APH News & Press
APH announces Speech Expressor (TM), an innovative device that allows the Talking Book reader to read faster while maintaining the quality of the sound of the material
News Release: Louisville, Kentucky, February 24, 1999
Speech Expressor (TM) is now available from the American Printing House for the Blind (APH), Louisville, Kentucky. It will allow the audio book listener to change the speed of recorded material without the unpleasant change in sound quality usually experienced using older compression systems.
Since Speech Expressor users can digitally adjust the pitch of the recorded voice to compensate for a change in speed, they will be able to:
- Speed up audio recordings to read more material, more quickly, without an increase in pitch
- Slow recorded material down for more concentrated listening, without a decrease in pitch
- Compensate for hearing loss in certain higher pitch ranges
Speech Expressor is compatible with any sound source having variable speed control, including several APH cassette recorder/player models and National Library Service Talking Book players. It will also work with devices that do not have a variable speed control, such as commercial tape players and radios (only the pitch of the voice can be changed; not the speed.)
Since 1858, the American Printing House for the Blind has promoted the independence of blind and visually impaired persons by providing special media, tools, and materials needed for education and life.
Contact Tony Grantz, Business Development Manager at 800-223-1839 or by E-mail, tgrantz@aph.org