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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 1:59:34 GMT
Why is it that the voices of each line and stations differ so wildly? For example, some Central Line stations like St Pauls and Chancery Lane have a very clear, articulate voice announcing trains and disruptions, yet it is different to the voice of the trains themselves. Both of these differ from the awful automated announcements and KX-St Pancras - clearly an important station with a voice that is almost impossible to understand.
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Post by jswallow on Oct 2, 2011 7:44:12 GMT
Why does it matter if the voices are different, as long as they're clear and understood?
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SE13
In memoriam
RIP 23-Oct-2013
Glorious Gooner
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Post by SE13 on Oct 2, 2011 7:48:55 GMT
I think the point was that they aren't!
I suppose it'll be down to whoever wins the contract when new announcements are needed after various upgrades or stock deliveries. I doubt there will ever be a time when a uniform voice is used over the entire network.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 9:33:43 GMT
Personally I'd rather they ditched the automated announcements for all but 'next stop' info, and used station staff to record the service update announcements (as already happens alongside the automated ones in many places)
The automated service announcement messages only tell you which lines are affected, but don't tell you where or why, so on a complex line like the District or Nothern, it's hard to work out whether any disruption will affect your journey.
Station staff announcements tend to provide a bit more useful info, and focus on where you are now.
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Post by alfie on Oct 2, 2011 9:51:22 GMT
The announcer at Eastbound Picc Holborn seems very annoyed - 'The next train will arrive in FIIIVE MINUTES!'
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castlebar
Planners use hindsight, not foresight
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Post by castlebar on Oct 2, 2011 9:56:07 GMT
"You are now at "Street Level". The next stop will be "Platform Level", which is where this lift stops"
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Post by su31 on Oct 2, 2011 11:19:44 GMT
As far as station announcements go, there are now automated 'The next train will be a....' played on a number of platforms. This is to assist with visually impared customers.
Although most stations have a digital voice announcer on the PA system, it is worth noting that officially, staff are encouraged to record their own 'live' announcements. This doesn't always happen though...
As fas as rolling-stock goes, Emma Clarke had the 'monopoly' until she was unfortunately dropped. Emma Hignett is the new voice, appearing on new stock, and on the (distorted) H&C/Circle updated PA. She is also the voice of iBus (the bus automated announcement system).
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Post by auxsetreq on Oct 2, 2011 11:28:10 GMT
Ironic that a *Vox Pop* should be implemented..........
Question and statement ;
Would you prefer it oh dear travelling one that we get rid of all the poxy announcements all together, stop patronising you and let you use your own reasoning that'll allow you to get from A to B? You can use the maps and signs, and you can ask any staff ( the ones that still remain ) for assistance in your travelogue.
For we have noticed oh dear travelling one that you don't take a blind bit of notice of our sonic spam anyway, or you are wired into your electronic gizmo, or you are Polish.
Answers ;
Oh, please do, just turn the friggin' things off. You are right oh bald fat trained monkey, for we do not listen to your noise pollution, and we fiddle with our gizmos in full gaze of the public to take our minds off your silly din. And even though we are dead due to the fact the the Polish sparks wired up our electrical sockets using Sellotape for insulation, we would like to rest in peace whilst on your little tube..............
Good, good. .........I'll send your responses off now to TFL headquarters, expect the announcements to be ramped up in intensity immediately. Too many non-jobs exist for the sole purpose of pi$$ing you off. And it keeps Miss Tree Chopper in clean M&S knickers..........
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Post by su31 on Oct 2, 2011 11:33:46 GMT
Ironic that a *Vox Pop* should be implemented.......... Question and statement ; Would you prefer it oh dear travelling one that we get rid of all the poxy announcements all together, stop patronising you and let you use your own reasoning that'll allow you to get from A to B? You can use the maps and signs, and you can ask any staff ( the ones that still remain ) for assistance in your travelogue. For we have noticed oh dear travelling one that you don't take a blind bit of notice of our sonic spam anyway, or you are wired into your electronic gizmo, or you are Polish. Answers ; Oh, please do, just turn the friggin' things off. You are right oh bald fat trained monkey, for we do not listen to your noise pollution, and we fiddle with our gizmos in full gaze of the public to take our minds off your silly din. And even though we are dead due to the fact the the Polish sparks wired up our electrical sockets using Sellotape for insulation, we would like to rest in peace whilst on your little tube.............. Good, good. .........I'll send your responses off now to TFL headquarters, expect the announcements to be ramped up in intensity immediately. Too many non-jobs exist for the sole purpose of pi$$ing you off. And it keeps Miss Tree Chopper in clean M&S knickers.......... "LIKE!" ;D |
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Post by Alight on Oct 2, 2011 12:30:09 GMT
As far as station announcements go, there are now automated 'The next train will be a....' played on a number of platforms. This is to assist with visually impared customers. Although most stations have a digital voice announcer on the PA system, it is worth noting that officially, staff are encouraged to record their own 'live' announcements. This doesn't always happen though... As fas as rolling-stock goes, Emma Clarke had the 'monopoly' until she was unfortunately dropped. Emma Hignett is the new voice, appearing on new stock, and on the (distorted) H&C/Circle updated PA. She is also the voice of iBus (the bus automated announcement system). I'm afraid I must correct you on your assertion that Emma Hignett is the new voice. True, she voices iBus (in addition to London Overground trains/platforms and DLR platforms) but she isn't heard on London Underground new stock. The voice heard on new London Underground stock (and C Stock) is unknown and currently this information is not available from TfL. She is also the voice for O2 mobile (if you dial 202; free call for O2 users). Pauline Cavilla claims to be the 'new voice of London Underground' though she is only heard at selected stations, notably along the Central line such as at Holborn and White City. Effectively, the system she voices competes with Elinor Hamilton's announcements heard mainly on the Piccadilly, Northern and Jubilee lines e.g. "Piccadilly line, the train now approaching is to Rayners Lane. Please stand back from the platform edge." |
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Post by Alight on Oct 2, 2011 12:32:47 GMT
Why is it that the voices of each line and stations differ so wildly? For example, some Central Line stations like St Pauls and Chancery Lane have a very clear, articulate voice announcing trains and disruptions, yet it is different to the voice of the trains themselves. Both of these differ from the awful automated announcements and KX-St Pancras - clearly an important station with a voice that is almost impossible to understand. You're right, the KXSP announcement system is pretty crude. It is a text-to-speech system. You can actually play around with it yourself on the internet. Visit www.oddcast.com/home/demos/tts/tts_example.php and then select voice "Serena (UK)" and there you have it! |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 13:32:36 GMT
Well, surely KXSP should be a clear, easy to understand voice like at St Pauls?
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Post by uzairjubilee on Oct 2, 2011 13:52:13 GMT
What voice should be selected on that website to hear the KX one?
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Post by chrisvandenkieboom on Oct 2, 2011 14:08:07 GMT
I'm afraid I must correct you on your assertion that Emma Hignett is the new voice. True, she voices iBus (in addition to London Overground trains/platforms and DLR platforms) but she isn't heard on London Underground new stock. The voice heard on new London Underground stock (and C Stock) is unknown and currently this information is not available from TfL. She is also the voice for O2 mobile (if you dial 202; free call for O2 users). Nonsensial FOIA request, anyone? anyway, I usually prefer people with megaphones on the platforms shouting the service updates, and whiteboards at some subsuface station entrances (like GPS)... |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 14:15:39 GMT
Many years ago (and I do mean many!) I recall a station assistant at Baker Street who could 'call' a fast Amersham without the need for either a PA system or a megaphone!  |
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
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Post by North End on Oct 2, 2011 17:08:07 GMT
As far as station announcements go, there are now automated 'The next train will be a....' played on a number of platforms. This is to assist with visually impared customers. Although most stations have a digital voice announcer on the PA system, it is worth noting that officially, staff are encouraged to record their own 'live' announcements. This doesn't always happen though... As fas as rolling-stock goes, Emma Clarke had the 'monopoly' until she was unfortunately dropped. Emma Hignett is the new voice, appearing on new stock, and on the (distorted) H&C/Circle updated PA. She is also the voice of iBus (the bus automated announcement system). I'm afraid I must correct you on your assertion that Emma Hignett is the new voice. True, she voices iBus (in addition to London Overground trains/platforms and DLR platforms) but she isn't heard on London Underground new stock. The voice heard on new London Underground stock (and C Stock) is unknown and currently this information is not available from TfL. She is also the voice for O2 mobile (if you dial 202; free call for O2 users). Pauline Cavilla claims to be the 'new voice of London Underground' though she is only heard at selected stations, notably along the Central line such as at Holborn and White City. Effectively, the system she voices competes with Elinor Hamilton's announcements heard mainly on the Piccadilly, Northern and Jubilee lines e.g. "Piccadilly line, the train now approaching is to Rayners Lane. Please stand back from the platform edge." According to documentation I have seen, the voice used on 2009 stock and S stock is Sarah Parnell. Anyone confirm or deny this? |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 17:37:50 GMT
According to documentation I have seen, the voice used on 2009 stock and S stock is Sarah Parnell. Anyone confirm or deny this? Have a listen for yourself I think your right there, certainly sounds like her. |
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Post by Alight on Oct 2, 2011 18:10:53 GMT
What voice should be selected on that website to hear the KX one? As I'd already mentioned, select Serena (UK) Nonsensial FOIA request, anyone? Myself and someone else have already done this. TfL do not hold the name of the voice-over artist on record; Global Radio Systems, a third party, were the people responsible for the new recordings. According to documentation I have seen, the voice used on 2009 stock and S stock is Sarah Parnell. Anyone confirm or deny this? Have a listen for yourself I think your right there, certainly sounds like her. She certainly has a versatile voice, so it could well be her! |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 18:43:51 GMT
According to documentation I have seen, the voice used on 2009 stock and S stock is Sarah Parnell. Anyone confirm or deny this? Have a listen for yourself I think your right there, certainly sounds like her. If you listen from 55 seconds on the "On hold messages" sample, when she says "please press 3", it sounds very similar to the "Please stand clear of the doors" recording on the C stock. It would be surprising if it wasn't Sarah in my opinion. |
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North End
Beneath Newington Causeway
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Post by North End on Oct 2, 2011 18:50:44 GMT
What voice should be selected on that website to hear the KX one? As I'd already mentioned, select Serena (UK) Myself and someone else have already done this. TfL do not hold the name of the voice-over artist on record; Global Radio Systems, a third party, were the people responsible for the new recordings. www.sarahparnell.com/page3/page3.htmlHave a listen for yourself I think your right there, certainly sounds like her. She certainly has a versatile voice, so it could well be her! [/quote] Okay, here's an elementary question .. .. is the DVA as used on the S stock, the same as now used on the C stock ? (I've no intention of setting foot inside an S stock until the last of the old trains has gone!). I tend to agree that Emma Clarke is superior to any of the current voices, though the 'Celia' as used on the 1995 stock, and the original voice as used on the 1992 stock, in my opinion are/were considerably better than any of the current efforts. |
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Post by maxym on Oct 2, 2011 19:17:19 GMT
There are too many voices on the Underground, too many announcements throughout stations and on trains. It IS noise pollution.
Telling us all that 'there is a good service operating on London Underground' is taking positive PR much too far.
Why tell us that the train in the platform is 'calling at all stations to Hainault' (or some other deatination) when all trains stop at all stations?
And do the consytant exhortations of platform staff to 'stand clear of the doors and let people off', 'pass right down inside the carriages' and 'stand clear of the closing doors' really speed up station dwell times? 99.9% of passengers are old hands at this stuff anyway and human nature means that they won't do the sensible things - and in any case are resistant to instruction.
It's as though these people don't feel as though they are doing their job properly unless they're talking at max.
And it's 'cars' for god's sake! The word has served the Underground well for decades and there's no need to change it now.
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Post by Alight on Oct 2, 2011 19:19:53 GMT
Is the DVA as used on the S stock, the same as now used on the C stock ? (I've no intention of setting foot inside an S stock until the last of the old trains has gone!). The 2009, C and S stocks all use the same voice-over who can also be heard on D78 stock for the special Blackfriars announcements. She was identified as the voice that best blended-in to existing tones. Sadly Emma Clarke can only be heard on the 1972, 1992 and D78 stocks. |
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Post by chrisvandenkieboom on Oct 2, 2011 19:24:08 GMT
Is the DVA as used on the S stock, the same as now used on the C stock ? (I've no intention of setting foot inside an S stock until the last of the old trains has gone!). The 2009, C and S stocks all use the same voice-over who can also be heard on D78 stock for the special Blackfriars announcements. She was identified as the voice that best blended-in to existing tones. Sadly Emma Clarke can only be heard on the 1972, 1992 and D78 stocks. And she's being phased out due to her 'disagreement' |
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 19:31:01 GMT
I do think the old station announcement system from the early 2000's was pretty good. I am told its emma clarke, the announcements used to start with "customer information" but they were changed to ladies and gentlemen at some point.
In contrast, the newer tubelines and metronet/TfL systems both sound terrible like the ones at Finchley Road and Shepherd's Bush. Both of them are also quite patronising
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Post by Alight on Oct 2, 2011 19:54:34 GMT
I do think the old station announcement system from the early 2000's was pretty good. I am told its emma clarke, the announcements used to start with "customer information" but they were changed to ladies and gentlemen at some point. Are you referring to the one heard in this video? It isn't Emma Clarke - does anyone know who it is? |
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 19:57:25 GMT
Thats the one, it would be good to know who that is, I think its one of the better voices.
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Post by Deleted on Oct 2, 2011 20:20:52 GMT
Thats the one, it would be good to know who that is, I think its one of the better voices. I agree. It always seems to sound natural, no matter which combination of closures or delays. |
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Post by Alight on Oct 2, 2011 20:24:55 GMT
Thats the one, it would be good to know who that is, I think its one of the better voices. I agree. It always seems to sound natural, no matter which combination of closures or delays. Completely agree with both of you! |
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Post by norbitonflyer on Oct 2, 2011 20:27:27 GMT
officially, staff are encouraged to record their own 'live' announcements. . Trouble is, that not all staff are as clear of diction as the recorded announcements. There is also much more likely to be background noise where they are speaking into the microphone than there is in Emma's recording studio. |
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Post by citysig on Oct 2, 2011 21:45:46 GMT
Everything you're hearing is as a result of the (unknown) customers who apparently want to hear the announcements. Being told there is a "good service" is apparently reassuring. Staff and regular travellers all seem to share the opinion that we're doing too much. I agree. But they seem to survey strangers to London - who seem to like the announcements. The content (and sometimes lack of detail, such as the delays message without reason) are all scripted by those "upstairs" so that each announcement at each station takes the same form. Failure to adhere to the script will affect the tick-boxes and targets of the information monitoring  ;D |
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;D
