Hello everybody I’ve been working with Sky for quite a while now regarding their latest platform. They opted to use me as a test subject because they are extremely keen to improve their already above average experience regarding accessibility.
I’m aware, of course, that this is a UK and Irish Republic service. However, maybe other providers in other countries have similar platforms. It’s always interesting to hear about such things. Regarding Sky Q. This service is not yet perfect. Nobody would dispute that, especially Sky’s developers themselves. However, pursuant to my experiences with Apple over the years, I am very keen that they continue to work with us in order to provide the best possible viewing experience. In recent times, I have been discussing with them the possibilities regarding making their service two-way accessible, rather than just the one. TTS would require a radical rewrite of some of their API’s. But although it isn’t going to happen in the immediate future, they haven’t ruled it out and it’s on the list of issues to investigate. As an interim measure, I have devised a system of accessibility consisting of “Beeps”, in acknowledgement by the Q box of voice commands issued via the Touch Remote. Some of this system is based around Morse Code, and some of it just long and short beeps. For example, the question mark, “Dit Dit Dar Dar Dit Dit”would denote an error. Although that is Morse, it’s a unique response which even those not convergent with the code would learn to recognise as an erroneous response. Also, when confirming other options, such as a successful channel change request, the letter “R”, (“Dit Dar Dit”) would indicate success. That is quite standard on a number of platforms, not only those which use Morse in the specifics. A pitch-defending “Beep” would sound when the unit is placed into standby mode. This, again, is a sound often used for this purpose. I have submitted several other suggestions along a similar line, although I won’t detail them all now. But I also want to talk a little about the existing accessibility solution they have in place. In order not to exceed the maximum message length permitted on list, I shall do so in another post. Suffice it to say that anybody thinking of getting Sky Q in the UK, I can thoroughly recommend their services. ======================================== My compliments and kindest regards Gordon Smith: <[email protected]> Accessibility & Information Technology Support Specialist.. This Message Was Created Using 100% Recycled Electrons. If you can avoid printing it, please do so. Think of the environment, save a tree! Contact: • UK Free Phone: 0800 8620538 • UK Geographic / Global: +44(0) 1642 688095 • UK Mobile/SMS: +44 (0)7804 983849 • Vic. Australia: +61 38 82059300 • US/Canada: +1 646 9151493 ----------------------------------------
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