MDBG Chinese Reader

 

Support

Chinese Reader isn't pronouncing the words for me.

Let's start with a web demo of MDBG Chinese Reader's integrated text-to-speech (TTS) capability. Click on the green "play" buttons to hear actual samples recorded from Chinese Reader:

Audio samples of MDBG Chinese Reader

In this demo, there is a significant delay as the MP3 audio file is downloaded and loaded into your default media player (typically, Microsoft Media Player or Apple QuickTime Player). With actual Chinese Reader software, the audio is generated and played immediately.

Did you hear the Chinese voices? If not, adjust the volume of your media player software and your speakers. Also, check the audio settings on your computer.

 Let MDBG Chinese Reader pronounce words directly from the web page or document

With Chinese Reader running, hover your mouse over text to see the Scan window. Right-click inside the box to see the Scan menu and choose Pronounce. Instead of right-click, you may also use the shortcut keystroke Ctrl+S.

Did you hear the Chinese voices? If you heard Chinese voices in the web demo but not with the real Chinese Reader software, your TTS software may not be installed or configured correctly.

1. Open the Windows Control Panel and choose Speech Properties. Select the Text to Speech tab.

           Windows speech properites

2. Verify that the default voice is either Microsoft Simplified Chinese or Microsoft Lili - Chinese (China)

The male voice, Microsoft Simplified Chinese, is included with Chinese Reader. This voice works with Windows 7, Vista and XP.  The female voice, Microsoft Lili, is included with Windows 7 (RC1, Ultimate and Enterprise editions), Vista (Ultimate and Enterprise editions) and selected versions sold in China, Taiwan, Hong Kong and Singapore.

If you don't see Microsoft Simplified Chinese as a selection, check for Simplified Chinese TTS in Control Panel's "Uninstall or change a program." If you still don't see it, please re-install Chinese Reader.

Technical Notes

In the web demo on this page, the pronunciation samples were recorded using both Simplified Chinese (male) and Lili (female) voices. Chinese Reader is compatible with SAPI 5.3 specifications. Many third-party TTS voices are restricted for use only with their applications. Before purchasing additional voices, verify that their operation with Chinese Reader.

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