Comparing the comprehensibility of different synthetic voices in a dual task experiment

We measured the comprehensibility of six German speech synthesis systems and one human voice in a dual task experiment that simulated the complexity of a real life task. PCM (Pulse Coded Modulation) and simulated GSM (Global System for Mobile communications) coding were compared. Both primary and secondary task showed significant differences in response times between voice types. Differences between the two coding conditions were significant for two of the seven voice types. Speaking rate was found to be an important factor for comprehension under increased difficulties.

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