Radio Reader Service
NetFlix
USB UIRT/Girder TV Controls
IRCommand2 TV Controls
Radio Reader Service
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: In Touch Network
Cost: Free
Reimbursement:
Pros:
When you no longer have the strength to read the newspaper, magazines etc. volunteers do it for you, either over the internet or through closed circuit radios, available in
some areas as loaners to anyone that qualifies (blind or disabled).
Cons:
Fixed program schedule, possible limited reception area for loaner, closed circuit radios; volunteers not professional broadcasters, so some reading mistakes etc., okay if you like the
small-town feel. May be put on waiting list for closed circuit loaner radio.
Summary:
I've really enjoyed this volunteer-provided service when lying in bed and unable to hold a book etc. to read!
Comments From Other Users:
Add your comments.NetFlix
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer: NetFlix
Cost: $17.99 a month.
Pros:
You can watch as many movies per month as you want to. You can keep 3 at your house at one time. There is no late fee. On the NetFlix Website, you pick the movies you want to see in the order you want to see them. The turn around time is about 4 days. The DVD’s come to your mailbox and you return them in your own mailbox in their own postage paid return envelope.
Cons:
I have not seen any problems so far. First 2 weeks free trial.
Summary:
This has been great for me. My daughter, who has ALS, can choose what she wants and I do not have to try to find the movie at the rental place - and I do not have to remember to return them on time.
Comments From Other Users:
Beckie: We use Netflix also, but we rent 4 titles/month and can have 2 out at a time. The cost is $11.99 + tax so total is $12.83/month. No shipping charges.
Sherry: It costs us every month 19.01 on our charge card. Beckie pays less and gets more movies at a time I guess. We get shipped a movie for every one we return up to 3 at a time. The shipping is included in the billing price. You don't have to pay everytime you want to mail it out. Just drop it in a mailbox. I love the service.
Roni: I have NETFLIX for 17.99 a month for three at a time.... no postage charge. I get my money's worth with quick turn around.
Add your comments.USB UIRT/Girder TV Controls
Reviewed by:
Manufacturer/Retailer:USB UIRT Girder
Cost:$50 for USB UIRT, $20 for Girder Software
Reimbursement:Not filed.
Being able to control a TV using a standard remote control is difficult if not impossible as hands and fingers weaken. The combination of the USB UIRT hardware and Girder software allows your computer mouse to control the TV, cable, satellite receiver and any other entertainment units or devices that have a remote control. The USB UIRT is a small infrared receiver/transmitter unit that plugs into a USB port. By holding your TV or other remote next to it you can "teach" the Girder software the infrared codes for each button on the remote. Then you assign a keyboard key for each command; "o" for on/off, "u" for volume up, etc. Now when the Girder program is open your keyboard becomes a TV remote -- and one that won't hide under the sofa cushions to boot!
Pros:
Relatively inexpensive. The Girder software can be used to control about anything. It works with an onscreen keyboard such as Click-n-Type so it will work with minimal hand strength and even with eyegaze type computer controls.
Cons:
Girder can teach your computer to do so many things the software is overwhelming to a non-geek. I was disappointed to find that the keyboard is used rather than having an image of a remote control to click buttons on, but the keyboard works well.The USB UIRT is not at this time (3/2008) Vista compatible.
Summary:
There are now much easier programs than Girder available. The USB UIRT hardware is inexpensive and easy to set up.
Add your comments.
Pros: