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How to Convert Text to Speech on Linux

Text to speech software isn't just for blind or partially sighted people. It can be useful for converting text to speech on the fly or to audio files to listen on your portable audio player. You can even set up instant messaging software to turn your messages into speech.

Steps

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    To switch to a voice, type (voice_us2_mbrola) for example.
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    Why are you in front of the computer?" | festival --tts
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      Video

      Tips

      • If you have problems with adding voices, you probably need to install festlex-cmu and festlex-poslex packages.
        Thanks
      • can't open /dev/dsp or a similar error message generally means some other software is using your sound system. Close it before trying to synthesize speech.
        Thanks
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      References

      1. install a text-only, software-spoken installation of Ubuntu Edgy Eft 6.10
      2. Setup more realistic voices in Festival
      3. Make festival TTS use better voices

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