Optelec's FarView redefines portable information management for low vision users!

Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

November 12th, 2008
For more information, contact:

Nathalie Leentvaar
Marketing Communication Manager
Optelec BV
nle@optelec.nl
+31 (0)88 678 34 08

Optelec's FarView redefines portable information management for low vision users!

Barendrecht, the Netherlands, November 12th, 2008 - Today, Optelec, the world leader in innovative and assistive technology for visually impaired and blind people, announced the release of FarView, a portable and powerful magnification solution that redefines how low vision users around the world are now able to access, store, review and share information with each other and their peers and colleagues.

FarView is approximately the size of a PDA, but its unique design and incomparable functionality sets it apart from any portable or desktop device currently on the market.

FarView enables users to leverage off of its centralized, auto-focus camera to view information in six different reading modes from a distance as well as up-close. This means that today's vision impaired consumer can use FarView to access presentations, lectures or hardcopy content within the classroom, place of employment, or throughout his / her community.

But FarView does so much more than simply magnify information in 'real-time'. It also enables the user to store the data that it has captured for review up close in more detail at any time. It also allows the user to capture a complete document or multiple pages of a book or magazine. Ergonomic scrolling buttons help the user to navigate through any text or document easily and comfortably, whereas the auto-scroll function bring the user back to the beginning of the line within a snap. The 4.3" widescreen display and wide magnification range that starts at minus 2 provide a large text overview, making FarView extremely useful for people with RP.

Up to 100 images can be stored on the device, and reviewed and accessed at any give moment in time. Stored images can be adjusted to the users needs via an integrated menu. With just a press of a button, the user gets access to advanced functionality, such as image rotation, picture alignment and contrast and brightness settings. Also, FarView offers the user the flexibility to connect to an external monitor or a PC, encouraging teh user to access printed words and photos comfortably and efficiently, and share this ifnormation with colleagues, friends and family.

"We are ecstatic to be bringing a product such as FarView to an industry thirsting for innovation", states Michiel van Schaik, CEO of Optelec Holding B.V. "We at Optelec are 100% committed to combining the intelligence within a product with a flexible, powerful design in order that the consumers of our products exponentially receive more functionality  for the money that they spend."

Optelec's FarView offers its user just that - more functionality for less money! Imagine being able to access your class notes or a hard copy report at work, save the information, review it at  hour leisure on either the FarView or a PC or external monitor, and share this information with those around you? Imagine being able to use FarView to read street and building signs, restaurant menus, and other information while on the go? FarView allows for all of this and so much more at a price point of a fraction of what today's traditional, desktop and portable video magnifiers cost!

Optelec expects to be delivering FarView to users in January, 2009. Contact your local Optelec distributor or sales office for pricing details, and order this dynamic solution as a late holiday gift!

About Optelec

"Improving the quality of life of visually impaired and dyslexic people - reaching out with simple and effective solutions."
Optelec was founded in 1975 and is recognized as the worldwide market leader in providing innovative solutions for the blind, visually impaired, and learning disabled. The company's flagship ClearView+ and Compact+ line provide a simple, modular, and effective solution for people with a visual impairment. The ALVA BC640 and EasyLink series provide Braille users with complete control of a cellular phone, PDA or laptop computer from a Braille display with Braille input keys. The user-friendly ALVA Satellite Braille terminals guarantee Braille users portable access for active participation in the mainstream, global information community.

Today Optelec has offices in the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium as well as a wide distribution network throughout Europe, North America, Middle East, Asia, South Africa and Australia.

Click here to find out more about FarView
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