Accessible TV devices

If you have a sight problem, you may be struggling to use your TV and digital TV box without asking for help.

Here we look at a range of television devices that can help you enjoy TV more independently.

We include the Panasonic talking TV and TVonics talking Freeview+ HD recorder which have been developed in collaboration with us.

Panasonic television with Voice Guidance

With advice from RNIB experts, Panasonic have launched the world's first range of digital talking televisions. The built-in Voice Guidance works by announcing on-screen information and the most important menus. As you become more familiar with your TV you can change the level of Voice Guidance from beginner to expert if you want fewer instructions.

Talking Freeview+ HD Recorder (TVonics DTR-HD500)

TVonics, a British manufacturer of Freeview set-top-boxes, and Ivona, a text-to-speech service, have been working in collaboration with RNIB to launch a TVonics Freeview+ HD Digital TV recorder that talks, making this easier to use for people with sight loss.

Apple TV

Apple TV was launched with a feature called 'Voiceover' whichis a screen reading technology and helps people with sight loss to find out what's happening on the screen without having to ask a sighted friend for assistance.

Sky Talker

As the name suggests, Sky Talker is exclusively for people currently using Sky service. Sky Talker speaks some of the text which appears as part of the electonic programme guide (EPG).

Last updated: 12 June 2013

Back to top

Make a donation

Right now we can only reach one in three of the people who need our help most.

Please make a donation and help us support more blind and partially sighted people.

Regular donation
Single donation

Technology support

Our team of hundreds of volunteers are ready to help you make the most of everyday technology.

Get help from our Technology Support Squad