Read Aloud Feature |
The Read Aloud feature in netTrekker Search provides text-to-speech functions for all information on netTrekker Search 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 highlight a passage of text using their mouse to hear the text read aloud through their computer speakers.
Access the Read Aloud Control
Panel by clicking on the 
button at the top left of
any netTrekker SEARCH page, or from the frame above any web resource accessed
from a Search Result. Clicking on this button will open the control panel.
Once the control panel is open, you can use all features of netTrekker SEARCH as you normally would, with the added ability of hearing whatever text you'd like. If you only want to use the Read Aloud functions on a web resource accessed from a Search Result, you can wait until you have accessed the web resource and open the Read Aloud control panel from the frame above the resource. Again, you will continue to have full use of the features of the web resource with the added ability of hearing whatever text you'd like.
When you want to hear a piece of text, simply scroll across the text to highlight it. Within a few seconds, depending on the length of the highlighted text, netTrekker SEARCH'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.
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. The following sections explain the specific functions of each element.
The status bar displays important messages from Read Aloud:
 |
The more you highlight at a time, the longer it will take Read Aloud to begin speaking. |
Read Aloud is waiting for the user to select text to be read aloud.
Read Aloud is waiting for the user to finish selecting text before producing the sound.
Read Aloud is downloading and playing the audio rendition of the selected text.
Read Aloud is only functional on pages of the original site that netTrekker SEARCH has pointed to. If a user clicks on a link within that site which 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 having to close the Read Aloud feature.
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.
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 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 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.
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 Active checkbox (denoted by the image of a speaker) determines whether highlighting text will trigger the 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.
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 at the top of any netTrekker SEARCH page.
For answers to frequently asked questions regarding the Read Aloud feature, please see Read Aloud FAQs.