Freeview Help Required

[Complete Novice]

Want to upgrade our Freeview digi box. As I am visually impaired I want, if possible, to take advantage of audio description which is available with some programmes these days. We also require a built in DAB radio service. Is there a box which offers all we require? Can we connect the digi box to our hifi in order to get the radio through our speakers? Price is the big issue so the cheapest available will be more interesting.

[SamRadford]

No Freeview receiver incorporates DAB radio. But they all give radio channels.

Yes any receiver can be connected to the AUX input of an audio system, either direct via phono sockets, if it has them, or via a Scart -to - phono adapter.

Cheaper boxes tend to be less reliable in my experience.

I have done a Google search for you as I knew nothing about "Audio description". I found a page which describes it and has useful links for more information. Here's the link:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/ouch/closeup/au..._guideto.shtml

Here's the important paragraph:

"The Netgem iPlayer TV set-top box, at the time of writing, costs approximately £100 + delivery. It is the only Freeview box available that can receive Audio Description. The box also allows you to hook up to the internet and have TV guides spoken to you. Plus, you can adjust the Audio Description volume separately from the programme sound - a feature considered useful to those with hearing difficulties.
Call 0800 0153092 to purchase an iPlayer."

I don't know if this information is up to date of course. You might like to contact the RNIB whose phone number and email address are on that web page, just below the paragraph which I've quoted.

I hope this helps.

Sam.

[Complete Novice]

Thanks for your help. I have seen a freeview box which does have DAB. It is in the Argos book. It is the Goodmans GDB5. It states that it has interactive services - does this allow the user to use audio description? Don;t think it is fair that I haven't really got a choice like sighted viewers.

[Nick_UK]

That was a new one on me too, but new models are coming out all the time.

You can find a review on this box here

One of the criticisms is that you have to have the TV on to acess and control the DAB radio functions, but that could well be an advantage for someone who is sight-impaired.

Given Argos's money-back guarantee, I'd advise that you give it a try

[SamRadford]

Originally Posted by Complete Novice

Don;t think it is fair that I haven't really got a choice like sighted viewers.

You could say it isn't fair that you have a disability. But we all have our crosses to bear! In my case I'm a tad deaf - but that's what volume controls are for! A pity you can't simply turn up the brightness in your case.

[Complete Novice]

Thanks for the review. Unfortunately, digi boxes are exempt from the Argos 16 day money back guarantee - so if you know of anywhere that would let me return one if it wasn't suitable that would be great.