Voice prompts

Robin2 · Posted: Mon Jun 28, 2004 7:29 pm Post subject: Voice prompts

Is there any way to reduce the amount of voice prompt given before a junction. I have not ticked the "Recite route step text" box, yet before the junction there is so much computer generated instruction that it becomes confusing. I'd much rather have "in 200 yards turn right"
Robin

AlunS · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 1:19 pm Post subject:

The old version of Mapopolis (4.33) was much, much better in this regard. It used a limited subset of .wav files for the messages, which were easier to understand and customizable ... very much like what you're requesting.

The new synthesised system is a) difficult to understand b) has difficulty pronouncing anything that isn't English, and even then it has big problems, and c) is way too verbose. Most times you've got to the junction and actually turned before it even manages to finish its message! Add to that the fact that it chooses virtually unknown road names over road numbers for even major A roads (if the road has a name), and it makes the whole thing a total disaster in my eyes.

There are many discussions on this subject over on the Mapoplis forum on GpsPassion, but unfortuneately Mapopolis don't seem to be listening ...

Robin2 · Posted: Tue Jun 29, 2004 2:30 pm Post subject:

Yes, that was what I found. I have been trying out the demo version, and apart from some aberrations in routing because of single track roads being given absurd speed ratings, the verbose instructions meant that I sometimes got the punch line - turn left - about 50 yards after passing the junction. In spite of the very high quality maps, I definitely won't be purchasing in its present form. Maybe I'll take another look in 6 months!
Robin

SafeHarbor · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 5:16 pm Post subject:

For those of you wishing to use the prerecorded voice, you can download the 4.33 version here:

http://www.mapopolis.com/MapopolisPPC433.exe

and you can find a selection of prerecorded voices here:

http://kudzumonthly.com/mapopolis/

Crystal, US English female, seems to be the most popular voice.
_________________
Mapopolis support

Robin2 · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 6:44 pm Post subject:

Thanks for that information. I had already received some of that information from your email support line. I have installed 4.33 and the defauly voice is much better than the computer generated one. I will try Crystal too - thanks
Robin

Robin2 · Posted: Wed Jun 30, 2004 7:20 pm Post subject:

One further question for the Mapopolis team please, if you're still scanning this forum. Ihave downloaded Crystal, how do I install it? Do I simply put Mapopoliswords.pdb inside the Mapopolis folder? If so, do I remove the existing mapwords.bin ?
Sorry to ask so many questions, but this is not in the manual
Robin

SafeHarbor · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 2:25 am Post subject:

Just copy it to the same folder that Mapopolis is installed to. Mapopolis should use it preferentially.
_________________
Mapopolis support

Robin2 · Posted: Fri Jul 02, 2004 9:45 am Post subject:

Thanks for your reply - much appreciated
Robin

206bones · Occasional Visitor Joined: Jul 17, 2004 Posts: 1

It looks like "Crystal" is for Palm users. Is there a version for the Pocket PC?

Thanks.

SafeHarbor · Posted: Sat Jul 17, 2004 7:32 pm Post subject:

Actually, Pocket PC OS is sort of promiscuous. It doesn't care WHAT it installs. MapopolisWords.pdb IS a Palm file, but if you copy it to the Mapopolis folder, the 4.33 Pocket PC viewer will use it instead of the mapwords.bin file.

And I've heard that Mapopolis will not be returning to the prerecorded voice on Pocket PC. However, a much higher quality synthesized voice is being tested now. The plan is to offer one high quality voice for each supported language, and to give the customer the option of purchasing other voices/other languages for a modest fee.

I have no idea when we'll actually see this, but it's planned for both Pocket PC and Smartphone.
_________________
Mapopolis support

AlunS · Posted: Sun Jul 18, 2004 11:28 am Post subject:

Robin2 · Posted: Mon Jul 19, 2004 11:21 pm Post subject:

I totally agree with Alun's comments above. I ave up on the computer generated voice because in an urban environment it always gave the turn instruction after passing the junction. The wave files were much better. I live in Wales, and no text to speech program I have come across can cope with Welsh road names - what about Gwernllwynchwyth Road or Cwmrhydyceirw Road? Turn left is much better!
Robin

	PocketGPS
	Web