Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc.
9 Nolan CourtHauppauge, New York 11788
United States
Telephone: 631-724-4479.
Fax: 631-724-4479.
Web: http://www.tvi-web.com.
Email: contact@tvi-web.com.
Products distributed by Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc. (listed alphabetically)
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AESOP
Aesop is a voice output keyboard interface designed for use by individuals with blindness or low vision. Designed to aid users with vision disabilities in learning touch typing, the unit is connected to a PS/2 standard computer keyboard and speaks each letter as it is typed in a digitized human-quality mail voice. Features include calculation of typing speed up to 99 words per minute, adjustable volume via the keyboard, and headphone or internal speaker output. POWER: Uses a 9-volt battery or alternating current (AC) adaptor. DIMENSIONS: 65 x 110 x 28 millimeters. WEIGHT: 210 grams, including battery.
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BASIC ACOUSTIC CABINET (MODEL 71030)
The Basic Acoustic Cabinet is a cabinet that functions as a noise shield for a Basic-D or Basic-S Braille printer (see separate entries), and is designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. When used with a Basic printer, the Basic Acoustic Cabinet provides a Braille production module with a maximum noise level of 60 decibels (dB), allowing the printer to be used in a standard work environment. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 46 x 18.5 x 24 inches. WEIGHT: 90 pounds.
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BASIC-D (MODEL 70100)
The Basic-D, model 70100, is a double-sided Braille printer or Braille embosser designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. The Basic-D uses continuous tractor-feed paper and can print double-sided (interpoint) Braille pages at a rate of 340 pages per hour. The control panel is labeled in both Braille and ink, and voice confirmation is provided when keys are pressed. The Basic-D supports as many as 20 Braille alphabets, and can also print Braille graphics (tactile graphics). This printer comes with a copy of WinBraille, a Braille translation and editing program that works from any common Windows word processor or other Windows application in Windows 9X/Me or NT/2000 operating systems. POWER: Uses 100-240 volts, 50-60 Hertz. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 5 x 10 x 20.2 inches. WEIGHT: 16 pounds. WARRANTY: One year.
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BOOKCOURIER
BookCourier is a voice output electronic book (e-book) reader designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision or other disabilities that make reading difficult. The e-book reader can be used for listening to electronic text, voice files, and digital music. Files can be downloaded from a personal computer (PC) or the Internet using the supplied transfer software. The device includes a built-in MP3 player; a built-in voice recorder; fast forward and fast reverse controls; bookmarks, jumps, and other smart navigation controls; a built-in alarm, sleep timer, clock, and calendar; controls for adjusting volume, reading speed; and talking help and a talking user guide. Speech is provided by RC Systems' DoubleTalk (see separate entry). The device comes with a CompactFlash storage card with 16 megabytes (MB) of memory, expandable to 512 MB. The device also has a plug-and-play USB connection for transferring files from the PC using the supplied PC software. Headphones and a pocket clip are included. POWER: Uses two double-A batteries. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 4.875 x 1 x 2.75 inches with pocket clip. WEIGHT: 6 ounces with batteries.
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BRAILLEX EL 2D-80, BRAILLEX EL 2D-66, AND BRAILLEX EL 2D-40
The Braillex EL 2D-80, Braillex EL 2D-66, and Braillex EL 2D-40 are refreshable braille displays designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. The Braillex EL 2D models all have a standard horizontal Braille display, which presents lines from a computer screen in Braille, together with a vertical positional display that shows the cursor's location on the computer screen. By touching a routing key built into the positional display, users can quickly move the Braille display to desired locations on the computer screen. The Braillex EL 2D-80 has an 80-cell Braille display and a 20-cell vertical positional display, the Braillex EL 2D-66 has a 66-cell Braille display and a 13-cell vertical display, and the Braillex EL 2D-40 has a 40-cell Braille display and a 13-cell vertical display. The Braillex EL 2D models all have a thumb-operated lever that enables users to move around the screen without lifting their fingers from the Braille display. The lever can also be used for keyboard functions such as Tab, Shift, Control, ALT, Enter, and Escape. A hard-sided carrying case, a cable for connecting the display to a computer via a serial port, and a copy of the DosDOTS screen reader program for DOS are included. POWER: Uses 100 volts or 240 volts alternating current (AC). OPTIONS: Screen reader program for Windows 9X/ME, Windows NT/2000, Linux, or OS/2. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): Braillex EL 2D-80 is 1.3 x 11 x 29.1 inches; Braillex EL 2D-66 is 1.3 x 10.9 x 25 inches; Braillex EL 2D-40 is 1.3 x 10.9 x 21.5 inches. WEIGHT: Braillex EL 2D-80 weighs 10.5 pounds; Braillex EL 2D-66weighs 8.5 pounds; Braillex EL 2D-40 weighs 6.6 pounds.
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BRAILLEX EL 80, BRAILLEX EL 40 DESKTOP, AND BRAILLEX EL 40P
The Braillex EL 80, Braillex EL 40 Desktop, and Braillex EL 40P are refreshable braille displays designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. All three models have a standard horizontal Braille display, which presents lines from a computer screen in Braille. The Braillex EL 80 has an 80-cell Braille display, and the Braillex EL 40 Desktop and Braillex EL 40P models each have a 40-cell Braille display. The Braillex EL 40 Desktop is ergonomically optimized for use with a desktop computer, and its width corresponds to the width of a standard computer keyboard. The Braillex EL 40P is a portable model optimized for connection with a notebook computer or Braille notetaker. All three models have a thumb-operated lever that enables users to move around the screen without lifting their fingers from the Braille display. The lever can also be used for keyboard functions such as Tab, Shift, Control, ALT, Enter, and Escape. A hard-sided carrying case, a cable for connecting the display to a computer via a serial port, and a copy of the DosDOTS screen reader program for DOS are included with each model. The Braillex EL 40P also comes with a cable for connecting via a USB port. POWER: Braillex EL 80 and Braillex EL 40 Desktop use 100 volts or 240 volts alternating current (AC); Braillex EL 40P uses a lithium ion battery, or 100 volts or 240 volts alternating current (AC). OPTIONS: Screen reader program for Windows 9X/ME, Windows NT/2000, Linux, or OS/2. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): Braillex EL 80 is 1.3 x 10.9 x 26 inches; Braillex EL 40 Desktop is 1.3 x 10.9 x 18.5 inches; Braillex EL 40P is 1.2 x 12.7 x 14.2 inches. WEIGHT: Braillex EL 80 weighs 8.8 pounds; Braillex EL 40 Desktop weighs 5.8 pounds; Braillex EL 40P weighs 5.2 pounds.
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BRAILLIANT 24
Brailliant 24 is a refreshable braille display designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This 24-cell refreshable braille display enables the user to read the screen of a computer when used with screen reader software. A copy of Window Eyes screen reader is included (see separate entry); the display also works with other screen readers. The display has Bluetooth, USB, and serial interfaces. POWER: Uses the included battery. Battery life is 25 to 30 hours with Bluetooth connectivity, or 100 hours when connected via the USB port. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 0.8 x 2.9 x 8.1 inches. WEIGHT: 0.8 pounds.
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BRAILLIANT 40
Brailliant 40 is a refreshable braille display designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This 40-cell refreshable braille display enables the user to read the screen of a personal computer when the computer is loaded with a screen reader program. (A copy of the Window Eyes screen reader program is included.) The display has Bluetooth, USB, and serial interfaces. POWER: Uses the included battery. Battery life is 25 to 30 hours with Bluetooth connectivity or 100 hours when connected via the USB port. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 0.8 x 2.9 x 12.2 inches. WEIGHT: 1.2 pounds.
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C2 TALKING COMPASS
The C2 Talking Compass is a hand-held compass with speech output designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The C2 speaks the four major compass points and four interim points (northeast, northwest, southeast, and southwest). The user orients the compass in the desired direction, then presses a button to hear the direction. The standard version comes pre-installed with English and Spanish. The custom version can be chosen with two languages from these: Arabic, Czech, Danish, English, French, German, Greek, Hindi, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese Korean, Mandarin, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, and Turkish. New languages and personalized voices can be added. The C2 includes a wrist strap, which is designed to give the user instant access to the device while retaining freedom of hand movement. There is a three-position switch along the side of the compass. The center position is the "off" position, while the other two positions correspond to the two languages installed in the device. POWER: Uses two 12-volt (A23, MN21 or GP23A) batteries (not included). DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 1 x 2 x 3 inches. WEIGHT: 2.2 ounces.
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DUXBURY BRAILLE TRANSLATOR FOR WINDOWS (DBT WIN)
The Duxbury Braille Translator for Windows (DBT Win) is a Braille translation program designed to provide Braille computer output for individuals who are blind. DBT Win is also designed to help persons who are not familiar with Braille as well as professional Braille transcribers to create highly accurate Braille versions of school textbooks and other teaching materials, office memos, restaurant menus, and signs compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Features include compatibility with speech output programs, refreshable Braille displays, and all major Braille printers; ability to import from popular word processors such as WordPerfect and Microsoft Word; Grade 1 and Grade 2 Braille translation in numerous languages, with Grade 2 translation available for most languages that use Grade 2 Braille; American Computer Braille Code and American Math/Science Code (Nemeth Code) translation; bidirectional (print-to-Braille and Braille-to-print) translation; textbook layout according to Braille Authority of North America (BANA) or Braille Authority of the United Kingdom (BAUK) standards; interline printing with ink and Braille aligned on the same page; the Duxbury Braille Font for viewing Braille dots within other programs; documentation in print, Braille, and electronic formats; and unlimited technical support by telephone, e-mail, or fax. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 25ight megabytes (MB) hard disk space, and Windows 98, ME, NT, 2000, XP or Vista. WARRANTY: 90 days.
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EVEREST ACOUSTIC HOOD (MODEL 71000)
The Everest Acoustic Hood is a noise reducation shield for the Everest Braille Embosser (see separate entry), and is designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. The Hood is a single-compartment table-top cabinet with transparent doors in front. When used with the Everest printer, the Everest Acoustic Hood reduces noise to 60 decibels (dB) or less, allowing the printer to be used in a standard work environment.
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EVEREST BRAILLE EMBOSSER (MODEL 70010)
The Everest Braille Embosser, model 70010, is a Braille printer designed for persons who are blind or have low vision. The Everest is a double- and single-sided Braille printer that uses cut sheet card-stock paper of the sort that is available off-the-shelf in office supply stores. Keys are labeled in ink and in Braille, and provide voice confirmation when pressed. The Everest will print Braille with dot distances of 1.6, 2.0, and 2.6 millimeters, and it will print tactile graphics images created by any Braille graphics software. The printing speed is up to 340 pages per hour. Twenty Braille alphabets are supported including user-defined. POWER: Uses 100 to 115 or 220 to 240 volts. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 17 x 7 x 22 inches. WEIGHT: 30 pounds. WARRANTY: One year.
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FLEXI-PAPER
Flexi-Paper is tactile graphics paper designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Flexi-Paper can be used with the Tactile Image Enhancer (TIE) and Tactile Image Enhancer Junior (TIE Junior) tactile graphics embossers or with a Thermo-Pen (see separate entries) to create tactile maps, tactile educational materials, and other tactile documents. Flexi-Paper documents can be folded or crumpled without creasing or distorting the tactile image. Flexi-Paper is sold in multiple lots of 100 sheets. DIMENSIONS:: Sheets are available in 5.5 x 8.5 inches, 8.5 x 11 inches, 11 x 11.5 inches, or 11 x 17 inches.
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GOODFEEL BRAILLE MUSIC TRANSLATOR & GOODFEEL LITE
Goodfeel Braille Music Translator and Goodfeel Lite are braille music translation programs designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. Goodfeel Braille Music Translator automatically converts computer music files into braille music files. It transcribes lyrics as well as files in instrumental and keyboard formats. Goodfeel Braille Music Translator fully supports the 1997 international standards for music symbols and provides a choice of international, North American or United Kingdom braille music formats. It has an intuitive interface that guides the user through each step in the transcription process. Transcribed music can be reviewed in a braille font or on a refreshable braille display before embossing. Goodfeel Lite has all the features of Goodfeel Braille Music Translator except that it transcribes scores in only one format. Before applying the Goodfeel Braille Music Translator, it is necessary to create a music file, either by using SharpEye 2 Music Reader music optical character recognition (OCR) software (see separate entry) and a musical notation editor such as Lime, Sibelius, or SmartScore, or by using Cakewalk Pro Audio Sequencer software to create a format 1 MIDI music file with a MIDI musical keyboard. Goodfeel Braille Music Translator comes with copies of the Lime, Lime Aloud (see separate entry) and SharpEye 2. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 98, ME, 2000 and XP and Windows Vista and 7 in 32-bit and 64-bit mode; 128 megabytes (MB) of random access memory (RAM) recommended. OPTIONS: Goodfeel Lite for vocal, instrumental, or keyboard formats.
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INDEX 4X4 PRO WITH ACOUSTIC CABINET (MODELS 70011 & 70012)
The Index 4X4 Pro is a Braille printer and publishing system designed for use by persons who are blind or have low vision. The Index 4x4 Pro is intended for use in the production of Braille magazines, books, and newspapers. When the 4x4 Pro receives a Braille text file from a computer, it processes the file into saddle stitch binding format. For example, the first sheet of a 40-page document will consist of pages 1, 2, 39, and 40, the next sheet will consist of pages 3, 4, 37, and 38, etc. The 4x4 Pro embosses a pre-folding line in the center of each sheet, and collates the copies. It is then only necessary to staple and fold each copy. The printing speed is 400 pages per hour. Twenty Braille tables are supported, including user-defined. The acoustic cabinet reduces the noise output below 60 decibels (dB). The Index 4x4 Pro printer comes with a copy of WinBraille, a Braille translation and editing program that works from any common Windows word processor or other Windows application in Windows 9X/Me or NT/2000 operating systems, and a Braille stapler designed for binding Braille magazines, books, and newspapers. POWER: Uses 100 to 115 or 220 to 240 volts. OPTIONS: Printer built for 11 x 17.5 or 11 x 23 inch paper. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): The printer is 22 x 7.1 x 17.3 inches; acoustic cabinet is 59.8 x 20.1 x 27.2 inches. WEIGHT: The printer weighs 31 pounds; the acoustic cabinet weighs 96 pounds. WARRANTY: One year.
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MILESTONE 312 DAISY PLAYER
The Milestone 312 DAISY Player is a digital talking book player designed for use by individuals with blindness or low vision. This small device incorporates an audio books player, an accessible MP3/AAC player, voice recorder, FM tuner/recorder, alarm clock, and an RFID tag reader in one unit. The DAISY player offers full access to heading levels, page numbers, phrases, etc. It also supports bookmark setting and switching between books on the memory card. The MP3 player offers accessible MP3 navigation, supported by audible prompts. The RFID tag reader allows users to tag and identify daily living objects such as medications, CDs, and food labels. The size of a credit card, this device has one gigabyte of internal memory plus an SD card interface for up to 32 gigabytes of storage. Both work in parallel and are fully accessible via USB connection, with no software needing to be installed. Folder names can be tagged with recorded voice. WEIGHT: 50 grams.
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OBR OPTICAL BRAILLE RECOGNITION
OBR is an optical Braille recognition program designed for use by individuals who are blind or who have low vision. This program reads Braille characters and converts Braille hard copy into text or formatted Braille files. A Braille document is placed on a scanner and scanned by OBR, which either converts the document into text or saves it to disk as a formatted Braille file. The formatted Braille files created by OBR can also be sent to a Braille printer, allowing OBR to function as a Braille copier. OBR works with single-side or interpoint (double-sided) Braille, and can read both sides of an interpoint page with a single scan. The recognition function of OBR is stable even if the source Braille copy is of poor quality. OBR works with most languages and with U.S. Grade 2 Braille. The OBR software package includes the software diskette, a manual in Braille and print, and a yellow correction filter to be placed on the scanner surface. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Personal computer with Pentium 90 MHz or better, minimum 32 MB RAM, running Windows 95, 98, NT, 2000, or Me.
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PORTSET READER
The Portset Reader is a voice output reading machine designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This machine reads letters, books, magazines, or bills with a page size up to A4 (20 x 28 centimeters) and a font as fine as 8 points. The user can select between male and female speaking voices with clear British pronounciation. Pages scanned on the Portset Reader can be stored in internal memory or saved to diskette for future reference. This device can read line-by-line, word-by-word, or column-by-column, and it can also spell words and repeat lines. The simple-to-use control pad has 12 keys and voiced information to guide the user through key functions. The Portset Reader comes with integral loudspeakers and a headphone for private reading. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 4.5 x 18.5 x 10.5 inches. WEIGHT: 12 pounds. WARRANTY: One year.
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PORTSPEAK
Portspeak is a speech synthesizer program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This synthesizer works in conjunction with a screen reader program and a sound card (not included). The software allows multiple languages to be spoken in nine voices, which can be adjusted for volume, speed, and pitch. PortSpeak remembers the last voice settings, and re-loads them each time the program is started. To reduce the pronounciation errors that can occur with speech synthesizers, PortSpeak uses a technology called GRABS (Grammatical Read Ahead Before Speaking), which reads the text in advance of speaking in order to decide if a word is a noun, verb, adverb, adjective, past participle, or abbreviation. the software uses this information to decide which is the correct pronounciation to send to the sound card. PortSpeak correctly identifies different pronunciations needed for telephone numbers, dates, time, and ordinal numbers. When dealing with currencies, the program will pronounce the currency symbol in the correct order in relation to the amount. A document reader that allows a full document to be read is included. COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and compatible computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: Windows 95/98/NT, and a screen reader program that has incorporated the Portset API or that has an SSIL interface.
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SYSTEM ACCESS MOBILE
System Access Mobile is a voice output screen reader program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. The program comes with a license for installation on any U3-enabled USB thumb drive (not included). The thumb drive can be carried on a key ring or in a pocket, and plugged into any computer to provide access with the user's settings and preferences. When done, the user removes the thumb drive, leaving no traces of the program on the host computer. The license also covers installation on up to two computers. OPTIONS: Neo Speech voices; System Access Mobile Network (SAMNet).
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SYSTEM ACCESS STANDALONE
System Access Standalone, also called SA Standalone or Stand Alone, is a voice output screen reader program designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This software provides access to all Windows-based applications, including word processing, spreadsheet, calendar, e-mail, and Web browser programs. It has an intuitive interface with extensive help files, and comes with a license for one or two computers. OPTIONS: NeoSpeech VoiceText text-to-speech voices (one male, one female). COMPATIBILITY: For use on IBM and IBM compatible computers.
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TACTILE IMAGE ENHANCER
The Tactile Image Enhancer (TIE) is a tactile graphics embosser designed for individuals who are blind or have low vision. To create a tactile image, the user first puts an ink image onto a type of tactile imaging paper called Flexi-Paper (see separate entry). This can be done with a photocopy machine, an inkjet printer, a soft lead artist's pencil, a china marker, or the Sanford Uni-Ball pen. The sheet is then inserted in the TIE and a tactile image is created. This device can be used to create tactile maps, graphs, charts, calendars, etc. OPTIONS: One-hundred sheet packages of Flexi-Paper in 8.5 x 11 inches, 11 x 11.5 inches, and 11 x 17 inches are available. DIMENSIONS (HxDxW): 8 x 5 x 20 inches. WEIGHT: 18 pounds.
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THERMO-PEN I
Thermo-Pen I is a thermal pen designed for use in the creation of tactile images and messages for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Thermo-Pen I is a writing instrument designed to create a raised image directly on Flexi - Paper tactile graphics paper (see separate entry). Thermo-Pen I is a portable device that works with a battery pack. When the pen is plugged into the battery pack it is ready to produce images directly onto Flexi - Paper. A tactile image is formed on Flexi-Paper by holding Thermo-Pen I vertically and passing it slowly across the paper (no pressure necessary). POWER: Uses two 9-volt batteries (not included).
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THERMO-PEN II
Thermo-Pen II is a thermal pen designed for use in the creation of tactile images and messages for individuals who are blind or have low vision. Like Thermo-Pen I (see separate entry), Thermo-Pen II is a writing instrument designed to create a raised image directly on tactile graphics paper. By holding the pen vertically above a sheet of Flexi-Paper (see separate entry) and passing it slowly across the paper (no pressure necessary), a tactile image is formed. Thermo-Pen II also creates tactile images at a higher rate of speed than Thermo-Pen I. It has a built-in control knob that turns it on and off and controls the temperature of the tip. POWERS: Uses standard household current.
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TRIPLE TALK PCI
Triple Talk PCI is an internal hardware speech synthesizer designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. Triple Talk PCI makes use of the high speed transfer rates of the PCI bus and the latest in advanced Double-Talk techology to produce a high quality of speech. The Triple-Talk PCI has eight predefined voices, 10 volume levels, 10 different speeds, and 100 unique pitches, and is fully configurable by the user. Parameters such as tone, punctuation filtering, and intonation are also adjustable. The user's ability to take advantage of these options may be limited by certain software packages such as screen access programs. This synthesizer supports screen reader programs such as Window Eyes, JAWS for Windows, Vocal Eyes, and Asap (see separate entries); optical character recognition (OCR) reading machine products such as OpenBook 3.5, Ruby, and Kurzweil; and screen magnification programs such as Zoomtext (see entries). Triple-Talk PCI comes with an external mono speaker for delivering its synthesized speech output. In addition, the external speaker is equipped with a volume knob and a 0.125-inch headphone jack. The unit also comes with an installation disk and a Quick Reference data sheet. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM or compatible micro computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: 33 Megahertz (MHz) PCI bus; Windows 3.x, Windows 9x (including DOS Boxes and straight DOS mode), Windows Millennium, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows XP, or MS-DOS 6.22.
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TRIPLE TALK USB
Triple-Talk USB is an internal hardware speech synthesizer designed for use by individuals who are blind or have low vision. This speech synthesizer is a USB device that is capable of transferring data at a rate of 12 megabytes per second (Mbps). It executes instructions rapidly to meet the demands of any screen access program. Features include eight predefined voices, ten volume levels, ten different speeds, and 100 unique pitches; the unit is fully configurable to meet individual needs. Parameters such as tone, punctuation filtering, and intonation are also adjustable. These settings may be limited by certain software packages such as screen access programs. The device has an internal 0.5-watt speaker for delivering its synthesized speech output. Volume levels are adjustable via a side mount rotary thumb wheel. A 0.125-inch stereo jack is located on the side of the unit for use with headphones or power speakers. Triple-Talk USB comes with an installation disk with documentation, a USB cable, a standard serial cable, 0.125-inch stereo headphones, and a quick-install reference sheet. COMPATIBILITY: For use with IBM and compatible micro computers. SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS: USB or standard RS232 serial port; Windows 98/ME/2000/XP/Vista/windows 7 and Linux. POWER: Uses an internal four-cell rechargeable NiCad battery, which may be charged via a supplied direct current (DC) adapter or by connecting the unit to a computer via the supplied USB cable. DIMENSIONS (HxLxW): 1.5 x 5.5 x 4 inches. The internal speaker is 2.5 inches. WEIGHT: Approximately 0.75 pound.
See Technologies for the Visually Impaired, Inc. products that are no longer available.

