Samsung Electronics to Supply 15,000 TVs for Hearing and Visually Impaired Users

Free Distribution of 40-inch Smart TVs Until Year-End
Improved Accessibility Features, Ease of Use, and Satisfaction Increased

Samsung Electronics Smart TV for the Hearing and Visually Impaired

[Asia Economy Reporter Dongwoo Lee] Samsung Electronics announced on the 13th that it has been selected as the supplier for the Korea Communications Commission's '2020 TV Distribution Project for the Hearing and Visually Impaired.'

The Korea Communications Commission is implementing a project to provide TVs for the hearing and visually impaired free of charge to improve broadcasting accessibility for low-income individuals with hearing and visual impairments.

The Viewer Media Foundation selects priority recipients based on income level and degree of disability, and Samsung Electronics plans to supply 15,000 TVs for the hearing and visually impaired by the end of this year. The selected TV model is a 40-inch Full HD smart TV equipped with significantly enhanced accessibility features compared to previous models.

With the 'Smart Magnifier' function, when the camera of a mobile device is mirrored to the TV, small text or images can be viewed larger on the big screen. The 'Focus Zoom' function allows users to enlarge specific text related to TV operation such as channels, volume, and menus, making it convenient to use.

Functions such as subtitle separation, and changing subtitle size, position, and color can be easily customized to the user's preference using hotkeys on a dedicated remote control.

The voice guidance feature has also been enhanced. Users can listen to key information about the broadcast they are watching using voice only, and receive voice instructions on how to use the remote control and accessibility features. Voice speed and tone can be adjusted according to the user's situation. A dedicated remote control with braille buttons is also provided, and when it is time to replace the batteries, a notification appears on the TV screen and alerts the user with voice and LED lights on the remote control.

For the hearing impaired, the TV automatically detects and enlarges the sign language screen, and provides a function to freely move the subtitle position to match the sign language screen. Samsung Electronics plans to support hearing and visually impaired users by providing a user manual produced in braille and a video explaining the functions along with the product to ensure there are no difficulties in using the new TV.

Cheon Gang-wook, Vice President of Samsung Electronics' Visual Display Business Division, said, “We have made great efforts to develop accessibility features to reduce the information gap that hearing and visually impaired people may experience,” and added, “We are very pleased that Samsung Electronics' technology is being utilized in such a meaningful project.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.