BEAM Ltd
XVI - Computer Terminals for the visually impaired and blind
BEAM Ltd produce a range of network computer terminals designed to allow
visually impaired and blind users access computer systems running the Unix
operating system. The range encompasses systems that provide screen magnification
to systems that employ speech and/or braille displays. The systems have
been designed as a standalone X-Windows computer terminal that is connected
to Unix workstations or servers through a conventional network interface.
One of the main features of this design is that all of the user interface
software, including screen magnification and screen reader software runs
on the local terminal and no changes are needed to to host system hardware
or software. As a result all Unix systems, as well as other systems that
employ the X-Windows graphical user interface system are supported.
There are basically three flavours of XVI systems, the XVI Terminal,
the XVI-S terminal and the XVI-SB terminal.
BEAM XVI Terminals
The BEAM XVI terminal provides visually impaired user with a large 21inch
monitor and screen magnification software that provides real-time zoom,
a Magnifying glass and event tracking.
BEAM XVI-S Terminals
The BEAM XVI-S terminal provides all of the screen magnification abilities
of the XVI terminal with the addition of a screen reader software driving
a speech unit. The system is designed for visually impaired and blind users.
BEAM XVI-SB Terminals
The BEAM XVI-SB terminal provides all of the screen magnification abilities
of the XVI terminal with the addition of a screen reader software driving
a speech and braille unit. The system is designed for blind users.
Other Products
BEAM also produces a telephone interface box. This unit provides the ability
for XVI speech and braille users to use, simultaneously, a telephone with
telephone headset.
Supported Systems
The BEAM XVI X-Terminals are closely identified with the Unix operating
system as used by a large number of institutions such as banks, building
societies, technical departments and others with networked systems. The
BEAM XVI range is a stand alone unit designed to replace any standard existing
X-Terminal. No special set up or software modifications are required, simply
plug into the network and go.
XVIL X-Windows access software for the Linux operating system
BEAM is currently porting its XVI screen magnification and screen reading
software to the Linux operating system. For more info see
http://portal.beam.ltd.uk/xvil/
Further Information on XVI products
XVI Data Sheet
XVI-SB Data sheet
XVI.HB Telephone Interface Box
XVI Magnification software
XVI Screen Reader Software
XVI Technical Overview
XVI Screen Magnification User Manual
XVI Screen Reader User manual
XVI Development History
XVI Support
Prices
