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Expressivo - Frquently Asked Questions

About Expressivo:

1.1    How do I get the latest Expressivo version activation key?
1.2    In the activation window of the new program version there are 6 code fields. The previous key is too short. What do I do to make it work?
1.3    Can I type in the previous key (e.g. activation key of Expressivo Jacek) to activate the new IVONA Jacek voice?
1.4    How to enter the voice activation code?
1.5    Is a version planned for other operating systems (MacOS, Linux, Symbian, Windows Mobile)?
1.6    Is there going to be a palmtop version?
1.7    Expressivo is playing music in the background while reading. How do I turn it off?
1.8    What file formats are compatible with Expressivo?
1.9    Will audio files created using Expressivo work on my mp3 player?
1.10    How do I find Expressivo's dictionary of exceptions?
1.11   How do I install Expressivo on my iPod?
1.12   How do I update the previous Expressivo version when using Windows Vista OS?
1.13   What do I do if Expressivo won't update and keeps downloading the same version every time?
1.14   After updating Firefox\Expressivo the integrating icons have disappeared - how do I get them back?
1.15   What do I need to watch a film with a voiceover?
1.16   How to configure AllPlayer with Expressivo?
1.17   Is AllPlayer the only movie player compatible with Expressivo?
1.18   I've got Expressivo with an English voice. What do I have to do to use a Polish voice with the program?
1.19   Can I use Expressivo in my company to read legal materials, reports, emails?
1.20   Can I install Expressivo on two computers at the same time with only one licence?
1.21   Can I use the voice generated by Expressivo in my company or organization using it, for example, on a website, in a presentation, on a switchboard?
1.22   Can I use Expressivo to fully voice-over a computer station for the blind or partially-sighted?
1.23   How many workstations can I use Expressivo on under the licence?
1.24   I have purchased the electronic version of Expressivo. Can I copy the installation application on a CD?

Registration:

2.1    Why should I register Expressivo?
2.2    What do I do if I've registered the program and forgotten the password? I can't upgrade to the newer version!
2.3    How do I change the password?

Order:

3.1    Where can I buy Expressivo?
3.2    What does the full version do compared to the Trial?
3.3    How is the electronic version different from the box version?
3.4    Can I get a discount on purchasing more voices if I own the full version of Expressivo?
3.5    Why is Expressivo much cheaper than the IVONA Rehabilitation Package?



1.1 How do I get the latest Expressivo version activation key?

Answer: If you update the Expressivo program, the new version will automatically detect the key. If you are using the Trial version, you will receive the activation key after purchasing the program at our online shop at www.expressivo.com.

1.2 In the activation window of the new program version there are 6 code fields. The previous key is too short. What do I do to make it work?

Answer: Starting from version 1.5.0, Expressivo keys require the EX prefix. If you install the new version using the old key, enter "EX" in the first field (the smallest one).

1.3 Can I input the previous key (e.g. activation key of Expressivo Jacek) to activate the new IVONA Jacek voice?

Answer: No. New IVONA voices are independent from Expressivo and require separate keys. You can get the key by purchasing the voice at our online shop at www.expressivo.com.


1.4 How to enter the voice activation code?

Answer: To enter the activation key you simply need to select Voice activation from the Help menu (Expressivo must be updated to version 1.5.0 or higher).

A dialogue window will appear, with fields to enter the key. The key may be entered manually or copied from the e-mail sent after the purchase and pasted into the dialogue window.



1.5 Is a version planned for other operating systems (MacOS, Linux, Symbian, Windows Mobile)?

Answer: Currently, there is no work underway to make Expressivo available for operating systems other than Windows. In order to run Expressivo in MacOS or Linux you can use PC emulating programs from the Windows system installed, such as: parallels, vmware, or the freeware qem.


1.6 Is there going to be a palmtop version?

Answer: Currently, there are no steps being taken towards adapting Expressivo to this type of device. Such a version may be available in future.


1.7 Expressivo is playing music in the background while reading. How do I turn it off?

Answer: In Expressivo trial versions older than 1.5.0 the background music could not be turned off. Later Trial versions are no different from the full Expressivo application and do not play any background music. Its sole limitation is the 30-day period of operation which can be extended by entering the activation key received after the purchase.
Simply download the latest program version from www.expressivo.com and enjoy the new quality of speech.


1.8 What file formats are compatible with Expressivo?

Answer: Expressivo can read files in the following formats: doc, eml, html, pdf, rtf, sxw, txt, odt. In the future, new converters will be available, enabling files in new formats to be used.


1.9 Will audio files created using Expressivo work on my mp3 player?

Answer: Expressivo can save files in mp3, ogg and wav formats. If your mp3 player uses any of these formats you won't have the slightest problem in listening to audio files created by Expressivo.


1.10 How do I find Expressivo's dictionary of exceptions?

Answer: The dictionary file is called ExpressivoDictionary_XX.xml (where XX stands for a two letter abbreviation of the language). The file has slightly different locations depending on the system. You can access the file using one of the following methods:
  1. Select the following folder in windows explorer:
    • Windows Vista:
      C:\Users\Nazwa_uzytkownika\AppData\Roaming\Expressivo
    • Windows XP:
      C:\Documents and Settings\Nazwa_uzytkownika\Dane aplikacji\Expressivo
  2. Open Windows Explorator directly from the Expressivo folder. To do that you need
    1. Select RUN from menu START
    2. enter and run the following command:
      %appdata%\Expressivo

Note – the following tip is universal and works in all Windows system versions.


1.11 How do I install Expressivo on my iPod?

Answer: Expressivo cannot be installed on an iPod. Expressivo does however integrate with iTunes. iTunes is Apple's excellent tool for cataloguing and managing the recordings library on your computer. Thanks to the integration of Expressivo with iTunes it's childsplay transferring audiobooks onto your iPod.


1.12 How do I update the previous Expressivo version when using Windows Vista OS?

Answer: Expressivo in version older than 1.2.0 may encounter problems with updates on machines with Windows Vista.

Windows Vista OS is equipped with UAC (User Account Control) which considerably changes the user account service. For successful update Expressivo requires administrator rights. However, the additional security level of Vista assumes that ALL accounts have the rights of an ordinary user (including the members of the Administrators group).

The only effective way to update Expressivo 1.1.0 and older versions is to run the program with administrator rights.

To launch Expressivo in administrator mode you need to:
  • right click on the Expressivo icon on the desktop.
  • Select Run as administrator.
  • When the User Account Control screen displays allow the computer to run Expressivo.
After closing the screen, Expressivo will run in administrator mode and the update process (available after selecting the Check software updates from the Network resources menu) should continue without problems.

In Expressivo 1.2.0 and latest versions this setback has been eliminated and the program may be updated without the need to launch it in administrator mode.


1.13 What do I do if Expressivo won't update and keeps downloading the same version every time?

Answer: This situation indicates that the operating system is blocking the launch of the update installer. In such cases, it is necessary to "manually" force the installer to start. Select (in Windows) from the Start menu the Run option, then enter the following command:
%temp%\Expressivo_setup.exe


1.14 After updating Firefox\Expressivo the integrating icons have disappeared - how do I get them back?

Answer:
  • Open Firefox.
  • Go to the program menu at the top and select View -> Toolbar -> Customize.
  • This brings up the Customize toolbar window, in which the Expressivo icons can be found.
  • Now you can move them to the browser's taskbar by "drag-and-drop".

1.15 What do I need to watch a film with a voiceover?

Answer: To watch a film with a voiceover you need:
  • Expressivo,
  • film in DivX format with matching subtitles,
  • Film player compatible with Expressivo (e.g. freeware AllPlayer).


1.16 How to configure AllPlayer with Expressivo?

Answer: To configure AllPlayer with Expressivo do the following:
  • After installing and running AllPlayer go to the program configuration menu.
  • Select Settings tab from the configuration menu, then select Dubbing
  • Select the Dubbing must be on!. check box. Save changes and confirm by clicking Ok.
NOTES:
  • For the dubbing option to work properly, Expressivo must be installed on the computer.
  • The dubbing Volume and Reading speed options can only be changed in AllPlayer. Any changes of reading speed in Expressivo will not affect the reading speed in AllPlayer.
The Test the dubbing option allows users to make sure that everything is configured correctly.


1.17 Is AllPlayer the only movie player compatible with Expressivo?

Answer: Apart from AllPlayer, the Expressivo voiceover can also be used in: SubEdit Player, BestPlayer and CinemaPlayer.


1.18 I've got Expressivo with an English voice. What do I have to do to use a Polish voice with the program?

Answer: Just buy a Polish voice in the Expressivo shop. The voice purchased will easily install into your copy of Expressivo.


1.19 Can I use Expressivo in my company to read legal materials, reports, emails?

Answer: Yes, the Expressivo licence allows its use on the computers of an organisation or company. So you can individually listen to emails, e-books, teaching or legal materials. More information about the use of Expressivo in a company or organisation can be found in this link. It should be remembered though, that the program licence forbids the use of speech generated by Expressivo in materials concerning a given company or organisation, i.e. on an Internet site, in presentations, on a switchboard (so-called commercial uses). Information on using Expressivo in business contexts is available from the Trading department of IVO Software: .


1.20 Can I install Expressivo on two computers at the same time with only one licence?

Answer: The licence defines the Expressivo program as single-site, which means that a given copy of the program may only be installed on 1 computer at a time. For example, if I have Expressivo installed at work - Expressivo cannot be installed at home. If I uninstall the program at work - I can install it at home. Using a single licence on two computers at any one time is illegal. A second licence must be purchased.


1.21 Can I use the voice generated by Expressivo in my company or organization using it, for example, on a website, in a presentation, on a switchboard?

Answer: The Expressivo licence forbids the public use of generated speech, including distribution within a company, in company materials or placement on a private website. In order to use the generated speech on a personal, business or organisation website it is necessary to purchase a product with a business licence.

More about products allowing the use of speech in accordance with the above examples can be found in the IVO Software Trading Department - or at www.ivona.com


1.22 Can I use Expressivo to fully voice-over a computer station for the blind or partially-sighted?

Answer: No. To fully voice-over a computer station for the blind or partially-sighted you need to have specialised software, such as screenreader. This, combined with IVONA Rehabilitation Package, will allow the blind or partially sighted to use the computer in a more comfortable manner.


1.23 How many workstation can I use Expressivo on under the licence?

Answer: Under the licence you can install and use the purchased application on any data storage device. To use Expressivo on another machine you need to buy a second licence.


1.24 I have purchased the electronic version of Expressivo. Can I copy the installation application on a CD?

Answer: Yes. According to the licence, you can store a copy of the purchased software on any data storage equipment, including a CD. We recommend that such a copy be made. In the event of hardware failure you will have an easy access to the Expressivo installation application.


2.1 Why should I register Expressivo?

Answer: As a registered user you get:
  • Full access to the Expressivo forum,
  • Automatic program updates to the new version.
An additional advantage of registration is that it simplifies and speeds up the process of customer service if any technical problems are reported with the program.

Attention! Registration is only available for users of the full program.
  • The registration process will be launched during first check for updates using Network resources.
  • Then follow the instructions displayed in a new dialogue window
  • After a successful registration, as a registered user you can use any on-line resources.


2.2 What do I do if I've registered the program and forgotten the password? I can't upgrade to the newer version!

Answer: Using the form, enter the user name and email address given on registering the program and the system will send you a new password.


2.3 How do I change the password?

Answer: In order to change the password use the form after logging in.


3.1 Where can I buy Expressivo?

Answer: You can buy Expressivo at our online shop at www.expressivo.com.


3.2 What does the full version do compared to the Trial?

Answer: You can use the Trial version legally for 30 days. The Trial version has the same functionalities as the full version. It is not restricted in any way other than the 30-day period of use. Moreover, in the Trial version it is not possible to use our Internet forum.


3.3 How is the electronic version different from the boxed version?

Answer: The program itself is no different. Previously a box version was available. Now we offer the electronic version only, you can download the application directly from the page the link to which will be sent to you after the purchase and payment have been confirmed.


3.4 Can I get a discount on purchasing more voices if I own the full version of Expressivo?

Answer: At our Internet shop shop.expressivo.com various promotions are often available. Please sign up for our newsletter - thanks to it you'll always be up to date and informed about all our promotions and discounts.


3.5 Why is Expressivo much cheaper than the IVONA Rehabilitation Package?

Answer: Expressivo does not have built-in voices at the moment. You need to buy a voice for each Expressivo application purchased without one. The rehabilitation version of IVONA is a text-to-speech application customized to rehabilitation needs, its 2009 version offers as many as 8 voices.