[Electronics-talk] Cable, SAP, and 21st Century Communications Accessibility

[Ray Foret Jr]

Comcast is about to offer accessibility for their X1 set top box.  I know you don't believe it:  but, it's true.


Sincerely,
the Constantly Barefooted Ray, Still a very happy Mac and iphone user!
Sent from my Mac, the only computer with full accessibility for the blind built-in!

On Jul 7, 2014, at 6:09 AM, Gerald Levy via Electronics-talk <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org> wrote:

> 
> Unfortunately, there is not much you can do except file a complaint with the FCC next October, when they will begin accepting complaints regarding non-compliance with the Telecommunications Act of 2010.  Of course, just because they will begin accepting complaints does not mean that they will take any meaningful or decisive action against cable and satellite companies who are unwilling or unable to make their set-top boxes accessible.  Indeed, the cable companies are perfectly willing to pay nominal fines for non-compliance and pass these costs on to their customers in the form of higher monthly bills as a necessary cost of doing business.  My cable provider, Time Warner, currently has no plans to introduce an accessible set-top box anytime in the near future, and their customer service agents know absolutely nothing about the availability of such boxes.  They have their customers over a barrel because if you cancel your service in protest, you will not be able to receive TV reception at all because indoor antennas do not work well for digital TV, and in most cities, the cable companies have sweetheart deals with landlords and property owners that prohibit the installation of rooftop antennas on apartment buildings.  So unfortunately, we blind consumers are getting screwed nine ways to Sunday.
> 
> Gerald
> 
> 
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Tracy Carcione via Electronics-talk" <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> To: "Discussion of accessible electronics and appliances" <electronics-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Monday, July 07, 2014 6:50 AM
> Subject: [Electronics-talk] Cable, SAP,and 21st Century Communications Accessibility
> 
> 
>> Our cable provider, Cablevision, informed us they no longer broadcast SAP, after we asked them why it wasn't working.  Their phone app is also not accessible in any meaningful way, which annoys me a lot.  Every time I hear a commercial touting all the wonderful things one can do with their marvellous app, I end up yelling at the TV "Unless you're blind!".
>> Does anyone know how to put some pressure on these idiots?  We have a law; how do I make them comply?  File a complaint with the DOJ? I'd complain to my Congressman too, but he's a Tea Party Republican who probably figures there shouldn't be any regulations or laws about business anyway.
>> Tracy
>> 
>> 
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