Voice Recognition on 720 - Discussion

[frankxs]

FlyinWillie,
$179!!! I'm going back to Best Buy tonight to get more money! I bought mine 3 weeks ago for $299, then went back with my receipt and got $50 back when the price dropped to $249...now it's at $179 I hope they give me an additional $70 back...

Me too. Exactly. I just called them and they told me they could only do ONE price match. Not two. And, that I was SOL.

-Frank

 

[jblasbalg]

Well, I just got back from Best Buy, and they were able to do a 2nd price match....$70 more in my bank account!! They said there is no limit as long as you are still within the 30 days of purchase...you should try again...as long as you have all of your receipts, you should be all set...

Part 1 of my evening successful...now going to download the maps, and see if i can get this pesky VR to work...

Me too. Exactly. I just called them and they told me they could only do ONE price match. Not two. And, that I was SOL.

-Frank

 

[jblasbalg]

Well, part 2 was not as successful as i had hoped...Very frustrated...here is what i did tonight:

1. Updated my maps to North_America_2GB (version 8.15)...success!
2. CSPEECH files now appeared in my Download folder in a zip file...success!
3. Copied about 7 of the CSPEECH files (including my state, MA) into the North_America_2GB folder of my device (G: drive)...success!
4. Copied my favorites file back in (MapSettings.cfg)
5. Double checked my ASR folder to confirm that my support_asr.dat file was still in tact...it was
6. Rebooted my 720....

When I first click on any of the icons for VR, for a split second, i can see a "Preparing speech recognition" menu flash, but then it just goes to the City input screen. After that, if I click on the lips icon in the lower right (next to the space bar) I get a loud chime with a "One Moment Please" message that flashes for a split second and then back to the City menu. I can't even get that "preparing speech recognition" message to flash unless i reboot the machine...and then it only happens the first time.

I saw a post in here from a while back with someone who had to "clean out" some old files and allow TTHome to replace those files....any chance that is what is happening here?

Any help that anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated. I feel like i've followed all the steps to a "T" and i'm getting a little desparate.

Thanks!

Well, I just got back from Best Buy, and they were able to do a 2nd price match....$70 more in my bank account!! They said there is no limit as long as you are still within the 30 days of purchase...you should try again...as long as you have all of your receipts, you should be all set...

Part 1 of my evening successful...now going to download the maps, and see if i can get this pesky VR to work...

 

[jblasbalg]

YES YES YES YES YES....WOOOOOHOOOOO!

ok...so, i searched for a few more threads, and stumbled upon a suggestion to unpack the navcore****.cab file from the download folder (this was suggested to someone who didn't have any files at all in their ASR folder), but upon comparing the contents of the ASR folder from the unpacked cab file, it appeared that i was missing a key file from my unit's ASR folder:

• 
  CommandsENG.ctx

Aparently, this is the file that tells the system to prompt you to speak a city, street, etc.

So after copying the FULL ASR folder from the CAB file into my device's ASR folder, and rebooting yet again.....GUESS WHAT??!?!!?!

IT WORKS!!!

i can't tell you how relieved , satisfied, happy, proud of myself, and physically exhausted i am...going to bed now, but will wake up happier than if i went to bed after my last post....

Thanks again to everyone in this forum...hopefully my post will help someone else out as well...

Well, part 2 was not as successful as i had hoped...Very frustrated...here is what i did tonight:

1. Updated my maps to North_America_2GB (version 8.15)...success!
2. CSPEECH files now appeared in my Download folder in a zip file...success!
3. Copied about 7 of the CSPEECH files (including my state, MA) into the North_America_2GB folder of my device (G: drive)...success!
4. Copied my favorites file back in (MapSettings.cfg)
5. Double checked my ASR folder to confirm that my support_asr.dat file was still in tact...it was
6. Rebooted my 720....

When I first click on any of the icons for VR, for a split second, i can see a "Preparing speech recognition" menu flash, but then it just goes to the City input screen. After that, if I click on the lips icon in the lower right (next to the space bar) I get a loud chime with a "One Moment Please" message that flashes for a split second and then back to the City menu. I can't even get that "preparing speech recognition" message to flash unless i reboot the machine...and then it only happens the first time.

I saw a post in here from a while back with someone who had to "clean out" some old files and allow TTHome to replace those files....any chance that is what is happening here?

Any help that anyone can provide will be greatly appreciated. I feel like i've followed all the steps to a "T" and i'm getting a little desparate.

Thanks!

 

[brusbrother]

1. Any thought as to whether future map/firmware updates would inactivate ASR like the FM transmitter in recent upgrades?
2. Is there any loss in unit speed by activating the entire speech recognition file instead of the few states as some have done?
I apologize for any "newbiness" of my concerns.
I wish there was one post out of these 30 pages that had the "Dummies" version. I just bought the 720 today and admire your successes but am personally IT challenged.

 

[frankxs]

Well, I just got back from Best Buy, and they were able to do a 2nd price match....$70 more in my bank account!! They said there is no limit as long as you are still within the 30 days of purchase...you should try again...as long as you have all of your receipts, you should be all set...

I will try in person today, rather than calling. I have a Best Buy about 1 mile from my house.

And... Congratulations on getting your VR working!

-Frank

 

[dhn]

1. Any thought as to whether future map/firmware updates would inactivate ASR like the FM transmitter in recent upgrades?
2. Is there any loss in unit speed by activating the entire speech recognition file instead of the few states as some have done?
I apologize for any "newbiness" of my concerns.
I wish there was one post out of these 30 pages that had the "Dummies" version. I just bought the 720 today and admire your successes but am personally IT challenged.

A good question if and when TT stops VR on 720's. They have threatened in the past but, fortunately, not so far......

If you have the space, you can put all 50 cspeech files (+ CAN) into your map folder. Personally, I did not have the room on my 720 until I moved my map to a 4-gig card.

Make sure you've made a full Explorer, not Home, backup and ensure hidden folders/files are showing.

 

[brusbrother]

A good question if and when TT stops VR on 720's. They have threatened in the past but, fortunately, not so far......

If you have the space, you can put all 50 cspeech files (+ CAN) into your map folder. Personally, I did not have the room on my 720 until I moved my map to a 4-gig card.

Make sure you've made a full Explorer, not Home, backup and ensure hidden folders/files are showing.

OK you are speaking a bit over my head.
I am trying to understand the process of updating firmware and maps. I just bought the 720 yesterday.
1. Do I first backup what is on the 720 out of the box?
2. When I apply for the updated 8.3 software and argue (if necessary) my way to the latest maps, is that downloaded to the 720 unit OR my PC?
3. Will this latest map update 8.15 provide for what I've read described as "advance lane guidance" and "IQ routing"?
4. If this is downloaded to the 720, do I upload part of the files to PC and then put back that part of speech that I need?
5. OR do I run the maps off of the SD (2 or 4 G?) card and the 720 is able to access them?
6. What is the backup of EXPLORER (not Home) that you refer to and how do I show hidden files?
I am about to begin the dance so any guidance is appreciated.

 

[jblasbalg]

For the most part, these instructions are very helpful (see the third post from this link):
https://www.tomtomforums.com/showthread.php?t=6594

OK you are speaking a bit over my head.
I am trying to understand the process of updating firmware and maps. I just bought the 720 yesterday.
1. Do I first backup what is on the 720 out of the box?
2. When I apply for the updated 8.3 software and argue (if necessary) my way to the latest maps, is that downloaded to the 720 unit OR my PC?
3. Will this latest map update 8.15 provide for what I've read described as "advance lane guidance" and "IQ routing"?
4. If this is downloaded to the 720, do I upload part of the files to PC and then put back that part of speech that I need?
5. OR do I run the maps off of the SD (2 or 4 G?) card and the 720 is able to access them?
6. What is the backup of EXPLORER (not Home) that you refer to and how do I show hidden files?
I am about to begin the dance so any guidance is appreciated.

 

[dhn]

OK you are speaking a bit over my head.
I am trying to understand the process of updating firmware and maps. I just bought the 720 yesterday.
1. Do I first backup what is on the 720 out of the box?

Yes, Use Explorer, not Home, and make a full backup of your unit's contents. Ensure hidden files/folders are showing

2. When I apply for the updated 8.3 software and argue (if necessary) my way to the latest maps, is that downloaded to the 720 unit OR my PC?

--Home first dl's to the PC anything retrieved from their servers including maps and new versions of firmware and then Home proceeds to attempt to install the software (or map) onto the unit. The default folder location for downloads is determined in Home's--Tools menu-->Folder Preferences tab

3. Will this latest map update 8.15 provide for what I've read described as "advance lane guidance" and "IQ routing"?

It will but be advised only major roads, if then, will have ALG and IQ routing; mostly major urban areas will have it for now but some States are covered better than others as of now. Canada has NO ALG data as of NA map 8.15!!!

4. If this is downloaded to the 720, do I upload part of the files to PC and then put back that part of speech that I need?

I'm going to suggest STRONGLY that you go get yourself a 4-gig sdhc card for your unit and install your NA map on it. That way, you'll have plenty of room for ALL speech files that come with the map and you won't need to waste your time trying to pick and choose to make the map fit.

5. OR do I run the maps off of the SD (2 or 4 G?) card and the 720 is able to access them?

See above answer.

6. What is the backup of EXPLORER (not Home) that you refer to and how do I show hidden files?
I am about to begin the dance so any guidance is appreciated.

In Control Panel...Folder Options-->View-->Advanced, check the buttons to show hidden files and folders. While you are at it, under that is the selection to show extensions for known file types. Check that, too.

Then, use Windows Explorer (NOT Internet Explorer) to copy ALL Files and Folders from your unit to a folder on your computer (referring to step 1 above). After you update your firmware and map, make ANOTHER full Explorer backup to a different folder.

 

[dhn]

Did you see my reply above yours????

 

[brusbrother]

Did you see my reply above yours????

Yes, sorry, computer kept asking to resend AND I complied, hence duplicate posts... Doh!

 

[brusbrother]

doh!

Damn. I got involved with tt support and neglected to copy the 720 out of box files. Any loss or harm?
Already upgraded to latest software and after proof of purchase I am currently downloading new map.
Rep said 2G max card for 720 unit but you approve 4G?

 

[brusbrother]

Fire Sale 720 for $79

Heads up for those in the market or recent BestBuy purchasers (price adjust).
Yesterday I was made aware that the BestBuy webiste had the 720 listed for $179 but ALSO indicated a $100 rebate. My order went through for $79 after discussing with phone rep.
http://www.fatwallet.com/forums/topic_view.php?catid=18&threadid=892671&start=280
The above link is the last of 30 pages of scenarios where some were and some were not successful and latest page seems to indicate you may prevail.
Now to get my 720 to chat with me....

 

[dhn]

Yes, for sure 4 gig and maybe more if you have firmware 8.3.

Well, make an Explorer backup at your first opportunity!!

 

[Pedro2NR]

Damn. I got involved with tt support and neglected to copy the 720 out of box files. Any loss or harm?

No, you should be fine. As long as you have a backup of a working unit.
I tend to make backups of every major change to the device which covers firmware or map upgrades.

 

[flyinwilly]

It Works !!!!

I called TT Tech support back when I hadn't rec'd the email with my "authorization" code. I was then informed that you HAVE to call back after you fax/email your receipt.

OK. So I downloaded the new maps, V815. Took about 4 hours at 1 MB. It then takes a long time (don't know exactly because I went to bed - it was 1 AM) to install. When I woke up, it was loaded but still didn't work. I checked for the support_asr.dat file and it was there but the cspeech files were not installed.

I unzipped the North American download to another directory and there they were. I loaded then into the TT North American 2G file and VR now wotks fine. I also now have IQ Routes working.

I wonder what other features are locked up in these files ??

Thanks for everybody's help in getting this working. I wonder if TT is going to expand the usage of VR in the future. It is quite limited now but it does work great.

Now to get the traffic antenna. I noticed that Circuit City and the TMS antenna and one years service for $69. Can anybody beat that price ??

 

[flyinwilly]

One other thing

I loaded ALL of the Cspeech files and ended up with 186 MB left after Home loaded ALL of the voice files. I am going to remove all but the computer voice (susan) and should pick up another 80 MB.

Willy

 

[Pedro2NR]

Glad you got VR working!
Does anyone need me to put up the 710 cspeech files up?

 

[Pedro2NR]

I loaded ALL of the Cspeech files and ended up with 186 MB left after Home loaded ALL of the voice files. I am going to remove all but the computer voice (susan) and should pick up another 80 MB.

Willy

That is good or u can also only use the cspeech file for your state. It's also best to purchase a SD card for additional storage.