KB: System lockup occurs when ViaVoice reads “.-” characters

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KB#: 117
Last updated: March 01 2006

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The information in this article applies to:

• ViaVoice speech synthesizers
• ZoomText 9.0 
• ZoomText 8.1 and 8.0

PROBLEM

When using ZoomText Magnifier/ScreenReader with the ViaVoice speech synthesizer, if a period followed by a dash is sent to ViaVoice (such as instances used in references to Swiss currency reference, e.g. "Fr. 1,950.-"), the system may lockup, requiring a power off reboot.  This problem occurs because ViaVoice does not know how to process occurrences of a period followed by a dash.

SOLUTION

This problem can be resolved by adding ".-" to ViaVoice's dictionary, as follows:

1. On the ZoomText user interface, choose Reader > Synthesizer...
2. In the Synthesizer Engine combo box, select the ViaVoice speech synthesizer.
3. Click on the Pronounciation... button. The Dictionaries dialog will appear.
4. Click the Add... button.   The Dictionary Entry dialog will appear.
5. In the Key field, type: ".-" without the quotes. That is a period followed by a dash.
6. In the Translation field, type in the word “dash” or whichever word you wish associated with these characters.
7. Click on the SPR From Translation button.
8. Click OK to close the Dictionary Entry dialog.
9. Click Close to close the Dictionaries dialog.
10. Click OK to close the Speech dialog.
11. The lock up problem should no longer occur.