Optelec Releases ALVA BC640 Feature Pack & ALVA Explorer Screen Narrator at the ATIA Conference 2008.

Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

January 29th, 2008
For more information, contact:

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

Optelec Releases ALVA BC640 with Feature Pack & ALVA Explorer Screen Narrator at the ATIA Conference 2008.

Setting the Standard in Braille Communication

Barendrecht, the Netherlands, January 29th, 2008 - Optelec, the world leader in innovative and assistive technology for visually impaired people, will showcase the ALVA BC640 with Braille Audio Feature Pack together with its new ALVA Explorer, a screen narrator with basic Braille and speech access at the ATIA Conference 2008 in Orlando, United States, January 31st - Februaru 2nd, 2008 ( Booth # 519).

With the introduction of the optional Braille Audio Feature Pack, the ALVA BC640 becomes more than just a Braille display. Easy to find and ergonomically designed keys give you the ability to comfortable write Braille, whereas the integrated high quality audio allows you to listen to your preferred speech synthesizer through the integrated speakers.

ALVA Explorer is a screen narrator providing basic Braille and speech access to navigate the Windows desktop, write a document in Word, chat with friends via MSN, write an e-mail, look up information on the Internet and make a Skype call. In general, ALVA Explorer allows users to explore their PC and the most important applications. One of the main features of ALVA Explorer is that users are able to connect their ALVA BC640 to any Windows XP or Vista PC and explore the main applications of this PC and enjoy instant access, without having to install a driver. Simply connect the ALVA BC640 with any computer and switch it on to enjoy basic PC access.

"We are constantly innovating our products, trying to find better solutions to improve the quality of life of our customers," stated Ivar Illing, International Product Manager at Optelec B.V. "With the release of the ALVA BC640 Braille Audio Feature Pack and the integration of ALVA Explorer, we are the first to offer a complete - hardware and software - solution to active users in today's mainstream community."

The new ALVA Braille Controller and Wayfinder - An introduction to the ALVA BC640 powered by ALVA Exporer and the EasyLink12 Braille Assistant
THURSDAY, JANUARY 30TH, 4.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Speakers: Ivar Illing, International Product Manager, Optelec B.V. and Larry Lake, CEO, VisionCue Ltd
Location: Curacao 1

The new EasyLink12 and GPS Navigation - An introduction to the ALVA BC640 powered by ALVA Explorer and the EasyLink12 Braille Assistant in combination with GPS Navigation
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1ST, 2.30 p.m. - 3.30 p.m.
Speakers: Ivar Illing, International Product Manager, Optelec B.V. and Larry Lake, CEO, VisionCue Ltd
Location: Curacao 2

As from February 2008, each ALVA BC640 will be equipped with a version of ALVA Explorer, which will be pre-installed on the built-in USB stick.

During the ATIA Conference 2008 Optelec will also showcase the ClearView+ with 22" widescreen display.

Optelec will be debuting the ALVA BC640 with Feature Pack and ALVA Explorer along with its entire array of product lines at the ATIA Conference 2008 in Orlando, United States (January 31st - Febuary 2nd, 2008).

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 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 their cellular phone, PDA or PC from a Braille display with Braille input keys. The user-friendly Braille Voyager and 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, Southern Africa and Australia.

Click here to find out more about the ALVA BC640
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