Samsung Electronics has been selected as the supplier for the Korea Communications Commission’s ‘Free TV Distribution Project for Visually and Hearing Impaired’ for the sixth consecutive year.
This project aims to bridge the information gap for visually and hearing-impaired individuals by distributing customized TVs. The Korea Communications Commission selects beneficiaries based on priority among applicants, with low-income visually and hearing-impaired individuals eligible to receive a TV for free, while other applicants are required to pay 50,000 won.
Starting at the end of May, Samsung Electronics will distribute the 43-inch Full HD Smart TVs (KU43F6310FFXKR) sequentially. The number of units supplied this year has increased by 3,000 from last year, totaling 35,000 units, which marks the largest scale ever.
The TV models come equipped with customized features for visually and hearing-impaired individuals. Viewers with color weakness or color blindness can use the ‘black and white’ feature in the ‘accessibility shortcut’ menu to enjoy clearer screens. The ‘SeeColors Mode’ assists in distinguishing objects by adjusting green, red, and blue colors.
The ‘AI Sign Language Auto-Search’ function arranges captions and sign language screens for easier simultaneous viewing. Specific screen area magnification supports content access for those with low vision.
Features for visually impaired users include voice navigation for operation menus, adjustments for speech speed, pitch, gender, and background audio, and high-contrast display options. For hearing-impaired users, subtitle segregation, subtitle position and size adjustments, and multi-audio output functions are provided.
Oh Chi-ho, Vice President of Samsung Electronics Korea, stated, “Samsung Electronics feels responsible for creating an environment where everyone can enjoy content through TV without limitations.” He added, “We will continue to strengthen accessibility technologies in the future.”
To apply for the TV distribution, individuals can either visit their local community center with their resident registration address or apply online using cellphone authentication under their name on the dedicated website.
