lip sync
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Google wants you to train its AI by lip syncing 'Dance Monkey' by Tones and I
Google is asking users to lip sync 'Dance Monkey' by Tones and I in order to train its AI.
Samsung patent ties emotional states to virtual faces through voice, shows when we're cracking up
Voice recognition usually applies to communication only in the most utilitarian sense, whether it's to translate on the spot or to keep those hands on the wheel while sending a text message. Samsung has just been granted a US patent that would convey how we're truly feeling through visuals instead of leaving it to interpretation of audio or text. An avatar could change its eyes, mouth and other facial traits to reflect the emotional state of a speaker depending on the pronunciation: sound exasperated or brimming with joy and the consonants or vowels could lead to a furrowed brow or a smile. The technique could be weighted against direct lip syncing to keep the facial cues active in mid-speech. While the patent won't be quite as expressive as direct facial mapping if Samsung puts it to use, it could be a boon for more realistic facial behavior in video games and computer-animated movies, as well as signal whether there was any emotional subtext in that speech-to-text conversion -- try not to give away any sarcasm.
Ask Engadget HD: How to fix lip sync issues?
One of the downsides to digital video is the audio has a tendency to get out of sync. We see it on broadcast TV as well as Blu-ray Discs, the issue is literally everywhere. Many AV receivers have a audio delay feature, and even some Blu-ray players, but which is the best and exactly how do you calibrate them? There are plenty of test patterns for tweaking everything from contrast, to overscan, but what about audio sync? And other than good reference material, what other techniques do you use to figure out exactly how much delay is needed? Now we realize that HDMI 1.3 has some built in audio sync magic, but while it works on some titles, it makes others worse. So tell us dear readers, please, how exactly do you fix lip sync issues? Got a burning question that you'd love to toss out for Engadget HD (or its readers) to take a look at? Tired of Google's blank stares when you ask for real-world experiences? Hit us up at ask at engadgethd dawt com and keep an eye on this space -- your inquiry could be next.
Tengu Black ready to rock your world
Did you know that some pseudo-scientists pinpointed January 18 as this year's most depressing day? As we gaze out from the Engadget mansions at the leafless trees and listless mood outside, we can't help but agree that January's a bit of a downer. So to pep yourself up geeky style, why not grab an all-new Tengu Black? It seems a faithful reproduction (i.e. identical but for the color) of the white Tengu, a USB plug-in device that listens to your music and tries to lip sync to it with its LED array contorting into "over 14 different facial expressions." Let's face it, with the Robot Apocalypse all but assured, we should be practicing our love of inanimate objects as much as possible. A video reminder of how the older Tengu does its thing awaits after the break.
DIY robot mask uses iPhone display to lip sync your drunken Halloween slurrings
You know, after getting beat up last year at the Engadget HQ Halloween party for daring to dress up as an iPod, we're ready to exact a little bit of revenge with this most excellent robot mask idea. The idea is simple enough: it simply pairs the MouthOff app with a cardboard box and tinfoil, but the results speak (and lip sync) for themselves. Check out the video how-to after the break.
Lip syncing Tengu adds some merriment to your USB port
We know, you're probably on your third USB hub by now, but even if this forces you to purchase an entirely new machine in order to cram one more USB-powered whatchamacallit into it, it's simply a must. Meet Tengu, the USB lip syncer that politely sits beside your machine until it gets wind of nearby tunes, after which its face lights up and the digital mouth begins to try its best at matching the words coming from your speakers. Unsurprisingly, the design will reportedly be manufactured by none other than Solid Alliance, and while it's hard to realize how awe-inspiring this thing is in just the picture above, click on through for a video demonstration you won't soon forget.[Via EverythingUSB]
Alchemy produces and ships new HDTV "lip-sync" solution - DDL & DDL4
Don't you hate it when the audio is just a half-a-sec ahead/behind the movement of the lips. Oh we can't stand that, but Alchemy has a new solution that will hopefully put the end to the notorious Chinese Kung Fu movie syndrome. Simply plug in your digital audio cable to this little magical box and then output it to your receiver via another digital wire. You can then select the amount of delay to make it as precise as you want. Alchemy has made it easy for you to work as well with a built-in IR code learner so when you switch your receiver to another input, this box will switch as well. The two source DDL retails for $399 and while the four source DDL4 only fifty bucks more at $449. Monster Cable is getting into this game too and will be selling the DDL4 under the MonsterISF brand for surprisingly the same price.
