[nabop] Fwd: Optelec Releases Alva BC640

[David Andrews]

>From: "Larry Lewis" <LarryL at Optelec.com>
>Subject: Optelec Releases Alva BC640
>Date: Tue, 27 Jun 2006 17:06:19 -0400
>
>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
> 
>Contact:
> 
>Bruce Fox 
>Nathalie Leentvaar
>Inside Sales Manager
>Marketing Associate, Blindness Products
>+1 (800) 826-4200 x 204
>+31 (0) 181 409 408
>Brucef at Optelec.com
>nle at optelec.nl
><http://www.optelec.com/>http://www.optelec.com
>http://www.optelec.nl
> 
>Optelec sets the standard in Braille communication by unveiling the ALVA BC6-series
>Rockanje, The Netherlands, Vista, Calif – June 27, 2006, (PR Web) 
> 
>Today, Optelec, the leading, global  manufacturer  and distributor of products for persons who are blind or visually impaired, announced today its unveiling of the ALVA BC640, the first Braille Controller of this family. 
> 
>At the CSUN Conference in March, 2006, Optelec took its first step in redefining how Braille users access mainstream devices by releasing Easylink12, a 12 cell wireless Braille Assistant that allows users to control a cellular phone, PDA or PC. Today, Optelec has taken another monumental stride forward in bringing tactual access to mainstream devices by premiering ALVA BC 640.
> 
>The ALVA BC640 merges classic Braille display access with modern notetaking functionality. Its 40 cells Braille display provides optimal reading comfort in an ultra slim design. The ALVA BC640’s ergonomically designed Smartpad with its four buttons and joystick provide instant access and smart navigation to mainstream devices. Optelec’s strategically positioned eTouch buttons at either end of the Braille display allow for quick and efficient access to countless applications to one’s cellular phone, PDA and Windows-based PC.
> 
>The ALVA BC640 can optionally be equipped with internal memory to share and store files from a PC, or host one’s preferred screenreader on-board the ALVA Braille Controller.
> 
> ALVA BC640’s optional Braille Audio Feature Pack makes it more than just a regular Braille display or notetaker. The easy to find and operate Braille keys give you the ability to comfortably write Braille while listening to wireless audio output using the devices’ preferred speech synthesizer.
> 
>“Much time, energy, and thought has been put into the creation of ALVA BC640,” stated Ivar Illing, Product Line Manager, Blindness Products, Optelec Holding.  “We believe that we’ve created a new generation of Braille access solutions to meet the needs of numerous blind customers in a variety of very different environments that require Braille access to allow them to grow and contribute in their respective capacities and roles.”
> 
>“There are lots of great notetakers and Braille displays on the market today,” asserts Larry Lewis, Director of Blindness Products Sales, Optelec US Inc.  “ALVA BC640 allows the customer to multi-task and flourish using notetaking commands while relying heavily on the rich history of Optelec’s refreshable Braille prowess. The end result is, that the user now has a line of wireless Braille Controllers as a viable alternative to traditional, notetakers and Braille displays.”
> 
> 
>You can view an audio/video presentation on the Alva BC640 by visiting http://www.optelec.com/images/ALVABC640Broadbandsmall.wmv
>ALVA BC640 will be featured along side of EasyLink12 on ACB Radio’s “Main Menu” Adaptive technology program. The program will air on Tuesday, June 27 at 9 Eastern, 6 pacific, Wednesday 1 Universal on ACB Radio's talk and information stream, mainstream.  Main Menu showcases technology discussed from a blindness perspective.
>To listen to the show, just click this link at the time specified above. <http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=8&MMN_position=14:14>http://www.acbradio.org/pweb/index.php?module=pagemaster&PAGE_user_op=view_page&PAGE_id=8&MMN_position=14:14
> 
>Optelec will be debuting the ALVA BC640 along with its entire array of blindness and low vision product lines at the National Federation of the Blind, American Council of the Blind, and Association for the Education and Rehabilitation for the Blind and Visually Impaired summer conventions in the United States as well as the ICEVI Conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
> 
>About Optelec
> 
>Founded in 1975, Optelec is recognized worldwide as the leading provider of innovative solutions for persons who are blind and visually impaired. The company's flagship ClearView Plus line, magnifies text and photos to over 50 times, bringing life back into focus for those living with low vision, caused by such conditions as macular
>degeneration. The EasyLink series of Wireless Braille Assistants provides Braille users with complete control of their cellular phone, PDA or laptop computer from a Braille display with Braille input keys. The user-friendly Braille Voyager and ALVA Braille terminals guarantee to Braille users portable access for active participation in the mainstream, global information community. 
>For more information, please visit our website http://www.optelec.com
>or call +1 (800) 826-4200
>