Devices

Set-top Boxes

A set-top box is a device that connects to a television and an external source of signal, turning the signal into content which is then displayed on the television screen.

Special digital set-top boxes are available for receiving digital television broadcasts on TV sets that do not have a built in digital tuner.

In the United Kingdom, digital set-top boxes are usually for digital terrestrial television through services such as Freeview. Globally, some boxes also have a built-in digital video recorder which often utilises the electronic programme guide scheduling data and records content to an internal hard drive.

Currently, set-top boxes that contain accessible features such as speech feedback and the ability to receive Audio Description are not widely manufactured.

Portset Systems Ltd
Shield House, Brook Street, Bishops Waltham, Southampton SO32 1AX, UK.
Tel: +44 1489 893919
Fax: +44 1489 893320
Email: admin@portset.co.uk
Web: www.portset.co.uk

Portset Accessible Freeview Receiver
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The Portset Freeview set top box television receiver provides an accessible viewing experience by incorporating high quality speech feedback and the facility to receive Audio Description. The Portset Personal Video Recorder is integral to the receiver and allows the user to record either from the 7 day program guide (EPG), from a date and time or a record now feature. The receiver incorporates user sizeable text with foreground and background colour display. Other features include: New user introduction audio instructions; Automatic tuning of all broadcast stations at installation; Finds and advises of new channels; Provides Audio Description of broadcasts; 7 Day program guide selectable by channel, day and time; 7 day listing of audio described programs; Now and next program information; Pause and resume any live broadcast; Record and playback of programs from internal Hard Drive; Selection of channels by their spoken name or by their channel number; Independent volume control of broadcast audio, audio description and speech system for each channel; Identification of encrypted channels and off-air broadcasts; SCART output for full video and audio; Remote Control with speech feedback; Separation of Television and Radio broadcasts.
Height: 60mm Length: 330mm Width: 280mm
Price: £625.00
Last updated: 08/01/2008

Portset Digital Media Centre
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The Portset Digital Media Centre is specifically designed to make digital Freeview services of television, radio and teletext accessible to the blind and partially sighted. Program information and user key action is provided with high quality speech messages spoken to the user. User controls are available on the front panel together with a rotary volume control, personal headphone connector, front facing stereo speakers, CD/DVD slot player and Smart Card interface. External audio connector is situated on the rear panel as is the aerial connection. Features include: Automatic Tuning; Daily updates of 7 day program guides; Audio Description; Spoken navigational Teletext; Pause and Resume of live programs; Record and Playback from internal memory; Audio Mute; Selection of channels by name and by channel number; Independent volume adjustment of television, radio, audio description and speech; Music CD player and Daisy Talking Book Player. Other options include a remote control and DVD with audio description.
Length: 360mm Width: 270mm Height: 100mm
Price: From £859.00
Last updated: 08/01/2008

TVonics Limited
UK Design Centre, Pencoed Tech Park, Bridgend, Mid Glamorgan, Wales CF35 5HZ, UK.
Tel: 0870 80 30 551
Fax: +44 1656 862 421
Email: info@tvonics.com
Web: www.tvonics.com

Logik LDR V3
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The LDR V3 can be set up using either SCART or aerial connection and will automatically tune in all the channels. It is compatible with Audio Description and can be turned on using the dedicated AD button on the remote control. Audio feedback is also available with a beep to indicate a button press. Similar in size to a video cassette and can be hidden behind the TV. Up to 57 free TV and radio channels. Eight day electronic program guide. Compact in size and weight so it can be positioned out of the way. Remote control with large, raised buttons. Commonly used buttons are black to contrast with the silver casing to make them easier to distinguish. Automatic standby and low energy usage. Timer function to remind you when your favourite program is on.
Price: £59.99
Last updated: 21/02/2008