[Nfb-web] Video Description Survey 2011 - Text-to-Speech Preferences

[Mary Watkins]

February 16, 2011

Video Description Survey 2011 - Text-to-Speech Preferences

IBM Research-Japan and WGBH's Carl and Ruth Shapiro Family National Center for Accessible Media (NCAM) are conducting a joint study on the applicability of speech synthesis for video description.  This is the second survey we are conducting as part of this study to solicit reactions to the use of synthesized speech to deliver descriptions of informational Web content. This study will ask you to evaluate different options for text-to-speech (TTS) description placement, content, length and speed.

Though we are conducting this study, WGBH does not intend to substitute synthesized speech for human voices on the programs and movies we currently describe. Rather, we are focusing on the potential of using TTS technologies to increase the overall amount of described Web-based media.

The survey, accessible via screen-reading software, should take 45-60 minutes and is open to people 18 years and older. We are eager to hear your opinions, and are grateful for your time and assistance.  The survey is posted at this site until March 4:

http://www.surveygizmo.com/s/461112/3i40b

Best,

Mary

--
Mary Watkins
Director of Communications
  and Outreach
Media Access Group at WGBH
One Guest Street
Boston, MA  02135
617 300-3700
mary_watkins at wgbh.org
access.wgbh.org

Follow the Media Access Group on Facebook and Twitter (@AccessWGBH)

WGBH Boston informs, inspires, and entertains millions through public
broadcasting, the Web, educational multimedia, and access services for
people with disabilities.