TV FOR THE BLIND
New audio description tool changes TV experience

The UK's first Freeview set-top box that enhances blind and visually impaired people's experience of television is being launched today.

A version of the Netgem i-Player with an audio description function that helps the visually impaired understand what's going on is now available. During TV programmes, the new tool gives spoken details of key visual elements, such as a change in location, movements, interaction, and even clothes people are wearing. This gives blind people the context and helps them to set the scene and recreate the drama, suspense or comedy when watching TV.

The tailored i-Player, which is endorsed by the RNIB and the BBC, is now available for a one-off payment of £119. The audio description function is available on such programmes as: Eastenders, Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Office, Friends, Fimbles and The Hoobs.

In addition to the audio description function, the i-Player is the only set-top box which gives users access to Freeview TV and radio, and also to the Internet.

Clive Miller, digital broadcasting development officer at the RNIB said:

"This is a very exciting time, as the i-Player is the first and only Freeview set-top box that makes audio description available to the general public. The service is massively important for blind people, because many TV programmes are hard to follow just by listening. With audio description, blind people know what's happening, without having to guess or ask someone, and that means they relax and enjoy it, just like everyone else. It also enables them to talk about programmes on an equal basis. We think the i-Player is fantastic - it offers a very friendly approach and even tells people what channel they are watching!"

The BBC today welcomed Netgem's announcement that the i-Player is now
available which will offer audio description to blind and partially
sighted viewers.

Welcoming this new development Greg Dyke, the BBC's Director General,
said:
"This development follows many years of research involving the BBC's engineers at Kingswood Warren and the RNIB. We are delighted that Netgem are now the first manufacturers to integrate this system into their boxes, and very much hope that manufacturers of all set top boxes and iDTVs will also enable blind and partially sighted users to receive audio description in this way in the near future. The technology is now available for blind and partially sighted people to enjoy audio description in the best way possible, and to suit their needs."

Netgem is also working with the RNIB to improve blind people's enjoyment of television further by adding an audio channel guide, delivered over the internet, which will provide a spoken TV Guide. This is due to be launched later this year.

To order, call the freephone number 0800 015 30 92 or visit www.netgem.com.