The Broadcast Media Telecommunications Commission said on May 26 it will distribute 35,000 customised TVs for visually and hearing impaired people this year and began taking applications on the day.
Low-income visually and hearing impaired people, including basic livelihood security recipients and near-poor households, can receive the TVs for free. Other visually and hearing impaired people can apply by paying 100,000 won.
This year, online applications will open 1 week earlier than in-person applications. The application period will also be extended by 1 week to run for 4 weeks. Applications can be made by visiting the eup, myeon or dong community centre in the applicant's registered area or online via the Audience Media Foundation website.
The TVs to be distributed are 43-inch Full HD smart TVs. They include accessibility features such as voice guidance, closed captions and a split-screen sign language display, and an expanded aspect ratio for sign language broadcasts.
The customised TV distribution programme began in 2000 with broadcast receivers that provided captioned broadcasts and video description. From 2013, it developed into an integrated receiver in TV form used today.
Seulgi Son
sageson@d-today.co.kr