[accesscomp] The Narrator
- From: "Bob Acosta" <boacosta@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- To: "Bob Acosta" <boacosta@xxxxxxxxxxx>
- Date: Sat, 19 May 2012 22:26:02 -0700
2012 11:03am EDT
The Narrator is the first IAAIS-certified HD Radio product, ergonomically
designed for people who are visually impaired, with audible voice prompts and a
wealth of niche programming, all in crisp CD-like digital sound
MINNEAPOLIS, MN & HOUSTON (May 18, 2012) - Today Best Buy Co., Inc. (NYSE:BBY)
and the International Association of Audio Information Services (IAAIS)
previewed The Narrator, Insignia's first "talking" HD Radio(TM) Technology
product, at the IAAIS annual conference in Houston. The Narrator, named for its
differentiating features includes audible voice responses, access to local HD
Radio broadcasts of reading services, and an ergonomic design, was designed in
collaboration with the IAAIS to be accessible for people with visual
impairments. Customers can pre-order The Narrator today on BestBuy.com for $99,
and it will be available for purchase online this July.
"We chose to partner with the IAAIS to help identify and solve for the everyday
technology needs of people with visual disabilities. The Narrator eliminates
the need to see the display. Audible voice prompts tell the user which button
was pressed, and when the radio's functions are activated," said senior product
manager Mike Dahnert. "The Narrator has universal appeal, but is designed to be
simple for a person who cannot see the display to operate."
Accessible Design
Access to technology is a basic human need, and the team recognized this market
is underserviced in terms of consumer electronic offerings. In partnering with
the IAAIS, the team was able to identify those radio features most requested by
the roughly 20 million Americans who live with vision loss or impairment. With
The Narrator, there is no need for another person to tune the radio, set the
time, arrange pre-set favorites or be certain that the radio is powered down.
The Narrator's key features include:
o Audible voice prompts on buttons
o Button layout and markings that are intuitively designed
o Hi-fidelity HD Radio table top FM radio delivering CD-like sound quality
without any static
o 20-program memory so that your favorite stations are just a touch away
o 3.5 mm headphone jack for convenience and privacy
"Our association's member stations provide access to current print so that
people with disabilities can live more independently. We offered our insights
as to which accessible features would make this radio a highly valuable product
to someone living with low vision or blindness. Now, with The Narrator coming
to market, people with visual disabilities will have a radio that they can
program and tune by themselves. " said David Noble, Chairman of Government
Relations at IAAIS.
HD Radio
The Narrator incorporates HD Radio Technology, which provides crisp, clear
sound and a wealth of added formats via HD2/HD3 Channel capability on the FM
dial, including sports, comedy and foreign language programming, among others.
"HD Radio Broadcasting has moved quickly into the mainstream with more than
2,100 stations in key markets across the United States," said Joe D'Angelo,
Senior Vice President of Advanced Services at iBiquity. "The Narrator
exemplifies why HD Radio Technology is truly unique by virtue of helping to
bring these reading services to a key demographic of listeners through a
product that is easy to use."
For more information about the product, please visit:
www.bestbuy.com/TheNarrator.
# # #
About Insignia
Insignia is a Best Buy exclusive brand designed and manufactured to provide
customers around the world with high quality and dependable technology products
at an affordable price. Insignia's inspiration for innovation in quality,
design and performance is largely driven by customer input and employee
insight. The Insignia line features a wide range of products including
televisions, Blu-ray players, home theater solutions, audio products and more.
Insignia products are available at Best Buy, and online at www.bestbuy.com or
www.insigniaproducts.com.
Robert Acosta, President
Helping Hands for the Blind
Email: boacosta@xxxxxxxxxxx
Web Site: www.helpinghands4theblind.org
You can assist Helping Hands for the Blind by donating your used computers to
us. If you have a blind friend in need of a computer, please mail us at the
above address.
Other related posts:
- » [accesscomp] The Narrator - Bob Acosta
