'm on the topic... any comments on how it compares to the voice output on HAI Omni?
I may also consider Homeseer or Hal to get voice and to get text-to-speech, etc, but probably wont due to the additional cost... I assume I could add that on later if I decide to... still very much in the learning phase right now.
Your time and input is very much appreciated.
Thank you.

 

[WayneW]

I don't have a sample, but can answer some questions. Elk is not TTS, it is a recorded human female announcer, nothing synthesized. The only customization is volume. She has a 500 word vocabulary, which is sufficient for most alarm type announcements, but not for reading the morning newspaper. I find the voice nice.

My Home Seer has TTS speech capability. I use a male voice. Keeps the wife happy and she calls them her "boyfriend" and her "girlfriend" so I can try and troubleshoot who said what when

 

[electron]

Welcome to CT!

If you want cheap PC based TTS, I would consider taking a look at Girder and the Neospeech Voices. I have this combo as well, and it works pretty well.

 

[shtojo]

Hey guys, thanks a bunch for the input. Sounds like the M1G voice would be more than acceptable. I am guessing the HAI-Omni voice is similar (recorded voice)...
Think I will probably go with M1G and may at some point get something more if I decide TTS is worth it. I currently have an NX8 panel and have programmed it for some automation, but finding it is pretty limited and would really like to add voice output for events also... and open up other future options too.

 

[Lagerhead]

Hey guys, thanks a bunch for the input. Sounds like the M1G voice would be more than acceptable. I am guessing the HAI-Omni voice is similar (recorded voice)...
Think I will probably go with M1G and may at some point get something more if I decide TTS is worth it. I currently have an NX8 panel and have programmed it for some automation, but finding it is pretty limited and would really like to add voice output for events also... and open up other future options too.

See some of the discussion here:
http://www.cocoontech.com/index.php?showtopic=11253

 

[hollisin]

Hey guys, thanks a bunch for the input. Sounds like the M1G voice would be more than acceptable. I am guessing the HAI-Omni voice is similar (recorded voice)...
Think I will probably go with M1G and may at some point get something more if I decide TTS is worth it. I currently have an NX8 panel and have programmed it for some automation, but finding it is pretty limited and would really like to add voice output for events also... and open up other future options too.

I just replaced a Napco alarm and ancient X10 controller with a M1. It rates right up there with my first microwave, calculator, computer, dishwasher, climate control in the car, and house.

Your going to love it. <_<