Voice recognition - anyone got it to work?

gizmoleeds

Recently, I have been suffering from RSI in my right hand (probably a combination of this forum, plus working and studying) and my interim solution has been to type and control my mouse with my left. However, unless I want to develop RSI in that hand too I need a better solution.

I have tried voice recognition software before (Dragon Naturally Speaking, a couple of years ago) but it was appalling (although very humourous) and took much longer than typing because of all the corrections needed (at the time I didn't have RSI and was interested in it for speed).

I know some people have got it to work and swear by it - so what am I doing wrong? I only had a cheap microphone (might this contribute?) and have a mild Northern accent. Are there any progs better than Dragon (I remember IBM did one)?

Thanks in advance

Mr_Skint_2

The XP built in one isnt too bad but you have to input
a lot of training.....

gizmoleeds

Mr_Skint wrote:

The XP built in one isnt too bad but you have to input
a lot of training.....

XP has built in voice rec? How did I not know this???

I don't mind lots of training - it's gotta be better than left-hand typing!!! I'm more concerned with the quality (and I assume once you've done the training once you can transfer it from PC to PC).

Have you actually used it/does it work well??

gizmoleeds

Mr Skint - I can't find the XP voice recognition. I searched "voice recognition" in help and it told me to go to Control Panel > Speech and select the voice recognition tab, but it isn't there (the tab)??? I don't remember XP having an options window when I installed it so why isn't it there?

Edit - I get the impression from MS Knowledge base it may only show when a mic is connected.

Mr_Skint_2

Aaaah bum sorry I meant to say its built into Office XP 2003 and Frontpage 2002
and onwards but just have a look here to see what you need as I just use mine from
frontpage http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/moskowitz_02september23.mspx

smcicr

it does now officially work - used to work for a company that were partnered with these guys: http://www.winscribe.com/xq/asp/content.content%2FaboutUs.inc/qx/template.htm and the stuff was excellent - 5 mins training and the recognition was up in the high 90's percentage wise. no help to you as i suspect you want a single user jobby but the technology IS out there and working (being used in hospitals, law firms and the like) so hopefully there is the famous trickle down effect in progress.

gizmoleeds

Mr_Skint wrote:

Aaaah bum sorry I meant to say its built into Office XP 2003 and Frontpage 2002
and onwards but just have a look here to see what you need as I just use mine from
frontpage http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/using/setup/expert/moskowitz_02september23.mspx

I have Office XP 2002- that any good?

I will have a look on the installation menu of the Xp disk after Coronation Street.

Mr_Skint_2

Go for it,, it could be there........

gizmoleeds

Yay, it is I'll just have to get a microphone now. Probably train it over the w/end.

So, Mr Skint, you use it - how well does it work?

And do you know any good microphones/headsets? I don't think my £2.99 one will do.

Mr_Skint_2

Hey I got a cheap 3.99 mic so yeah it will probably do I mean if the sound comes
out clear thats good enough as when you start it up you will be prompted
to start up the mic volume adjustment wotsit.

And I also use my USB headset of my PS2 game Socom US Navy Seals
and that works a treat, so if you wanna get a cheap haeadset but this game
take out the mike then trade it in for cash at a games shop
or see if you can get a second hand game about £8.00 these days.

And once working theres nowt wrong with the software as it
tweaks as you go, so its the cheapest option I can think of......

Darksun

It’s was the best of times, it has the worst of times,
It has the age of wisdom, it has the age of Felicia’s,
It does he keep up the belief that receive proper incredulity
It is a season of light it has a season of darkness
It has the spring of hope, it has the winter of despair, we had ever think the follows, we have nothing before this,

:rotfl:

Can't say it works great, although I only did the initial training.