Smart Talk Freeview box offer
What is the Smart Talk box?
The Smart Talk box is a Freeview box which has been specially-developed to allow
blind and partially sighted people to gain full enjoyment from digital television. On-
screen information is spoken aloud to the customer, including programme guides
and menus. Users can change the speed at which the text is read out, as well as the
colour and size of the text on the programme guide.
The box was designed in partnership between the RNIB and the manufacturers
Harvard.
Click here for product details on RNIB website.
Who is eligible for a Smart Talk box?
For customers who are registered blind and partially sighted with their Local
Authority, the Smart Talk box is offered as part of our standard option, subject to
availability.
Customers who are registered blind or partially sighted will receive information about
the benefits and costs of the Smart Talk box in their Help Scheme mailing packs from
July 2011. All other customers may purchase a Smart Talk box at an additional cost
from the Help Scheme.
How much does the Smart Talk box cost?
For customers who are registered blind and partially sighted with their Local
Authority, the Smart Talk box will cost £40 (or free for those customers who are
registered blind or partially sighted, and also on income-related benefits). For this
price, we will install the box, explain it to the customer, and provide a year’s free
aftercare while they get used to their new equipment.
For other Help Scheme customers, the Smart Talk box option costs extra depending
on their region (this option is £79 in the Meridian region). This is in addition to the
standard £40 fee which is payable unless customers are also receiving certain
income related benefits. This includes installation and a year’s aftercare while they
get used to things. This option will be outlined in their Help Scheme pack.
What are the benefits of a Smart Talk box?
- Fully talking programme guide
- Talking menus enable customers to understand and use all settings
- Specially designed remote control with raised and well spaced buttons
- Remote control button presses are spoken to confirm the customer’s
- selection. The remote includes a dedicated button to stop the speech once
- you have the information you need
Does the box work with Sky, Virgin, FreeSat and BT Vision?
No. It will only work with Freeview through a compatible aerial.
What if a customer cannot receive Freeview in their area?
The Smart Talk box will only work in Freeview areas as it is a Freeview product.
Will the set top box read red button services (i.e. teletext or interactive services) out loud?
No, the set top box is unable to read these services. RNIB is currently working with
Ofcom to try and improve the accessibility of interactive services.
Is the Smart Talk box the best option for blind and partially sighted people?
The Smart Talk box has been developed specifically for blind and partially sighted
people, allowing them to listen to the content of their favourite TV programmes via
synthetic speech.
Everyone has their own preference as to how they use television – some people
prefer not to use an on-screen menu, and might be better opting for a Freeview box.
Which box you choose depends on your needs and preferences.
You should help customers make an informed decision between the products we
offer, as there are differing benefits between our standard Freeview box and the
Smart Talk box which will depend on a customer’s circumstances.
The Smart Talk Freeview box at a glance:
- The Smart Talk box is offered to registered blind and partially sighted people as part of the Help Scheme’s standard option. It costs £40 (subject to availability and free for those customers who are registered blind or partially sighted, and also on income-related benefits).
- The Smart Talk Freeview digital box 'reads' aloud all the commands and instructions that appear on the screen. It tells you the channel, the time, and even the programme synopsis.
- The volume and speed of the speech can be adjusted, and the box can be set to a basic or expert mode. In the basic mode all prompts and instructions are read, while in the more advanced mode fewer instructions are read.
- The electronic programme guide (EPG) can provide information on upcoming programmes for up to seven days. The box also supports audio description (AD), which gives an audio description of what's happening on the screen.
- The box receives standard definition Freeview and has one Scart socket. It doesn't have the ability to record.
- The box has been designed in association with the RNIB. More information about this specific product, including video demonstrations, is available at: http://www.smart-talk.com
Please click here for more infomation on the Switchover Help Scheme.
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