EL DIARIO DE HOY
INSTRUMENTO DE RECOLECCION DE DATOS DE EL DIARIO DE HOY El Diario de Hoy Fecha: 10 septiembre
This is not an error or problem. The software is working correctly. Once the sound card is installed, the volume is controlled through the Midiman Audio Buddy preamplifier.
60001198, Second Edition Frequently Asked Questions A-5 FAQs
Turning Off AGC How do I turn off the Automatic Gain Control (AGC) on my sound card? The AGC that is on many sound cards must be turned off for any Intervoice voice message recordings.
Unfortunately, Creative Labs turns on the Automatic Gain Control on all of their sound cards by default (except the AWE Gold). You can turn off AGC only by using the Creative mixer applet that comes with the Sound Blaster card in the application software package (ctmix32.exe). The standard Microsoft Windows 95 mixer applet (yellow speaker) does not have the ability to change this setting on Creative Labs cards.
To turn off the AGC, follow these steps:
1 Install Creative Labs Audio Mixer applet (ctmix32.exe). 2 Start ctmix32.exe.
3 Right-click the mixer face. 4 Select the Input/Output settings. 5 Uncheck Automatic Gain Control.
You should not make recordings with the Sound Card AGC enabled. It can cause background noise as well as clicks and pops in the final recording.
Normalizing the Message Volume
When is the best time to normalize the volume so that it matches the messages already on the system?
The messages should be saved in 11, 025 KHz, 16-bit, monophonic, linear .wav format and recorded as loud as possible without clipping. All the subsequent processing can be performed using the Batch Converter. Generally, reducing the volume of the message is one of the last steps before compressing the .wav file into the runtime format.
A-6 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition Filtering Messages When I am converting messages to the Intervoice ADPCM format, what
filtering or optimization is necessary for the telephony network? “Converting the .wav Files to Runtime Format Overview” on page 5-4 describes the steps for postprocessing a .wav file to InterSoft .ivc file format. The most critical step for voice clarity is equalization. By using the parametric equalization function in the Batch Converter to change the low frequency cutoff of the recorded voice, you can significantly change the clarity of the voice over the phone.
Most users find that they can achieve their voice quality requirements by modifying the low-shelf frequency of the paragraphic EQ step. Usually they raise the low-shelf to between 200 and 300 Mhz for improved clarity. You may find that a modification of the high-shelf parameter also will improve some types of voices. If you want, you can boost a small portion of the audio spectrum centered at 800 Hz up a few decibels to get extra clarity voice.
Do not improve the voice by boosting the bass. While this may seem improved on a hi-fi speaker, the voice quality does not work well over a phone handset. The primary information carrying bandwidth of the human voice is between 400 and 2000 Hz, and boosting frequencies outside of this range actually lowers the listener’s comprehension.
Reducing Pops and Clicks in Messages
I have heard that the CRVoice2 utility fixes the pops and clicks in messages. Is this a result of making sure the message is in 4-byte increments, or does something else resolve this problem? And what does the CRVoice2 utility do?
Sound Forge version 4.5 and later versions of the Batch Converter with the Example Batch Script Vx.0.bcs file create InterSoft .ivc files with the correct byte count lengths. If you convert your .wav message masters using Sound Forge 4.5 or later versions of the Batch Converter, which is the correct way to convert messages, you do not have problems with pops caused by message length.
Other wave editors do not process or compress the message files correctly and should not be used to create InterSoft .ivc files. Other editors can be used to record the .wav master files, but only the Sonic Foundry Batch Converter can convert them.
60001198, Second Edition Frequently Asked Questions A-7 FAQs
The CRVoice2 utility checks the message length and corrects it when necessary. However, it should not be used for that purpose because it does not perform the other operations on the .wav file that the Batch Converter does. The CRVoice2 utility is used strictly to rename the .ivc files to m.### for Intervoice systems. That is all it is designed to do. Checking the message length was included in this utility to fix a bug in an earlier version of Sound Forge. This earlier version is no longer available.
60001198, Second Edition Glossary-1
Glossary
µ-law (pronounced mu-law)
A Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) voice-encoding standard in which analog voice is band-limited to 4-KHz bandwidth and then sampled at twice its highest frequency (4000 x 2), with the sample then converted as an eight-bit binary number. Samples must be taken 8000 times per second, so each sample is 1/8000 of a second, or 125 microseconds. A standard telephone voice channel is transmitted at 64 KBps, or eight samples in 125 microseconds. The µ-law standard is used on T1 systems in the United States, Japan, Mexico, and Canada. See also A-law.
adaptive differential pulse code modulation (ADPCM)
A method of encoding digitized voice that requires fewer bits than linear or µ-law encoding (voice compression). The Intervoice system has a standard file format for voice messages using this compression method at 32 KBps and 24 KBps.
ADPCM
See adaptive differential pulse code modulation. A-law
The method of encoding sampled audio waveforms used in the 2048-KB, 30-channel PCM primary system. A-law is the standard widely used outside of North America on E1 systems. See also µ-law.
automatic labeling
The function of Sound Forge that allows the user to assign
descriptive filenames to master voice files. This function should be set up before messages are recorded.
bandwidth
Glossary-2 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition Batch Converter
The Sonic Foundry program that allows the processing of multiple audio files in a single process.
click
A sound, or noise, that occurs in voice recordings; a type of audible interference that must be corrected in voice recordings.
command prompt
An operating system prompt that appears in an operating system window or full-screen session. Commands that run programs are entered at this prompt.
CRVoice2 utility
A utility that assists in the naming of multiple voice files for use in InterSoft runtime.
dBm
A decibel below 1 milliwatt (mW). See also decibel. DC offset
The average of all of the positive and negative integers in a
waveform. This number can be positive or negative. Zero is referred to as no DC offset.
decibel (dB)
A unit for measuring the power of a sound or the strength of a signal. direct memory access
See DMA.
DMA (direct memory access)
A technique in which an adapter bypasses a computer’s CPU and handles the transfer of data between itself and the system’s memory directly.
equalization
The frequency manipulation of a sound using adjustable filters. filename
A name given by the user to electronically stored data for purposes of saving it and retrieving it at a later time. Filenames may be of varying lengths depending on the operating system used. The three-character extension (in the 8.3 format) designates the type of file: text (.txt), word processing (.doc), executable program (.exe), and so on. For multiple-operating system compatibility, the system requires the 8.3 format and recommends lowercase filenaming.
60001198, Second Edition Glossary-3 imsgmod4.exe utility
A utility that truncates messages to a length divisible by 4 bytes. This truncation eliminates clicks and pops within messages used on the system. This utility is not recommended by Intervoice.
InterSoft system
An Intervoice system that operates on the InterSoft runtime environment with IQTalk or the VoiceXML Browser. InterSoft version 3
The core software program used to bring applications into IQTalk voice browser runtime. InterSoft version 3 is designed to run on Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems.
Intervoice IQ Environment [VoiceXML Browser System] A completely integrated environment that is bundled with the Intervoice InterSoft runtime system. However, it can also have speech recognition and text-to-speech servers. It offers a complete solution including design, development, and deployment tools as well as operation administration and management tools. It also includes data integration options to connect to legacy, enterprise server, and Web-based data sources. Browser options are IQTalk or VoiceXML, and operating system options are Windows NT or Windows 2000.
Intervoice runtime system
One or more Intervoice voice browser systems and other hardware that perform call processing, audiotex, speech recognition, call directing, voice messaging, and interactive voice response. This system is the interface between telephone callers and a host computer, the Internet, a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), or telecommunication network, and local or remote databases. The Intervoice voice browser systems can be integrated in one box or distributed in multiple boxes. This can also be called IVR and was formerly called Omvia Media Server. IQTalk
The InterSoft runtime engine and voice browser that interprets and processes the InVision application. It can also interface with user- defined programs written in C or Assembly.
KBps
Kilobits per second. This is the number of bits passing a specific point per second in an audio file/voice message.
message
An audio file that, combined with other messages, comprises the spoken information in an application.
Glossary-4 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition Mu-law
See µ-law. normalization
A process used in the Intervoice Example Batch V2.sfz file to adjust the volume of all the audio files to the same level.
Omvia Media Server
See Intervoice runtime system. pop
A sound, or noise, that occurs in voice recordings; a type of audible interference that must be corrected in voice recordings.
preset
An audio processing function in Sound Forge. RealCare
The remote diagnostic and troubleshooting service available to customers as a contractual option. RealCare operates a national WATS line at 1-800-955-4688.
runtime
The mode in which the system answers customer calls and communicates with the host; the system in the production environment.
Sound Forge
A program, created by Sonic Foundry, and distributed by Sony Media Software, Inc., that performs postprocessing and complex editing. It can also be used to record and edit messages.
trimming
The action of eliminating or cutting silence from the beginnings and ends of voice messages.
voice compression
A method for reducing the bandwidth required for storing or transmitting digital voice signals.
voice file set
A set of individual voice files that contain the recorded messages for an application. These voice files are contained in a subdirectory of the application directory.
60001198, Second Edition Glossary-5 voice message
A digital .wav file used when an individual message is changed in a voice file set (.vfs). While the message file is being changed, any application playing the current message continues to play it. The new message is played at the next message request.
voice message file numbering
The method of naming voice message files m.###. They must begin with m to be recognized, for example:
m.001 – message number 1 m.777 – message number 777 m2.010 – message number 2010 Voice Pool Set
A type of VoiceSet that contains a collection of voice messages for applications that record large amounts of voice, such as LeaveWord recording. Messages from a Voice Pool Set (as in an InVision application) are used in place of messages from the voice file set (.vfs). Voice Pool Sets are contained in a subdirectory of the application directory. See also VSUTIL utility.
Voice Set utility
See VSUTIL utility. voice talent
The person whose voice is used to produce voice recordings. VSUTIL utility (VoiceSet utility)
The program that creates VoiceSet directories based on the information it reads in the .app file (stored in the application directory). Actual pools are created in the Voice Pool Set for use with LeaveWord and Advanced LeaveWord, as well as in the Alternate Message table for use by YourVoice. It also creates any necessary indirection files. VSUTIL should be started from a command prompt in the application directory.
.wav
A standard format for audio files. A file that contains
Windows-compliant audio data. The file can be played on any Windows system with audio hardware. Intervoice has defined an 11.025 KHz, 16-bit .wav file as its master format.
Glossary-6 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition Windows 2000
A network operating system built from Microsoft Windows NT technology. Windows 2000 provides support for both peer-to-peer networking as a work group and centralized administration
networking as a domain. Windows 2000 has two major versions: Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional. For IVRs, Intervoice recommends Windows 2000 Server, which supports communication between a larger number of systems. Windows 2000 Professional can be used to run applications on business desktops and laptop computers.
60001198, Second Edition Index-1
Index
.ivc files 6-4, 6-5 naming 6-3 quality of 7-2 .wav files 6-4 clipping 2-2conversion and reconversion 7-2
converting 5-2
defined Glossary-5
described 3-2
editing and compressing 7-2
master format 7-2
keeping two copies 7-2
renaming 6-3
updating 7-2
µ-law compressed data format, explained 3-2
A
AC-powered speakers with cables, recommended hardware 2-3
adaptive pulse code modulation (ADPCM) 5-2
.ivc data format 3-3, 5-8
decoder 5-4
ADPCM. see adaptive differential pulse code modulation
A-law
ADPCM compression 5-5
defined Glossary-1
applet, ctmix32.exe A-5
audience for this document ix
audio cable
recommended hardware 2-3
Y-adapter 2-4
audio file format
InterSoft IQTalk 3-3
VoiceXML 3-3
Automatic Gain Control (ACG) A-5
automatic labeling and Sound Forge 4-2
defined Glossary-1
setting up 4-2
B
background noise 2-12
bandwidth, defined Glossary-1
bass boosting A-6
Batch Converter 3-3, 4-6
defined Glossary-2
downloading 2-6
installing 5-2
modifying sample batch script 5-8
parametric equalization function A-6
postprocessing steps 8 KHz resampling 5-4
DC Offset Removal 5-4
Front and Back silence buffering 5-4
Front and Back silence trimming 5-4
Message level normalization 5-4
registering 2-6
removing batch scripts 4-18
using 5-6
using sample batch script 5-3
batch scripts
modifying 5-3, 5-8
removing 4-18
Index-2 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition buttons Record 2-8, 4-2 Reset 2-8 Stop 4-8 C
caution note xiv
checklists recording process 4-6 studio set up 2-2 click defined Glossary-2 reducing A-6 clipping described 2-9 fixing 2-9 preventing 2-10 command prompt 6-4 defined Glossary-2
connecting the sound card and speakers 2-4
conventions used in this document xiv
converting .wav file to.ivc file 5-4
CRVoice2 utility 4-6
and .ivc files 2-7
command 6-5
defined Glossary-2
install directory 6-4
options
<-rename> (optional) 6-5
<source file spec> 6-5
<target directory> 6-5
-h 6-5
renaming files 2-7
starting from a command prompt 6-5
starting from an icon 6-5
using 6-4
CRVoice2.exe file 6-4, 6-5
ctmix32.exe A-5
customer support xv
D
dB(decibel), defined Glossary-2
dBm, defined Glossary-2 DC offset defined Glossary-2 removal 2-13, 5-4 statistics, viewing 2-13 window 2-12 diagram conversion process 5-2
creating audio recordings 1-3
from .wav to .ivc 6-3
DMA (direct memory access), defined
Glossary-2
document reference xiv
documentation access xi
formats xi
Intervoice xi
OEM for installation instructions 2-2
downloading from Web site Batch Converter 2-6
E
equalization 5-5
defined Glossary-2
example Batch Script 5-2
F FAQs
converting messages A-3
defining DC offset A-2
filtering messages A-6
installing the Audiophile 2496 card A-4
normalizing the message volume A-5
producing 64-KB messages A-3
recording steps A-2
reducing pops and clicks A-6
turning off Automatic Gain Control (AGC)
A-5
using the Gain Leveling Preset A-4
figures, list of v
filename
defined Glossary-2
60001198, Second Edition Index-3 files .ivc 6-5 .wav defined Glossary-5 CRVoice2.exe 6-4, 6-5
Intervoice Example Batch Script 5.0 5-3
filtering messages A-6
formats, standard InterSoft runtime 3-3
G
Gain Leveling Preset, described A-4
general note xiv
H
hardware, recommended 1-4
I
information symbols used in this document xiv
installing
Batch Converter 2-6
CRVoice2 2-7
hardware 2-3
InterSoft
file naming conventions 6-1
master format, differences between Windows master format 3-3
runtime format 3-2
runtime messages, format 6-1
InterSoft system, defined Glossary-3
InterSoft version 3, defined Glossary-3
Intervoice
documentation xi
Example Batch Script 5.0 file 5-3
Example Batch Script file contents 5-3
Example Batch V2.sfz file 5-2
master format 3-2
standard master format 3-2
technical support xv
voice file, naming conventions 6-3
Web site 1-1, 5-3, 5-8, 6-5, A-1
Intervoice system defined Glossary-3
IQTalk, defined Glossary-3
J
jack-to-jack shield adapter, recommended hardware 2-3
K KBps
defined Glossary-3
kilobits per second Glossary-3
L
list of figures v
list of tables vii
M
master format .wav files 7-2
Windows 3-3
M-audio sound card, recommended 2-3
message
defined Glossary-3
file, final volume levels 2-8
filtering A-6
volume, normalizing A-5
microphone 2-2
cable, recommended hardware 2-3
commercial and preamplifiers 2-9
connecting 2-2
level on preamplifier 2-9, 2-12
placement 2-9
recommended hardware 2-3
recommended type, supercardioid 2-9
Sennheiser, more information 2-9
setting levels 2-8
modifying the example batch script 5-8
mu law, defined Glossary-1
N
noise floor test 2-2, 2-12, 4-6
failure causes 2-13
normalization 5-4
defined Glossary-4
Index-4 Sound Forge and the Intervoice System Audio File Guide 60001198, Second Edition note boxes
caution xiv
document reference xiv
general xiv
tip xiv
warning xiv
O
Omvia Media Server defined Glossary-4
optimization of messages A-6
P
parametric equalization function A-6
playback 5-5 plug-in chain 5-4 pop defined Glossary-4 reducing A-6 postprocessing 5-4
power cord, recommended hardware 2-3
preamplifier 2-2
and commercial microphones 2-9
line-level input aux 2-2 line 2-2 recommended hardware 2-3 preset defined Glossary-4
Gain Leveling A-4
Normalize A-4
prompt, command, defined Glossary-2
purpose of this document ix
R
RealCare xv
defined Glossary-4
recommended hardware
AC-powered speakers with cables 2-3, 2-4
audio cable 2-3
jack-to-jack shield adapter 2-3, 2-4
M-audio sound card 2-3
microphone 2-3
microphone cable 2-3
power cord 2-3
preamplifier 2-3
sound card 2-4
Y-adapter audio cable 2-3
Record button 2-8, 4-2
recording
attributes 2-8
Intervoice standard settings 4-5
setting 4-5
continuous methods 4-7, 4-8, 4-9
Multiple takes (no Regions) 4-8, 4-9
message-by-message methods 4-7, 4-8, 4-12
Create a new window for each take 4-8,
4-15
Multiple takes creating Regions 4-8, 4-12
messages in Sound Forge 4-9
process checklist 4-6
resampling 5-4
Reset button 2-8
RMS power 2-13
runtime, defined Glossary-4
S
sample batch script, using into Batch Converter
5-3
setting recording attributes 4-5
setting up automatic labeling 4-2
signal-to-noise ratio 2-8 silence buffering 5-4 trimming 5-4 software, recommended 1-5 sound card 2-2, 5-4 audio input 2-2
Automatic Gain Control (ACG) A-5
connecting to speakers 2-4
installing A-4
volume controls disabled upon installation
A-4
Sound Forge
automatic labeling function 4-2
Batch Converter 5-2 defined Glossary-4 importance of registering 2-6 level monitors 4-9, 4-12, 4-15 recording messages 4-9 recording mode 4-9
60001198, Second Edition Index-5 technical support A-1
speakers 2-2
connecting to sound card 2-4
Stop button 4-8
studio setup 2-2
summary of changes 1-2
system utilities
CRVoice2 utility 6-4
VSUTIL utility (VoiceSet utility)
Glossary-5
T
tables, list of vii
technical support xv
Sound Forge A-1
tip xiv
trimming
defined Glossary-4
silence 5-4
U
updating the Batch Converter 2-6
using
Example Batch Script 5-3
utilities
batch scripts A-4
CRVoice2 6-4
defined Glossary-2
VSUTIL (VoiceSet utility) Glossary-5
defined Glossary-5
V
viewing DC offset statistics 2-13
voice
compression, defined Glossary-4
file set, defined Glossary-4
files
converting Dialogic A-3
quality issues 7-2
message file numbering, defined
Glossary-5
message, defined Glossary-5
quality 7-2
talent A-4
and individual master files 5-1
and microphone 2-9
defined Glossary-5
reading preference 4-8, 4-9
Voice Pool Set, defined Glossary-5
VSUTIL utility (VoiceSet utility) defined Glossary-5
W
warning note xiv
Web sites
Intervoice A-1
Windows 2000, defined Glossary-6
Y
Y-adapter audio cable 2-4