How Does it Work?

How Do I Start?

1. Visit the NaturalSoft website and download Free NaturalReader 10.0
2. Open the application.
3. Open a web page, PDF, email, or any other text.
4. Either cut and paste the text into NaturalReader's window as a new file and press play, or open the 'miniboard' (MAC)/ 'floating bar' (PC) and simply highlight text on a page and the miniboard starts to 'read' it automatically.
5.  Choose the voice that reads back to you (some are more natural sounding than others), and the speed at which it is read.  This can be done on the main clipboard or through settings on the miniboard.


For more information on how to get started, check out these links:

http://www.csuohio.edu/offices/disability/alttext/programs/naturalreader.html

http://www.montgomeryschoolsmd.org/departments/hiat/tech_quick_guides/naturalreader.pdf

Advantages and Disadvantages

ADVANTAGES


Text-to-speech converters are practical for day-to-day use for lots of people!  It is so simple you can adopt it as a tool to help read, proofread, study a language or just for enjoyment.  Text-to-speech software can: 

• Assist persons with disabilities who may be vision impaired by reading text
• Save eye strain – relax, sit back and listen
• Save time - listen while driving, exercising or enjoying nature (mp3 converter feature)
• Help writers – improve by listening to your work
• Assist second language students by expanding their experience and understanding through listening to any text at any speed

Natural Reader seems to be an excellent text-to-speech program.  Following are features we like:

• Natural human voices and lots of choice (languages, accents, gender) for listening pleasure and variety
• Easy to use/intuitive controls
• Can help improve spelling, reading, comprehension and writing skills
•  No need to be at computer/have access to wi-fi if using the mp3 converter

Natural Reader provides explanations about why people should use their product:  http://www.naturalreaders.com/whychooseus.htm



DISADVANTAGES


Natural readers are not all terribly natural sounding and the program doesn't know how to deal with text features and some symbols such as bullets or dashes.  Paying for mp3 capabilities is inconvenient as well.

mp3 Converter

The mp3 converter function in Natural Reader is very handy.  It allows you to be free from the computer, and an internet connection.  You simply highlight the text you want to save as an mp3 file and click on the mp3 converter button.  Next you designate where you want to save the file.  That's it!  You're done.  :)  Now you can listen to the text you selected anywhere you want... on a walk, in the car, while you make dinner.

Tutorial link on Natural Reader website

Pronunciation Editor

If there is a case where you would like to change the way a word is read in Natural Reader you can make adjustments using the Pronunciation Editor.  The example on the Natural Reader website is M.D.  If you were reading a book where M.D. referred to Mike Dion and you wanted to hear his full name read rather than M.D. you would simply go to the pronunciation guide and replace the source word with the word you want to hear.  The Pronunciation Editor is under Tools.

Tutorial Link

Cost

CURRENTLY: Natural Reader has a basic, personal version that includes two coices for $49.50.  There are several other versions that are more expensive because they have more features.  There are also education packages which start at $500.

Upgrades

Natural Reader allows you to purchase more voices so you never tire of listening to the same tone, accent or gender!