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sleepy
2 Posts |
 Posted - 09/10/2003 : 07:58:32 AM
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Hi! I'm concidering to buy FsHotSeat, but I have to get answers to these questions first before I make my decition:
1. Does FSHS let you customize the checklists? When I ie. use PMDG 737NG, can I then make the CP read the correct checklist, or is it just a generic 737 list, which most likely is not very accurate?
2. Planes like the PMDG 737NG uses custom guages that FSUIPC can't read the state of. ie. the yaw damper is not recognized. Can I still make the CP read out "Yaw damper - on", and then read the next item in the check list, even though FSHS doesn't know wether it is on or off?
3. Are there plans to make the voices more realistic? In the demo they are very syntethic. MS ATC sounds much better, and AFAIK they are not recordings, but "reads" text or some kind of computer code to make the sounds. Would it be possible to use the MS ATC "system" to make the voices in FSHS better?
4. Can I add more text to FSHS, so I for instance can add more "stupid jokes" and generic chatter to the CP??
Hope you can help me!
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Admin
926 Posts |
Posted - 09/10/2003 : 7:34:45 PM
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Good questions!
quote:
1. Does FSHS let you customize the checklists? When I ie. use PMDG 737NG, can I then make the CP read the correct checklist, or is it just a generic 737 list, which most likely is not very accurate?
2. Planes like the PMDG 737NG uses custom guages that FSUIPC can't read the state of. ie. the yaw damper is not recognized. Can I still make the CP read out "Yaw damper - on", and then read the next item in the check list, even though FSHS doesn't know wether it is on or off?
Actually you'll get a generic 2 engine jet checklist based on the equipment available and detectable via FSUIPC. This was a design decision to allow the copilot to execute any checklist item in any aircraft without setup.
quote:
3. Are there plans to make the voices more realistic? In the demo they are very syntethic. MS ATC sounds much better, and AFAIK they are not recordings, but "reads" text or some kind of computer code to make the sounds. Would it be possible to use the MS ATC "system" to make the voices in FSHS better?
Synthetic voices are, again, a design decision. MS ATC voices are recorded clips, about 5200 clips per voice. MSFS has over 100,000 different element names (airports, cities, weather stations, etc.) so MS accommodates about 5%--FSHS accommodates 100% plus anything in the future. To duplicate FSHotSeat’s ability to speak locations alone (disregarding checklists, chat and the like) you would have to record about 570,000 voice clips--synthetic voices will get a lot better long before you never finish.
FSHS is really a hybrid system, combining synthetic voices with real sounds and music. The synthetic voices provide maximum flexibility to the most dynamic, human elements of the sim (location names, weather, etc.) and sound clips provide a realistic depiction of the more static, mechanical elements (gear and flap wind, switches and fans, etc.)
After you’ve flown a few flights with Bob (our default copilot) you get used to his speech patterns and, ironically, he becomes more human than any voice clip. Why? Unpredictability and imperfection--two very human traits. He’s unpredictable because you can never be completely sure what and how he will say the next thing. He’s smart, he knows a lot about what’s happening around you. The next thing he says may be pointing out an important fact--or he may just be telling you a bad joke. And he’s imperfect--sometimes he mumbles or mispronounces--just like a human.
We have been working with synthetic voice makers (some voices are actually too good, slowing things down a bit and not sounding “tinny” enough for a cockpit) and we hope to be able to recommend additional voice selections in the future.
quote:
4. Can I add more text to FSHS, so I for instance can add more "stupid jokes" and generic chatter to the CP??
Absolutely. Check out the ModDocs section of the FSHS Help file for instructions. Here’s where you have your chance to “tweak” the personality of the system and swap changes with other users. You can randomly change almost anything that is spoken by any voice with simple text editing. Over 80 macro variables are available to include real-time flight information. Even combine sound effects with the voices. Bob can open a soda can. Adjust his seat. Cut a fart. That’s almost too human. We may also add a further interesting “twist” to this in the future.
Overall, FSHS designed for maximum flexibility within the constraint of minimum setup. It’s a balance of competing interests. We sacrificed some technical elements for the sake human elements because aviation, although technical by nature, is ultimately a human endeavor. You’ll know just how human when you sit through your post-flight evaluation.
We suggest you give the FSHotSeat demo some time--it grows on you. In fact, during the FS2002/FS2004 transition many users report sorely missing not just anonymous “voices”, but specifically “Bob”. Yeah, he can be a jerk at times--but that’s personality.
FSHotSeat™ Support
(Sleepy: We've locked this topic to keep it concise. Please start a new topic for any comments. Thanks.) |
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Considering buying FsHotSeat...
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