[EAS] Why we need Text-To-Speech

[Sean Donelan]

On Mon, 26 Mar 2012, Clay Freinwald wrote:
> I should point out that the input method for CMAS will certainly be TEXT and
> not the spoken word which underlines our contention that the input vehicle
> for the majority of public warning systems will indeed be text.   If the
> system downstream wishes to have the message voiced, it should be
> 'converted' by the devices that needs it.

The public and industry often have different expectations for different 
types of communications media.  The usual CMAS text message examples 
(which may not be how a real message will look):

CMAMText "The President has issued an emergency alert. Check local media 
for more details."

But more likely

CMAMText "Tornado Warning in this Area until 7:00pm PDT Take Shelter Now 
NWS"

Will the user experience be satisfactory across different types of 
communications media just to fit within the limits of the medium with the 
most restricted capabilities?

Although it would be technically possible to send the same short 90 
character message to cell phones, radio and television; the assumption
by the cellular industry was the CMAS message contains only basic 
information, while the corresponding EAS message on radio and television
would have additional details. It will probably take radio, television, 
cellular industry as well as federal, state and local governments a while 
to figure out the best ways to use the different warning and alerting 
protocols.