Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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Help: Accessible TV Equipment (self.Blind)
submitted by duller
Hi, I have a grandparent with very low vision (due to Macular Degeneration) who has become quite dependent on a specific digital set-top box over the last few years for entertainment - the $1.
Unfortunately, it's stopped working and I'm struggling to find a good replacement. We've looked at FireTV - no audio description that we can see. Currently investigating Sky Q but not sure that even has TTS.
The main features we're looking for that she relies on:
* TTS for EPG and menus (e.g. talking programme guide)
* Ability to record
* Audio Description support
* UK Freeview compatibility
The dream would be to find a replacement Goodmans Smart Talk box, but chances seem slim. Any help in finding something like this or any other smart TV alternatives would be greatly appreciated!
Unfortunately, it's stopped working and I'm struggling to find a good replacement. We've looked at FireTV - no audio description that we can see. Currently investigating Sky Q but not sure that even has TTS.
The main features we're looking for that she relies on:
* TTS for EPG and menus (e.g. talking programme guide)
* Ability to record
* Audio Description support
* UK Freeview compatibility
The dream would be to find a replacement Goodmans Smart Talk box, but chances seem slim. Any help in finding something like this or any other smart TV alternatives would be greatly appreciated!
blind_cowboy 1 points 2y ago
It’s interesting that you posted this. I’m about to post something similar only we’re looking for new TVs and I’m trying to decide on the best smart TV platform.
Anyway I’ll try and answer your questions. Fire TV does have a screen reader called Voice View. The Apple TV also has a screen reader called VoiceOver. Others do as well but these are the 2 that I have experience with. I think that the remote on the Fire Stick is easier to use than that of the Apple TV but that’s all about someone’s personal preference.
I don’t know where she’ll be streaming from so I can’t really tell you which one would be better at reading guides etc. For example, my Apple TV won’t read the guide in AT&T TV Now while the Fire Stick will. But then again that’s only an example of one app, so consider it a small sample size and nothing to base a decision on.
As far as recording goes if you’re using a streaming service that allows recording then you shouldn’t have a problem. Neither of the devices I mentioned have enough memory or the ability to record directly on to them.
Finally my advice is great if she is looking at streaming. If she is looking at everything over the air you will need to look in a different direction.
Anyway I’ll try and answer your questions. Fire TV does have a screen reader called Voice View. The Apple TV also has a screen reader called VoiceOver. Others do as well but these are the 2 that I have experience with. I think that the remote on the Fire Stick is easier to use than that of the Apple TV but that’s all about someone’s personal preference.
I don’t know where she’ll be streaming from so I can’t really tell you which one would be better at reading guides etc. For example, my Apple TV won’t read the guide in AT&T TV Now while the Fire Stick will. But then again that’s only an example of one app, so consider it a small sample size and nothing to base a decision on.
As far as recording goes if you’re using a streaming service that allows recording then you shouldn’t have a problem. Neither of the devices I mentioned have enough memory or the ability to record directly on to them.
Finally my advice is great if she is looking at streaming. If she is looking at everything over the air you will need to look in a different direction.
duller [OP] 1 points 2y ago
Thanks for the info, especially about the Apple TV. I'll look into that.
Recording is a big one for her as she doesn't really understand streaming services and she might get tired mid-film and need to pause till later.
Having said that, I'm wondering if focussing on recording might be causing issues for finding something; it looks like DVR's aren't really very popular anymore.
Recording is a big one for her as she doesn't really understand streaming services and she might get tired mid-film and need to pause till later.
Having said that, I'm wondering if focussing on recording might be causing issues for finding something; it looks like DVR's aren't really very popular anymore.
blind_cowboy 1 points 2y ago
It sounds like from what you’re describing, and I may very well have misread, that she watches everything over the air. She isn’t using cable or satellite, and she isn’t streaming. If that’s the case, then you might take a look at a smart TV that has a screen reader built in.
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