RNIB: Talking Up Digital Technology
Peterborough, United Kingdom, August 13, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Millions of people worldwide are set to gain an improved experience of TV thanks to a collaboration between The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and leading digital technology companies to develop the world’s first ‘talking’ technology - which will reach the market later this year.
On-screen text such as TV programme guides, digital displays and menus are set to be brought to life with the power of speech thanks to the new "talking" chipset. It is hoped it will be adapted across the consumer technology market, offering real benefits to millions of people with sight problems around the world.
The breakthrough has the backing of a consortium of companies including Ocean Blue Software, ST Microelectronics and TW Electronics, and has also received the support of Digital Technology Advisory LTD.
With the digital switchover upon us, this new chipset technology can be utilised to deliver accessibility benefits to both those with sight problems and sighted people. It is compatible with consumer products, such as televisions, that have screen-based menu systems and converts on-screen text into speech output.
Consumers will be able to easily control the way the audio information is spoken to them, with the ability to change the level of speech and language offering global appeal.
Enabling people to interact in a meaningful way with electronic products will significantly help those with certain disabilities as Steve Tyler, the RNIB’s Head of Innovation & Disability Access Services is keen to highlight: “We are really excited by this development as it has the potential to significantly improve the lives of nearly 8 million people in the UK alone. These include the blind, visually impaired, deaf, severely dyslexic and the elderly who can all benefit from this advance in technology.”
This view is shared by Ken Helps, Managing Director of Ocean Blue Software. He said: “Digital technology is moving so fast and we are operating in an incredibly competitive environment. There is increasing pressure on manufacturers to deliver products at the lowest cost resulting in minimal specification and no consideration for accessibility. It is extremely gratifying that this ground-breaking project has been achieved through a close and effective working relationship with the RNIB and Ocean Blue is proud of its involvement and contribution.”
A great deal of exploration and research has taken place to ensure that users of the product can easily adapt it to suit their individual needs. The user interface includes multiple, high-contrast colour schemes, variable sized fonts and extensive help features. All of this can be controlled using a remote control console designed by RNIB working with TW Electronics, with ease of use in mind.
The interface will provide an overall better user experience and independent research already suggests that its features will undoubtedly have a mass-market appeal.
The RNIB is also investigating how talking technology can be integrated into other screen-based technologies including DAB digital radios.
Notes for editor:
The consortium of companies working together to achieve this are:
RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will 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 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk. RNIB has made a significant commitment to support industry bringing really accessible and usable products onto the market.
Ocean Blue Software
Ocean Blue Software, based in Bristol and Hong Kong, specialises in the development, distribution and support of world-class software solutions, which are incorporated into Digital TV consumer electronics products, present in the Digital Home. Ocean Blue’s software products stand out in terms of maturity, usability, operability and adherence to international digital broadcast standards, notably DVB and DTG. As an active member in both the DTG and DVB groups, Ocean Blue assists with the development of industry software standards. Please see www.oceanbluesoftware.co.uk for further information about Ocean Blue’s innovative product offerings and solutions.
TW Electronics
TW Electronics is a UK based specialist in the design, creation and distribution of many different applications of remote controls. They are closely involved with the UK led drive to greater usability of Consumer Electronic products. TW Electronics currently holds the chair of the DTG (Digital Television Group) Remote Control Group. This Group is committed to the creation of good practice guidelines in the overall usability of remote controls. Please see www.twelectronics.co.uk for further detail of our business activities.
Digital Technology Advisory (DTA)
DTA is a knowledge pool of digital communication. The UK-based company provides advice, strategy and management services to all parties associated with the creation and implementation of digital information and entertainment and its distribution to end users via increasingly intuitive screen-based technologies. DTA also fields expert knowledge of all existing platforms in addition to how they, and converging and emerging technologies, will affect the consumer. More information at www.dtaltd.co.uk
STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2008, the Company’s net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
Nicky Clark, Synergy Marketing & Design: +44 (0) 117 9621534 / 07866 413763
Jim Astill, Project Manager, RNIB: +44 (0) 1733 375033 or
RNIB Press Office: +44 (0) 207 391 2223
Email: digitaltv.project@rnib.org.uk
###
On-screen text such as TV programme guides, digital displays and menus are set to be brought to life with the power of speech thanks to the new "talking" chipset. It is hoped it will be adapted across the consumer technology market, offering real benefits to millions of people with sight problems around the world.
The breakthrough has the backing of a consortium of companies including Ocean Blue Software, ST Microelectronics and TW Electronics, and has also received the support of Digital Technology Advisory LTD.
With the digital switchover upon us, this new chipset technology can be utilised to deliver accessibility benefits to both those with sight problems and sighted people. It is compatible with consumer products, such as televisions, that have screen-based menu systems and converts on-screen text into speech output.
Consumers will be able to easily control the way the audio information is spoken to them, with the ability to change the level of speech and language offering global appeal.
Enabling people to interact in a meaningful way with electronic products will significantly help those with certain disabilities as Steve Tyler, the RNIB’s Head of Innovation & Disability Access Services is keen to highlight: “We are really excited by this development as it has the potential to significantly improve the lives of nearly 8 million people in the UK alone. These include the blind, visually impaired, deaf, severely dyslexic and the elderly who can all benefit from this advance in technology.”
This view is shared by Ken Helps, Managing Director of Ocean Blue Software. He said: “Digital technology is moving so fast and we are operating in an incredibly competitive environment. There is increasing pressure on manufacturers to deliver products at the lowest cost resulting in minimal specification and no consideration for accessibility. It is extremely gratifying that this ground-breaking project has been achieved through a close and effective working relationship with the RNIB and Ocean Blue is proud of its involvement and contribution.”
A great deal of exploration and research has taken place to ensure that users of the product can easily adapt it to suit their individual needs. The user interface includes multiple, high-contrast colour schemes, variable sized fonts and extensive help features. All of this can be controlled using a remote control console designed by RNIB working with TW Electronics, with ease of use in mind.
The interface will provide an overall better user experience and independent research already suggests that its features will undoubtedly have a mass-market appeal.
The RNIB is also investigating how talking technology can be integrated into other screen-based technologies including DAB digital radios.
Notes for editor:
The consortium of companies working together to achieve this are:
RNIB
Every day another 100 people in the UK will 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 0845 766 9999 or visit www.rnib.org.uk. RNIB has made a significant commitment to support industry bringing really accessible and usable products onto the market.
Ocean Blue Software
Ocean Blue Software, based in Bristol and Hong Kong, specialises in the development, distribution and support of world-class software solutions, which are incorporated into Digital TV consumer electronics products, present in the Digital Home. Ocean Blue’s software products stand out in terms of maturity, usability, operability and adherence to international digital broadcast standards, notably DVB and DTG. As an active member in both the DTG and DVB groups, Ocean Blue assists with the development of industry software standards. Please see www.oceanbluesoftware.co.uk for further information about Ocean Blue’s innovative product offerings and solutions.
TW Electronics
TW Electronics is a UK based specialist in the design, creation and distribution of many different applications of remote controls. They are closely involved with the UK led drive to greater usability of Consumer Electronic products. TW Electronics currently holds the chair of the DTG (Digital Television Group) Remote Control Group. This Group is committed to the creation of good practice guidelines in the overall usability of remote controls. Please see www.twelectronics.co.uk for further detail of our business activities.
Digital Technology Advisory (DTA)
DTA is a knowledge pool of digital communication. The UK-based company provides advice, strategy and management services to all parties associated with the creation and implementation of digital information and entertainment and its distribution to end users via increasingly intuitive screen-based technologies. DTA also fields expert knowledge of all existing platforms in addition to how they, and converging and emerging technologies, will affect the consumer. More information at www.dtaltd.co.uk
STMicroelectronics
STMicroelectronics is a global leader serving customers across the spectrum of electronics applications with innovative semiconductor solutions. ST aims to be the undisputed leader in multimedia convergence and power applications leveraging its vast array of technologies, design expertise and combination of intellectual property portfolio, strategic partnerships and manufacturing strength. In 2008, the Company’s net revenues were $9.84 billion. Further information on ST can be found at www.st.com.
Contact information
For further information please contact:
Nicky Clark, Synergy Marketing & Design: +44 (0) 117 9621534 / 07866 413763
Jim Astill, Project Manager, RNIB: +44 (0) 1733 375033 or
RNIB Press Office: +44 (0) 207 391 2223
Email: digitaltv.project@rnib.org.uk
###
Contact
Royal National Institute of Blind People
Jim Astill, Project Manager
01733 375033
www.rnib.org.uk
Nicky Clark, Synergy Marketing & Design: 0117 9621534
Jim Astill, Project Manager
01733 375033
www.rnib.org.uk
Nicky Clark, Synergy Marketing & Design: 0117 9621534
Contact
Multimedia
RNIB: talking up digital technology
Press release supplied in Word format
Categories