Voice annotations

Voice annotations are short audio recordings embedded in media files. Some digital cameras and other image capturing devices enable you to save voice comments with a picture. In Microsoft Expression Media, you can record your own annotation, import a sound file, or hear an annotation originally saved with the file. If you decide to record your own annotation, you can set the compression options for the audio. You can also use voice annotations in slide show presentations. The slide show feature is enabled by default, but you can disable it.

You can access the Voice Annotation menu from the toolbar by clicking the microphone icon:

To listen to audio annotations

• Do one of the following:

  • Select an item in your catalog, and then press the SPACEBAR.

  • On the Voice Annotation menu , click Listen.

To set compression options

1. Select the media item that you want to annotate.

2. On the Voice Annotation menu, click Compression.

3. Select a compression method from the Compressor menu in the Sound Settings dialog box.

4. Depending on the compression option that you choose, you might have to set the Rate, Size, and Use parameters.

   You might also have additional code-specific options to set, which you can do by clicking the Options button.

5. Click OK.

To record a voice annotation

1. Make sure that your system is set up to record from a microphone.

2. Select the media item that you want to annotate.

3. On the Voice Annotation menu, click Record.

   You can record up to 30 seconds of voice annotation.

4. To end the recording, click Stop, and to play it back, click Play.

5. If you are satisfied with the recording, click Save.

   Expression Media saves the voice annotation in an Expression Media catalog.

To attach or remove a voice annotation

1. Select the media item that you want to modify.

2. On the Voice Annotation menu, do one of the following:

   • To attach an annotation, click Import to browse to the file that you want to attach, and then click Open.

   • To remove an annotation, click Remove.

To disable voice annotations

1. On the Make menu, click Slide Show Options.

2. Clear the Play voice annotations check box.