On 2010-01-07 02:50:38 -0500, Dave Lilley said:

> Hi folks,
> 
> I'm interesting in getting some feeling on how best to approach the
> matter of converting text (words) into speech.
> 
> I am currently coding on a XP platform in a Linux VM.
> I'd prefer the solution to work as well under Mac, Linux and Win.
> Or at least know that i have gems to use under each OS.
> 
> Question is which one?
> 
> await your thought's and suggestions.
> 
> dave.

Festival TTS ssems to have pretty good support: 
http://www.cstr.ed.ac.uk/projects/festival/download.html

And gem tie ins http://festivaltts4r.rubyforge.org/