There are several television devices in the market today that offer greater access to TV for blind and partially sighted people. The inclusion of features, such as text to speech, adaptable user interface and delivery of audio description (AD) has made mainstream devices accessible for people with sight loss. With adequate planning and consideration it is possible for equipment manufacturers to make their technology more usable for blind and partially sighted people.
Panasonic television with Voice Guidance
With advice from RNIB experts, Panasonic have launched the world's first range of digital talking televisions.
Voice Guidance in the majority of Panasonic's Viera 2012 televisions means that no matter what their level of sight, viewers can independently find their favourite programmes from the on-screen TV guide, skip up and down channels without feeling lost, turn audio description on and off and set reminders. All this as standard within your TV without the need for any extra equipment.
The built-in Voice Guidance works by announcing on-screen information and the most important menus. The level of Voice Guidance can be changed from beginner to expert if viewers need fewer instructions.
These televisions are available in most high street electrical stores as well as online with larger retailers including John Lewis, Curry's and Amazon.
Read more about Panasonic Television with Voice Guidance on our dedicated web page.
Watch our video about how RNIB and Panasonic worked together on this development.
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 the talking TVonics Freeview+ HD Digital TV recorder, making this easier to use for people with sight loss.
The new product uses Ivona's text-to-speech technology which is one of the most realistic text-to-speech services available.
Sky Talker
As the name suggests, Sky Talker is exclusively for people currently using the Sky service. Sky Talker speaks some of the text which appears as part of the electronic programme guide (EPG) including:
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the search and scan banner
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programme information
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Sky + functionality, such as play, pause and rewind.
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Sky Talker does not work with Sky + HD boxes at present however upgrades have been planned for future.
Apple TV
Apple TV was launched with a feature called 'Voiceover' which is also available across a number of Apple devices such as the iPhone and iPad.
As the name suggested, VoiceOver is 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. You can select the speech rate you want from 4 choices - slow, normal, fast and very fast.
However, VoiceOver was the only accessibility feature available on the Apple TV, and this differed to other Apple devices. It did not feature a touch screen device and there is no Zoom functionality.
The Apple TV device connects up to a television and any other Apple equipment the user has and allows the user to access the iTunes store to play films and music. Apple TV supports AirPlay meaning that it can act as the link between your television and any other Apple devices you own.
There are also a few applications such as Netflix and an internet radio app but these are built in and users can not currently purchase new apps to run on the device. Unfortunately, neither iTunes nor Netflix support audio description.
A user review of the Apple TV is available on our website. Our reviewer says that, "Up until the point that you are able to turn on VoiceOver, I would expect that most visually impaired people will need a sighted person to assist them."
Apple have promised an upgrade this year which will feature 'Siri' enabling users to speak instructions to their TV.