RNIB and Ocean Blue Software Nominated IABM Design Awards Candidate 2009
The Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) and Ocean Blue Software’s “talking TV” technology has been shortlisted as one of the Top 10 most innovative in design by the IABM judging panel.
London, United Kingdom, August 29, 2009 --(PR.com)-- The RNIB and Ocean Blue Software are delighted to announce the nomination for their ground-breaking digital TV Text-to-Speech technology developed with partners STMicroelectronics and TW Electronics.
The IABM received over 70 submissions for the Design Award this year and selected the “talking” TV technology as one of the Top 10 most innovative in design.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for the prestigious award,” commented Ocean Blue Software CEO Ken Helps. “Ocean Blue constantly strives to develop innovative solutions for the digital TV industry, so we are very pleased with the nomination and look forward to the awards ceremony at IBC.”
Being short-listed for such an award is a brilliant step forward for a more inclusive society as Steve Tyler, the RNIB’s Head of Innovation and Disability Access Services comments: “This innovative talking chip set development could mean that millions of people with print impairments could still be able to enjoy watching TV, surfing channels and getting programme information on demand. Talking technology breaks down barriers for millions of people who have problems reading text because of sight loss, colour deficiency, learning impairments or language issues.”
The IABM Design Awards judging panel will announce the five award-winning finalists on August 31st. The overall winner will be announced on Saturday 12th September at an IABM Awards Reception during IBC in Amsterdam.
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 is based in Bristol and Hong Kong and 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. Ocean Blue is also active in both DTG and DVB groups, assisting in the development of industry software standards. Ocean Blue’s new software developments include support for High Definition TV broadcasts and for Digital Video Recorders (DVR), DVB-H, DVB-SH and MHEG. For more information visit www.oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
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
Jim Astill, Project Manager, RNIB: +44 (0) 1733 375033 or
RNIB Press Office: +44 (0) 207 391 2223
Laura Buck, Sales & Marketing, Ocean Blue Software: +44 (0) 117 9722753
Email: digitaltv.project@rnib.org.uk
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The IABM received over 70 submissions for the Design Award this year and selected the “talking” TV technology as one of the Top 10 most innovative in design.
“We are absolutely thrilled to have been shortlisted for the prestigious award,” commented Ocean Blue Software CEO Ken Helps. “Ocean Blue constantly strives to develop innovative solutions for the digital TV industry, so we are very pleased with the nomination and look forward to the awards ceremony at IBC.”
Being short-listed for such an award is a brilliant step forward for a more inclusive society as Steve Tyler, the RNIB’s Head of Innovation and Disability Access Services comments: “This innovative talking chip set development could mean that millions of people with print impairments could still be able to enjoy watching TV, surfing channels and getting programme information on demand. Talking technology breaks down barriers for millions of people who have problems reading text because of sight loss, colour deficiency, learning impairments or language issues.”
The IABM Design Awards judging panel will announce the five award-winning finalists on August 31st. The overall winner will be announced on Saturday 12th September at an IABM Awards Reception during IBC in Amsterdam.
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 is based in Bristol and Hong Kong and 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. Ocean Blue is also active in both DTG and DVB groups, assisting in the development of industry software standards. Ocean Blue’s new software developments include support for High Definition TV broadcasts and for Digital Video Recorders (DVR), DVB-H, DVB-SH and MHEG. For more information visit www.oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
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
Jim Astill, Project Manager, RNIB: +44 (0) 1733 375033 or
RNIB Press Office: +44 (0) 207 391 2223
Laura Buck, Sales & Marketing, Ocean Blue Software: +44 (0) 117 9722753
Email: digitaltv.project@rnib.org.uk
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Contact
Ocean Blue Software
Laura Buck
+44 (0)1179 722753
www.oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
Laura Buck
+44 (0)1179 722753
www.oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
Contact
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