Talking TV: Advanced Text-To-Speech Technology

Statistics in the UK show that there are now more people aged over 60 than under 18 years of age. With almost two million people in the UK living with sight loss and the world's population ageing, Talking TV will bring significant benefits to blind, partially sighted and elderly people. 

The award-winning Talking TV software was developed in partnership with digital TV chip giant, STMicroelectronics, and is a derivative of the technology cooperation with the UK's largest blind charity, the Royal National Institute of the Blind (RNIB.)

World's first Talking STB

The product is the world's first digital set top box designed to provide speech/talk-based TV programming guides and set up menus. Live data such as the narrative for programs, menu items and menu layouts are clearly described by human voice. 

Talking TV Module

Talking TV can be provided as a full, turnkey solution using our Sunrise DVB, or as an independent module with defined API and can therefore be integrated into any middleware and broadcast platform. 

Technical Features & Functions

•  Advanced text-to-speech

•  Simplified User Interface (UI)

•  Text-to-Speech beginner / expert mode

•  Ability to change the verbosity of the speech

•  Filtering by programmes that contain subtitles and/or audio description

•  Changeable choice of font size and 3 high-contrast colour schemes

•  Grid view and List view EPG

•  Advanced remote control designed for ease of use with larger, high contrast buttons

•  Remote Control usage training providing audio feedback when buttons are pressed

•  Context-sensitive help pages

•  Remote control low battery warning

Award Accredited Software  

The Talking TV Software has won a number of awards including the IABM Award for Excellence in Design and Innovation, as well as the CSI Highly Commended Award for Best Customer Premises Technology. It has also most recently won a prestigious TV Innovation award in the Set-top box caterory by IMS Research at CES 2012. It was also shortlisted for the IMS TV Technology awards and a Royal Television Society award.