MEDIA RELEASE PR35873
World's First Talking Digital TV System
BRISTOL, Sept. 1 /PRNewswire-Asia-AsiaNet/ --
Ocean Blue Software has developed the world's first "talking" digital TV technology for set top boxes and
televisions, in conjunction with UK charity, RNIB.
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.
UK and Hong Kong-based Ocean Blue Software formed a consortium, consisting of STMicroelectronics and
TW Electronics, to create the world's first talking set top box solution for the RNIB.
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" technology. It is hoped it will be adapted across the consumer
technology market, offering real benefits to millions of people with sight problems and different forms of
impairment around the world.
The technology breakthrough has been nominated IABM Design Awards Candidate 2009. 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 next month at
IBC Amsterdam."
With the digital switchover upon us, this new 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.
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 and 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 Helps "Digital technology is moving fast and there is increasing pressure on
manufacturers to deliver products at the lowest cost resulting in minimal specification and no consideration for
accessibility. This ground-breaking project allows technology to aid impaired people and provide them with an
enhanced lifestyle, this 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. 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 the language, offering global
appeal. 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.
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
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.
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
activities.
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
Ocean Blue Software Contacts:
Laura Buck
Sales and Marketing
Email: laura.buck@oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
Tel: +44-(0)1179-722753
Doug Marshall
General Manager Asia
Email: doug.marshall@oceanbluesoftware.co.uk
Tel: +852-2524-7788
Issued by Techworks Asia Ltd:
Karrie Lee
Email: karrie@techworksasia.com
Tel: +852 2525 3980
Glenn Howes
Email: glenn@techworksasia.com
Tel: +852 2525 8977
SOURCE: Ocean Blue Software
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