Jim and all, here is what I think I know about the BlueSky TV offered by
Shaw Communications in Western Canada, and that might be introduced in
Eastern Canada soon by Rogers. It is the ComCast System as I understand it.
BlueSky TV offered by Shaw Communications
Here is what I learned about the base technology that Shaw has imported into
Canada and are now calling BlueSky TV. It's originally a ComCast system
called X1 and is licensed by Shaw exclusively in Western Canada and Rogers
in Eastern Canada for the next 3 years.
I wouldn't call it completely accessible, however thanks to the Voice
Guidance it is, for the most part, usable by blind folks. This is a service
designed for and promoted to the sighted TV viewer, so not built with blind
accessibility in mind.
Check out these videos.
How to use X1 Voice Guidance Talking Guide:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHdZ7FSynFM
How to learn the X1 Remote Control Layout:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IKTrNmvjG3A
How to Program your X1 Remote Control to your TV and Audio Device:
(Sighted assistance may be needed)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SYiqLyPOnFQ
Graphical Layout of the X1 Remote Control:
(Not accessible to blind) computer users)
https://www.google.ca/search?q=x1+remote+control+layout&tbm=isch&tbo=u&sourc
e=univ&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiez4GA5dnTAhUW7WMKHWrOCg4QsAQILQ&biw=1384&bih=791
For the ComCast Support Page in the USA:
www.Xfinity.com/x1support
Thx, Albert Ruel, GTT Coordinator
The Canadian Council of the Blind
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Jim Hamilton
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 1:29 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Comcast & Audio Description -- SUCCESS!
Hi all:
First for Annemarie, it is unfortunate that you have to choose between TV
with "description", but really poor internet service, and no "description,
but with much better internet service!
I understand that something similar, to Comcast's talking remote system, is
available, in Canada, for subscribers of Shaw Cable's "Blue Sky TV" service,
which also can be accessed on mobile devices. There would seem to be an APP
available which functions as a remote control for this service. Perhaps,
someone could confirm this.
Meanwhile, Rogers Cable (also in Canada) Apparently is planning to introduce
a "talking remote" some time within the next year. I'll be happy to see
that.
Of course, like anything else, there will probably be some "bugs" that have
to be fixed; but, it may be an improvement on the Comcast system. We'll
have to see! ... "Only in Canada, eh? Pitty!" ... reference to a very
old "Red Rose Tea" commercial...
Cheers.
Jim H
-----Original Message-----
From: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Annemarie Cooke
Sent: Wednesday, September 27, 2017 2:34 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Re: [VICUG-L] Comcast & Audio Description -- SUCCESS!
Hi List...
Our TV set is between 5 and 10 years old. Our Comcast remote was, too. So
the technician visited last week, installed a new box and presented us with
a new remote. Voila! Audio-description! Can't beat it for getting the most
out of the PBS broadcast of The Vietnam War!
Thank you, Sherry, for getting the ball rolling here in NJ!
Wish there was more description of tthe photos and visuals but I'll take
what is available for now.
Annemarie Cooke
Southampton, NJ
On 9/20/17, Sherry Wells <[log in to unmask]> wrote:
> Hi all,
>
> Thanks for the responses. First, I did call Comcasts accessibility
number.
> They walked me through how to set up audio description. When I could
> only get Spanish, they sent someone out. He did check the box & it is
> current & fine. He called someone else & they had the same issue as I
> did with a newer tv. They had done nothing with the tv re SAP. We
> could find no SAP option on my TV's menu. The TV is over 20 years old
> so maybe doesn't have one. The tech guy thought that Comcast would
> only work with a tv that had SAP or something similar enabled. I
> suspect he is correct since others seem to use audio description without
having to get anything extra from Comcast.
> Turning it on via the Comcast menus is pretty straightforward. Just
> to be sure though, I wanted to find out if anyone on the list was able
> to get Comcast descriptive audio working without having to change
> anything on their tv. When I had DISH, there was an option through
> the DISH menus to turn SAP on & off. Unfortunately, I can't get DISH
> where I am now. So I guess I will look into a newer tv that is cheap &
has the ability to enable SAP.
> Thanks,
> Sherry Wells
>
>
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--
Annemarie Cooke
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