Over the next several months, the staff at the National Weather Service at Buffalo will be implementing the newest technology in our nearly complete modernization. Called NOAA Weather Radio 2000, it is an automated, computer based system which will translate and schedule written text messages into voice broadcasts. The text to voice process is instantaneous, providing faster broadcasts of severe weather warnings, routine forecasts, and other messages previously recorded manually on our three Weather Radio stations (Buffalo/Little Valley, Rochester, and Watertown).

NWR 2000 is also linked directly into the Emergency Alert System (EAS). It's designed to reduce human error by eliminating several steps necessary in manual programming. Still another feature will allow us to program specific messages to air at specific times. For instance, if you're interested in the latest Marine Weather forecast, you'll know exactly when to tune in (such as 00, 15, 30, and 45 minutes past the hour).

NWR 2000 uses an automated, synthesized voice. No doubt listeners will notice the difference from human speech. It may take some getting used to, especially if you've become accustomed to the familiar voices of our staff. However it should be understandable. If not, based on listener feedback, we will be able to adjust the tone, pitch, speed and pronunciation of the computer voice to enhance voice quality. The National Weather Service is also committed to improving voice quality in the near future by using different voice concatenation technology for certain broadcast segments.

If you are a NOAA Weather Radio listener, we ask that you give the new technology a chance while we gradually introduce it into our broadcasts. However, please let us know what you think.