As you’re aware, most individuals take it for granted that they’re able to frequent movie theaters for the latest and greatest films because they can instantly interpret the movie at their leisure. However, thousands of people who are deaf or hearing impaired cannot enjoy the latest movies in this way until the addition of captions well after the release. The advent of new closed-captioning glasses can change all this, though. They’re now available at movie theaters so everyone can enjoy the films together, so let’s look at what prompted this change, where the glasses are being tested and what their features are.
A Comfortable Design
With an interesting design that is not only functional but entertaining, Access Glasses are great for anyone regardless of shape or size. You may think they look like an oversized pair of glasses, but they have a few additional perks, such as two detectors on either side of the lenses. These glasses can be placed right over any pair of glasses that you already own, designed with your complete comfort in mind so that you are not exhausted and strained by the end of the movie.
The Concept Design
These glasses have come about as a result of a joint venture by Sony and Regal Cinemas, officially known as Sony Entertainment Access Glasses. This is a dream of Randy Smith, the chief administrative officer of Regal Cinemas, who’s been thinking of developing this kind of technology for years. After several years undergoing testing, Sony has now released the glasses with plans to make them available by the end of this summer at over 6,000 screens.
Where are They?
Currently, the glasses will be available on a trial run only at select Regal Cinema theaters throughout the United States, with the testing phase of this endeavor still ongoing. It is unsure how long this phase will last or if there are plans to expand to additional screens. Many believe the glasses’ future is highly dependent upon how many people use them in the theaters.
How They Work
The glasses, which offer a variety of benefits for people who suffer from hearing loss, are easily able to be configured for brightness. These preferences are all based upon the individual user, allowing you to view the captions in optimal lighting with adjustments possible to help you see the film and captions better based on your position in the seats. Several people have already said the best view is found in the center of the theater.
Once you’re all set and have adjusted your glasses, you can enjoy the movie. This is when the sensors on either side of your head pick up the captions sent via a data transmitter. Captioning text is displayed right in front of your face. In fact, it looks like the text is floating right in front for you about 10 feet away. You can now read it comfortably while enjoying the entire movie at your leisure. This new technology represents ground breaking appeal for those in the hearing impaired community.