DECtalk[4] was a speech synthesizer and text-to-speech technology developed by Digital Equipment Corporation in 1983,[1] based largely on the work of Dennis Klatt at MIT, whose source-filter algorithm was variously known as KlattTalk or MITalk.

[7][8] Announced December 1983, a trickle came February 1984; larger DECtalk quantities were delivered in March.

With that capability the units could be used to automate various telephone-related tasks by handling both incoming and outgoing calls.

"[4] DECtalk had a number of built-in voices which were identified by the following names: Perfect Paul (the default voice), Beautiful Betty, Huge Harry, Frail Frank, Kit the Kid, Rough Rita, Uppity Ursula, Doctor Dennis and Whispering Wendy.

Each of the voices were editable by adjusting various parameters (such as throat size, crossover frequencies, etc.).