1. e-Inclusion in CIP ICT PSP Accessible Interactive Digital TV pilot
General context
TV key for millions of people, particularly elderly people
"Parties recognize the right of persons with disabilities to take part on an equal basis with others in cultural life, and shall take all appropriate measures to ensure that persons with disabilities: (b) Enjoy access to television programmes, films, theatre and other cultural activities, in accessible formats” (UN Convention on people with disabilities)
Economic and technological context
Digital switchover in Europe
Increasing business opportunity – aging society
Convergence and dropping costs of set-top boxes help
Broad interest: IT & Telecom industry, broadcasters, users

2. Role of the EU CENELEC requirements on accessible TV (2003)
Review of TVWF Directive - Art 3j
Review of e-Communications Directives
CIP input to accessible DTV…
Step towards accessible communications & convergence

3. Main features of Pilots Type B
Type B pilots in 2007
Main features of Pilots Type B
The goal is to carry out a first implementation of an ICT based innovative service carried out under realistic conditions.
The engagement of a complete value-chain of stakeholders is expected.
The emphasis is on fostering innovation in services  the pilot may need to take-up completed R&D work, may extend already tested prototype services or may combine / integrate several partial solutions to realise a new innovative approach
Proposals will be evaluated against the published evaluation criteria. For Accessible Digital TV Pilot B one proposal
will be selected

4. Pilot B Implementation
Scale and participants
Minimum of 4 legal entities from 4 different Member States or associated countries.
Consortia are expected to engage the complete service value chain, including relevant public authorities (sustaining partners), service providers, industrial stakeholders & users
Duration and funding
Duration is typically months with a pilot service operating for 12 months.
EU contribution is up to 50% of eligible costs of the pilot (including personnel costs, travel and accommodation and other specific costs)
The indicative Community contribution available is 2-3 M€ / pilot

5. Accessible digital Audiovisual (AV) systems – accessible Digital TV
Subtitling
Audio Description
Signing
Speech output
Spoken command
Objective
Significant advancement in accessibility of multi-platform and convergent electronic communications focusing, on accessible DTV – systems, devices, content and services esp. for people with disabilities and older persons
Develop Europe wide specific DTV solutions for accessible program guides, subtitling and audio description, interactivity, accessible equipment, etc.
CONTEXT: TVWF and Digital Switchover - legal necessity; CENELEC – preparatory
requirements & specifications; convergence and dropping costs of set-top boxes;
Expected outcomes
Diffusion of advanced accessible AV through mainstreaming of DfA
Deliverables: set of usability, accessibility interoperability needs of users, technology & service providers

6. More information about the entire CIP programme
about ICT Policy support programme
eInclusion
eInclusion discussion site
functional mailbox