NEWS YOU CAN USE
These items were brought to our attention by our members:
Glimpse the future today: Talking TV Assistive Technology
December 3, 2011
I am writing to introduce our Talking TV technology, an advanced digital TV set top box (STB) assistive living solution that has been developed by Ocean Blue Software and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB).
Talking TV has been designed to allow blind and partially sighted people to access their television programme guide and menu items for the first time, thus being able to enjoy their Digital TV experience. The talking TV technology will vocalise/speak to the user the following:
- TV content/Information from onscreen TV programme.
- Set up menus and also provides online Help information for a TV guide
Example Features and Functions:
- European HD TV Compliant standards
- Advanced Text-to-Speech (TTS)
- Simplified User Interface
- Programme Guide/Menu Colour selection
- Variable Text size selection
- Variable Voice speed selection
- TTS beginner/expert mode
- Grid view / List view Electronic Programme Guide (EPG)
- Advanced, tactile remote control
- Female/Male Voice
- Adopted to your country’s language
Award Winning Product
The award winning technology is the result of a development project between Ocean Blue Software and RNIB, the UK’s leading sight loss charity. The technology has won a number of awards including the CSI Award 2011 for Best Customer Premise Technology and an IABM (International Association of Broadcast Manufacturers) Award for Excellence in Design and Innovation.
With digital switchover taking place in many countries around the world, the need to address the issue of accessibility is imminent. For example, as part of the Digital Switchover scheme the Australian government has invested millions to provide the elderly with digital Talking set-top boxes that contain Ocean Blue’s award winning, advanced text-to-speech software.
Adapted to your Country’s Language
We would like to work with you to adapt the Talking TV into your country’s language, which can then be made available in local set top boxes or televisions. Consumer Electronic products must be made accessible to all and most governments endorse and support this initiative. We believe this technology will become standard in every television and set top box throughout the world over the next 5 years. We now have Talking STB’s in German and French languages for example.
A video demonstration of our development and a factsheet are available at: http://www.oceanbluesoftware.com/talking-tv-video/49-talking-tv-video-english. Please contact me to arrange a meeting or for further information.
Regards,
Gail Rennolds
Business Support Manager
Ocean Blue Software
ITV Television Centre
Bath Road
Bristol BS4 3HG
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)117 972 2753
Fax: +44 (0)117 972 3978
AWARD WINNER FOR BEST CUSTOMER PREMISES TECHNOLOGY – CSI AWARDS 2011.
Click here <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QMpJVYWeYGs> to view our new website video giving you an introduction to our company and products. Also available on LinkedIn and Twitter.
“WORLD CLASS SOFTWARE SOLUTIONS FOR THE DIGITAL HOME”
Ms. Rennolds’ article was made available by Access Now® member Marc Dubin, Esq. Mr. Dubin is a resident of the Florida Keys. He served as a Senior Trial Attorney at the Justice Department from 1993-2005, where he was responsible for nationwide enforcement of the ADA on behalf of the Civil Rights Division.
“ACCESS NOW, INC.® OPERATES ENTIRELY ON PRIVATE CONTRIBUTIONS. WE HOPE THAT YOU SHARE OUR ENTHUSIASM FOR OUR WORK AND THAT YOU MIGHT BE MOVED TO MAKE A DONATION TO HELP US CONTINUE. IT WOULD BE DEEPLY APPRECIATED!
BEST WISHES FOR A HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2012 AND CONTINUED PROGRESS IN ACCESSIBILITY ISSUES!
Access Now, Inc.®
Phyllis F. Resnick, President
A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION FOR ACCESS NOW, INC.® MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE FLORIDA DIVISION OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435-7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE OF FLORIDA. (Florida Reg. No. CH13339)