Technology Gives Roger Ebert His Voice Back

When most people think of a computerized replacement for someone's voice, they think of something rather robotic sounding, like Stephen Hawking (see below). However, a company, "reconstructed" Roger Ebert's voice, lost because of throat surgery, using archival recordings of the critic's voice to produce an Ebert-sounding replica.

Roger Ebert lost his voice after complications from thyroid cancer. Scotland-based company CereProc used the sound of the critic's voice from hours upon hours of DVD commentary. Ebert tried out a new voice on "The Oprah Winfrey Show" on Tuesday as he made his Oscar predictions.

While he said that he can't remember a year when it seemed easier to predict the Oscars, Roger Ebert added was quick to add that "those may be famous last words." His picks were:

• Best Picture: "The Hurt Locker."
• Best Director: Kathryn Bigelow for "The Hurt Locker."
• Best Actor: Jeff Bridges for "Crazy Heart."
• Best Actress: Sandra Bullock for "The Blind Side."
• Best Supporting actor:  Christoph Waltz for "Inglourious Basterds."
• Best Supporting Actress: Mo'Nique for "Precious."

The video below shows Ebert speaking to his wife Chaz, using his "natural voice," for the first time in years. There is still a bit of roboticness to it, but you call tell it is Roger Ebert.

Meanwhile, here is Stephen Hawking's famous appearance on Star Trek: The Next Generation. This is the same technology that Ebert has actually been using to this point.