Samsung Electronics (005930.KS) has been selected as the supplier for the "Free TV Distribution Program for the Visually and Hearing Impaired," organized by the Broadcasting, Media and Communications Commission, for the seventh consecutive year, the company said Tuesday.
Samsung Electronics plans to supply a total of 35,000 43-inch Full HD smart TVs (model name: KU43F6310FFXKR) to recipients in phases from late this month through the end of the year. The program aims to bridge the media information gap for the visually and hearing impaired by distributing TVs equipped with customized, specialized features. The Korea Communications Agency for Viewers under the commission selects recipients from applicants according to priority. Low-income visually and hearing impaired individuals receive the TVs free of charge, while other visually and hearing impaired individuals pay only a partial cost of 100,000 won.
The Samsung smart TVs being distributed this year are packed with various customized features to further improve information accessibility for the disabled. First, viewing assistance features for the visually impaired stand out. A function that converts the screen to black and white has been applied so that viewers with color weakness or color blindness can watch broadcasts more clearly. The TVs also support SeeColors Mode, which freely adjusts green, red and blue colors to suit the viewer's eyes, helping them clearly distinguish objects on the screen.
Using the AI sign language auto-detection function, viewers can move the subtitle position to watch sign language and subtitles simultaneously without obstruction. A feature that magnifies a specific area other than the sign language screen to help low-vision viewers watch TV is also included. For the visually impaired, the TVs provide voice guidance for control menus, adjustment of voice speed, pitch, gender and background sound, and a high-contrast screen function. For the hearing impaired, features such as subtitle separation, subtitle position and size adjustment, and multiple sound output have been applied to maximize viewing convenience.
Ochio, executive vice president and head of Samsung Electronics' Korea operations, stressed, "Samsung Electronics considers it an important responsibility to create an environment where anyone can enjoy content through TV without restrictions, and we are putting our efforts into developing accessibility technology. We will continue to strive so that people can freely enjoy media content through Samsung TVs."
Meanwhile, applications for the TV distribution program for the visually and hearing impaired can be made by visiting the community service center in one's district of residence or through the dedicated website for the TV distribution program for the visually and hearing impaired.
