Voice controlled cable box from Comcast

Comcast has introduced a voice controlled cable box, the X1 cable box, that might be helpful for low vision patients. Once programmed, viewers can simply speak the channel they want the cable box to access. There is no need to push any buttons. The box can announce what is currently on the television and read any text.

Depending on what subscription a user has, there may or may not be any additional charge to upgrade to the X1 cable box. We usually recommend that our patients get large button remote controls or that we simply mark important control keys on regular remotes with high contrast, tactile buttons. While these approaches might work for most of our patients, it is helpful to know that the X1 cable box is available for those who need that extra bit of assistance.

We are happy to explore all these different options when we work with our patients.