tracie, yes. There have been rumours spreading around for over six months
now. Actually, a little more than just rumour, about a big project from Sky
to create a talking EPG.
The people employed on the project - both internally and externally - have
apparently had to sign non disclosure contracts.
What isn't clear is whether this software will be accessible on all boxes
via a download from the satellite (in the same way that they currently
already upgrade the software for everyone) or whether we're talking about a
special box that might cost more money. It could also mean an add-on to plug
into the port now on the back of new sky digital boxes like the PVR3 that
has a 40 hour hard disk.
Access to Sky's EPG would, in theory, also mean access to Sky+ PVR
No new news on this though.
Are these the set top box's that will have access speech software in them for us?
Trace
----- Original Message ----- From: "Damon" <damon.rose@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Wednesday, January 04, 2006 2:51 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: More on set top boxes
Access to PVR machines is now becoming really important. I think 2006 will be the year of the PVR.
I thought it might be useful if I told you about how I use Sky+ as someone who can't see a jot.
Every feature of Sky+ is pretty accessible except the actual adding programmes to the Sky+ Planner and knowing how much hard disk space you've got left.
I hate complicated systems where you have to guess a lot of keystrokes but this is really rather straightforward and doable.
You can: pause and rewind live TV. Go to the Sky+ planner menu and browse thru programmes that your hard disk has hoovered up by arrowing up and down and by pressing SELECT to play an item on the menu. You can wind forward and back thru programmes very easily, skipping adverts simply enough.
I believe that it is also possible to add a series link to a programme you like ... but only when it's actually on air by hitting one of the colour buttons. So it'll get added to your planner and record every time it's on from there on in.
To instruct your machine to hoover up programmes you want to watch, someone waht can see dips into the TV Guide and marks the programme they want recorded. No start and end times necessary, it's a one button touch.
So, with a bit of sighted help once a week to setup what programmes you might want, you can be semi independent with it, realistically.
So, if you have a sighted partner, or a PA, or a mate who might pop in and help you build your planner, you can definitely take advantage of Sky+.
Clearly it's a complete pain that it's not fully accessible. Lets sit back and wait for Sky's big accessibility announcement about their set top boxes apparently due this summer.
Oh and the other great advantage of Sky is knowing that you're lining the pockets of that adorable sweetheart Rupert Murdoch.
Hope this is useful to someone.
...Damon
----- Original Message ----- From: "Tristram Llewellyn" <tris-l@xxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Tuesday, January 03, 2006 4:08 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: More on set top boxes
All the set top PVR boxes or DVD-HD recorders will require some sight to
operate and set them to timeshift record. I have an integrated DVD-HD
recorder with built in Freeview which is almost the same thing, it works
fine. It only has the one tuner so cannot record one Freeview channel
whilst watching another unless what you want to watch is on analgue with the
TV. The Pace Twin was unusual having two Freeview tuners, although some
similar units do exist as Andrew mentions which may have the same.
Regards.
Tristram Llewellyn Sight and Sound Technology Technical Support www.sightandsound.co.uk
----- Original Message ----- From: "Andrew Hodgson" <andrew@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
To: <access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Sunday, January 01, 2006 6:56 PM
Subject: [access-uk] Re: More on set top boxes
Hi Andy,
I have heard nothing but bad reviews from people with these boxes - they have all taken them back.
For what it's worth, I have an older Pace box which I got in 2003 with twin
tunor, and although it only has 20 gb, it works for me fine. However, I do
have a bit of site, and have had issues where a command I have entered
hasn't been entered (usually due to the remote control not pointing exactly
in the right direction), and I prefer to enter in the programs using the EPG
rather than the manual input screen.
A lot of people like the Fusion and Humax boxes (may be by the same manufacturer).
Andrew.
________________________________
From: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] On Behalf Of
Andy Collins
Sent: 01 January 2006 18:00
To: access-uk@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [access-uk] More on set top boxes
Hi all -
My research on this so far, has produced the below item from Argos, which
looks pretty much what I'm after, but I'm wondering about it's
accessibility, so anybody seen one or using one? any body got any comments
on Sagem as a brand?
Also Elsewhere, I have seen something called the IPLAYER plus that seems to
have the ability to deliver the audio described signal, it claims to be the
only top box to do this, is this true does anybody know? And will it record,
or is it just a receiver? Grateful for any help in this mine field!
From Argos:
Sagem 40Gb HDD Personal Video Recorder with Twin Tuner.
5320998
Nested Table with 3 columns and 2 rows, nesting level 1
129
£
.99 table end
List of 29 items
* Model PVR6240T.
* Cool grey and dark grey.
* Record up to 20 hours of programmes on the internal 40Gb hard drive with
digital audio and video quality.
* Twin tuner allows you to watch one programme and record another
simultaneously.
* Full access to all Freeview channels.
* Widescreen recording and playback.
* Digitally interactive.
* Digital text - 'red' button.
* Digital video broadcasting (DVB) subtitles available.
* Auto setup.
* Auto tuning.
* Auto search tuning.
* 7 day electronic programme guide (EPG).
* Easy management of records.
* Time shift - pause and rewind live TV.
* Instant replay feature.
* Create up to 7 list of 'favourites'.
* Parental control and channel lock.
* Receiver lock (by pin code).
* Programme timer.
* On screen display and menu.
* Still frame.
* Real time tape counter.
* 2 SCART sockets.
* 1 SCART lead.
* Remote control (batteries supplied).
* 230v AC mains operated.
* Size (H)4.8, (W)31.5 (D)22.5cm.
* Approximate weight 1.7 kg.
list end
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