Information on Free Text-to-Speech Products
Page 2 Natural Reader
Page 3 Balabolka
Page 4 ReadPlease
Page 5 Ultra Hal
Page 6 Adobe Reader
Page 7 Using an eReader (Kindle, Nook, etc.)
Page 8 Using audio files
Natural Reader
Main Features*
Text to speech
Floating Bar
Change reading voices and speed
Easy to use
One-click technology
Magnifying text
Text font can be changed
*According to the Natural Reader website
For more information visit: http://www.naturalreaders.com/free_version.htm
Balabolka
Main Features
Text-to-Speech
Uses your systems current voices
Many save options (MP3, WMA, and more)
Use system tray or global hotkeys
Customize voice
Accepts substitutions
Text highlighted as audio is played
(images provided by Balabolka website)
How to download Balabolka: http://www.cross-plus-a.com/balabolka.htm
ReadPlease
Main Features*
Microsoft voices: Mike, Mary, Sam
Customize font and background colour
Reads text via Windows clipboard from any program (copy/paste)
Control reading from system tray
Reads e-mail emoticons such as :) or :(
Adjustable voice speed (rate)
Low vision colour option
ReadPlease Enable your website
(images provided by ReadPlease website)
*According to their website
Download ReadPlease at: http://www.readplease.com/english/downloads/
Ultra Hal
Main Features
Text-to-Speech
Multiple voices
Reads most programs
Converts to audio files
Voice options
(image provided by Zabaware website)
More information: http://www.zabaware.com/reader/
Adobe Reader
Hear PDF files loud in Adobe Reader 1
1. Open PDF file in Adobe Reader.
2. Goto View > Read out loud > Click on Activate Read Out Loud. Alternatively use the shortcut
Ctrl+Shift+Y.
3. Now go to View > Read out loud > Click on Read this page only or either use the shortcut
Ctrl+Shift+V.
4. For reading to the end of the document go to View > Read out loud > Click on Read to end of
Document or either use the shortcut Ctrl+Shift+B.
1
http://www.tothepc.com/archives/hear-listen-pdf-files-in-adobe-reader/
eReaders
You can now use your Kindle or other eReader to read your textbooks. The Nook does not currently
support text-to-speech features.
Simply notify the office that you have an eReader, and we will provide you with PDF files to use on your
device.
(image provided by www.amazon.com)
To use this feature on a Kindle:
1. Press the “Aa” button (to the right of the spacebar)
2. Select “Turn on Text-to-Speech”
Audio Files
You can now request files in audio format. We will separate the book by chapters, and convert
the text into an .mp3 format. You can select which voice will be used and at what speed. Select “I do not
feel comfortable using a screen reader, and would like my files in audio format” on your request form.
You can listen to the files on your computer or portable device.
(image provided by www.cuttingedgedjs.com)