VBVoice and Digitized Voice Files

Formats Supported by VBVoice

VBVoice supports the following digitized voice file formats:

  • 6K OKI   

  • 8K OKI

  • 8K Linear 8 bit mono  

  • 6K µ-law

  • 8K µ-law

  • 11K Linear 8 bit mono

If a voice file does not have the .WAV extension, VBVoiceattempts to play files according to the most recent format selected. For example, a µ-law PCM file with the .VOX extension (without a wave header) can be used as long as the file format matches the one set in VBVoice. Linear PCM and other formats can be converted to one of the supported formats using Announce.

Voice Card Restrictions

Not all voice cards support all formats. 8K µ-law is supported by all cards and is recommended in North America. 8K A-law is preferred in other countries. 8Kand 11K are only supported by some Dialogic cards. HMP supports A-law and Mu-law only.

Using A-law in VBVoice

When working with voice cards, VBVoice does not process voice samples and is not affected by the A-law or µ-law encoding of the voice card.

When working with sound cards or Tapi devices, the A-law and µ-law encoding is important. An INI setting, UseALaw in the section [Voicecard], defines whether A-law or µ-law is in use. The encoding for the voice card is dependent on the voice card type and is usually defined by a jumper setting or a firmware file, or it is hard coded into the card.

Finding Voice Files

Phrase and wave files for VBVoice are located in two default directories:

Generally you will find the system phrase files supplied with VBVoice in the system directory, and other files specific to the application in the project directory. When attempting to open a file, VBVoice first tries to open it in the project directory, and if this fails, it uses the system directory.

Note that when using system phrases such as WaveFile, VAP Phrase by Index, or VAP Phrase by Name, a complete path can be specified. This will override any default path.

Language Controls

If Language controls are in use, the language subdirectory of the active language control will be concatenated onto the project and system directories when opening files. See Language Control for more details.