Leading sight loss charity Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) has teamed up with TVonics and Ivona to improve the viewing experience of digital and Freeview TV for blind and partially sighted people.
The new software uses text-to-speech technology to enable people with sight loss to easily navigate the features of the set-top box including the electronic programme guide, channel selection and recording options. Viewers can also pause and rewind live TV, and instructions are provided in a clear and easy to understand voice.
Text to speech:
Utilising Ivona's text-to-speech technology the software has been specially created by RNIB for integration with the DTR-HD500 model from TVonics, a British manufacturer of Freeview set-top-boxes. People with existing DTR-HD500s can download the software for free while new customers can purchase the set-top box directly through RNIB's website where they will receive the software fully installed and the voice settings already switched on. RNIB will also provide accessible instructions and offer customer care advice.
Commenting on the launch Fazilet Hadi, Group Director of Inclusive Society at RNIB, said: "We were delighted to take the opportunity to work with TVonics and Ivona to make digital TV accessible to everyone using a mainstream box. The new software will allow those with sight loss to get the most out of their digital and Freeview channels without paying a premium."
Access:
Lukasz Osowski, CEO of IVONA Software, said: "IVONA is proud to partner with TVonics and RNIB to give blind and partially sighted people access to the exciting and informative world of Digital TV.
"Using the world's most natural-sounding Text-to-Speech voices for this ground-breaking Audio Description (AD) tool means that a huge new audience will now be able to enjoy the TV experience with the click of a button."
Andy Carr, CTO at TVonics, added: "The ease of use of our products has provided a great platform for Ivona and RNIB to build the text-to-speech technology and it's a project that we are proud to be part of."
Price and availability:
The DTR-HD500 with the text-to-speech software pre-installed is available to purchase through RNIB's website www.rnib.org.uk and costs £179.95 inc VAT. When purchased directly through RNIB's website, accessible instructions will be included and RNIB will provide product support to the customer. The DTR-HD500 is also available at John Lewis and via TVonics' online store but will not come with a manual for the technology, and instructions will cost extra from RNIB. From 3rd May new products manufactured by TVonics will have the text-to-speech software installed. Those with existing DTR-HD500 or DTR-Z500HD can also download the software for free from the RNIB and TVonics websites.
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Notes to Editor
For media enquiries, please contact Rachel Cafferty in RNIB's Public Relations Team on 0207 391 2043 or 0207 391 2223, email rachel.cafferty@rnib.org.uk
About RNIB
Every day around 100 people in the UK start to lose their sight. There are around two million people in the UK with sight problems. RNIB is the leading charity working in the UK offering practical support, advice and information for anyone with sight difficulties. If you, or someone you know, has a sight problem RNIB can help. Call the RNIB Helpline on 0303 123 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk
About TVonics
TVonics is a British privately owned independent design and manufacturing company specialising in the digital television sector. The company focuses on delivering easy to use, energy saving digital TV receivers and recorders for the UK and European digital television markets.
Formed in 2004 and based in South Wales, TVonics has a design team with more than 60 man-years experience in the design and manufacture of digital set top boxes and televisions. The management of TVonics also has a strong background in digital television semiconductor device design and application development, and is well versed in high quality, mass-market design techniques.
About IVONA® Text To Speech
IVONA is widely recognized and awarded as the highest-quality, most natural-sounding TTS system in the world. The IVONA suite of products includes a wide range of specialty TTS solutions for business, telecommunications, SaaS, mobile, and home use. IVONA develops Technology which can be used in a wide range of applications used in business, telecommunications, cloud services allowing companies to deliver reach content applications. In support of its long-standing commitment to accessibility, the Company works closely with the largest organizations supporting blind and visually impaired people in the world, including the Royal National Institute of blind people and DAISY Consortium.