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CSD and Sorenson Vision Unveil Internet-Based Video Interpreting ServicesNew interpreting paradigm enables effortless communication between Deaf and Hearing |  |
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SIOUX FALLS, SOUTH DAKOTA, and LOGAN, UTAH; March 22, 2000 -- Communication Service for the Deaf (CSD) announced today the establishment of the first ever Internet-based video interpreting service for the Deaf. The service, which uses the groundbreaking EnVision video conferencing system created by Sorenson Vision, Inc., enables Deaf and Hearing people to communicate with each other in a radical new way. Telecommunication relay services and TTYs require individuals who are Deaf to use text messages when communicating over the telephone. With CSD's new EnVision-enhanced interpreting service, Deaf people can use video technology to express themselves freely in sign language. For many Deaf or hard of hearing individuals, communication over the telephone can be extremely difficult and frustrating. Most must rely on a TTY -- a specialized teletype machine enabling callers to type back and forth. But there are situations, such as telephone conferences with co-workers or other Hearing callers, where text methods simply don't work. On-site interpreting can be problematic as well. Finding an interpreter for unexpected conference calls, meetings or last-minute situations can be virtually impossible. In addition to scheduling difficulties, most professional interpreters also have restrictive time minimums and travel time requirements. With the introduction of Internet-based video interpreting, all of these obstacles are irrelevant. Now, whenever people need to participate in a conference call, they can contact one of CSD's video interpreters or "translators" at a center in Austin, Texas. Using EnVision, the operator joins the conference call by telephone and interprets every word spoken by the Hearing participants into American Sign Language. And the person who is Deaf can participate fully in the meeting through the interpreter who will voice everything that is signed. Video relay has been a topic of discussion in the Deaf community for several years, but immature technology and prohibitively high costs have prevented it from becoming a practical reality. Earlier conferencing systems required expensive lines which were not available in many areas, and in most cases the results were less than impressive. The EnVision system is the result of years of research in video compression techniques. The product's predecessor, VisionLink, relied on a computer's onboard processor to compress and decompress incoming and outgoing video streams. EnVision, by comparison, uses special hardware to do all the "heavy lifting." With both high-quality video and robust audio functionality, EnVision is the ideal tool for Deaf-Deaf, Hearing-Hearing and Deaf-Hearing communication. "Preliminary test results are overwhelmingly positive," says Benjamin Soukup, CSD's chief executive officer. "We are firmly convinced that this technology will significantly impact the way we provide interpreting services. We are proud to offer state-of-the-art communication solutions and look forward to providing our consumers with the most advanced technology possible." Ray Brooksby, Sorenson Vision's chief operating officer, added that he is pleased that EnVision technology can be used in such a helpful way. "This new partnership between CSD and Sorenson Vision is going to change the way both Deaf and Hearing people communicate," he says. "Interpreting services have now entered the 21st century." Communication Service for the Deaf, a private, non-profit agency headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is the world's largest provider of telecommunication relay services. As the leader in advanced data communications services for Deaf, hard of hearing, and speech-impaired consumers, CSD is a pioneer in barrier-free communication access. Since its inception in 1975, CSD has been dedicated to providing quality services, ensuring public accessibility, and increasing public awareness of issues affecting Deaf and hard of hearing individuals. Further information about CSD is available online at http://www.c-s-d.org. Sorenson Vision, Inc., a privately held company based in Utah, was founded by James L. Sorenson, noted businessman and holder of more than 50 patents in fields ranging from medical devices to visual imaging. Among Sorenson's other companies are DataChem Laboratories, Sorex Medical, and Sorenson Laboratories. More information about Sorenson Vision can be found on the company's website at All products and brand names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.
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