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Related Topic   • Read Aloud FAQs  Online Tutorial   • Using the Read Aloud Feature

Read Aloud Feature

The Read Aloud feature in netTrekker d.i. provides text-to-speech functions for all information on netTrekker d.i. pages, for text on web resources accessed from any Search Result, and for definitions accessed by using the Dictionary Hot Key. Using a highlight-to-read approach, users simply select a passage of text with a mouse to hear the text read aloud through their computers.

Basic Read Aloud Operation
Access the Read Aloud Control Panel by clicking on the button labeled "OPEN Read Aloud" from any page in netTrekker d.i. (A)
Clicking on this button will open the control panel. (B)

Example of the Read Aloud Controls:

Once the control panel is open, you can use all features of netTrekker d.i. as you normally would, with the added ability of hearing whatever text you'd like.

When you want to hear a piece of text from netTrekker d.i., a web resource you access from netTrekker d.i., or a dictionary definition from the Dictionary Hot Key, simply highlight the text. Within a few seconds, depending on the length of the highlighted text, netTrekker d.i.'s Read Aloud feature will play the passage through your computer's speakers or headphones. There is no software to download, and no other user intervention is required.

Details of the Read Aloud Control Panel

The Read Aloud control panel contains a status bar, a play/stop button, a speed select drop down list, a voice select drop down list, a disable button, and a close button. Read the following sections to learn the specific uses of each element.

Read Aloud Status Bar

The more text you highlight at a time, the longer it will take Read Aloud to begin speaking.

The staus bar displays important messages from Read Aloud:

  •Highlight text to begin - Read Aloud is waiting for the user to select text to be read aloud.

  •Preparing in #.# - Read Aloud is waiting for the user to finish selecting text before producing the sound.

  •Processing ... - Read Aloud is downloading and playing the audio rendition of the selected text.

  •Read Aloud Not Allowed Here - Read Aloud is only functional on pages of the original site netTrekker has pointed to. If a user clicks on a link within that site that points to a new site, rather than to a different page within that site, the Read Aloud feature no longer functions. The user can click on the browser's "Back" button to return to the original site and resume Read Aloud use.

  • - The Read Aloud checkbox is unchecked and text selection will not trigger reading of text. This allows the user to highlight and copy text without having the text read aloud, without closing the Read Aloud feature.

  •Javascript is required - This indicates that Javascript is not currently enabled on your browser. Javascript is required in order to use Read Aloud. Use one of the following processes to enable JavaScript, depending on your browser:

• Firefox: Tools>Options>Content>Enable (or) Disable JavaScript
• Internet Explorer: Tools>Internet Options>Security>Custom level>Scripting>Active Scripting>Enable (or) Disable
• Safari: Preferences>Security>check the box for "Enable JavaScript" (uncheck the box to disable). Make sure that "Block pop-up windows" is NOT checked. Also, make sure that "Enable plug-ins" IS checked.

The Read Aloud Play/Stop Button

The Play/Stop button controls the playback of the selected text. It is always in one of these two states:

  • - Triggers immediate playback of the selection or a replay of the last played selection.

  • - Terminates the preparation or playback of audio.

The Read Aloud Speed Select Drop Down Menu

The rate of speech (cadence) can be adjusted by using this drop down menu. Changes to this will only take effect on the next playback of audio. Voice speed cannot be changed during the reading of a selection.

The Read Aloud Voice Select Drop Down Menu

Three voices are available for intonation of the speech: Mike, Crystal and Lauren. Changes to this will only take effect on the next playback of audio. Voice cannot be changed during the reading of a selection.

The Read Aloud Active Checkbox

The Active checkbox (denoted by the image of a speaker) determines whether highlighting text will trigger reading of the text. If the box is checked, any text you highlight will be read aloud. If this box is unchecked, highlighting a section of text does not trigger any action by Read Aloud. This feature allows the user to highlight and copy text without having the text read aloud and without having to turn off the Read Aloud feature.

The Read Aloud Close Button

Clicking on the Close button (the "X" on the right side of the Control Panel) will remove the control panel completely from your screen. To open the control panel again, click "OPEN Read Aloud" at the top of any netTrekker d.i. page.

You can also close the Read Aloud feature by clicking on the "CLOSE Read Aloud" button at the top of any netTrekker d.i. page.

For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Read Aloud feature, please see Read Aloud FAQs.