Alva Braille Displays

The ALVA Satellite series of refreshable Braille displays combines versatility with an enhanced ergonomic design. Utilizing both Double Touch Cursors and the new Satellite Key Pads, the ALVA Satellite offers complete access to even the most complex applications.

The Satellite series is available in several models. The slim, lightweight ALVA Satellite 544 Traveler sits perfectly under a laptop and is USB powered - perfect for those in need of refreshable Braille while on the go. The classic ALVA Satellite 544 Satellite also sits perfectly below a laptop but is powered by 110/220 AC current or with AA batteries. For professionals and Braille enthusiasts, choose between the 70-cell, ALVA Satellite 570 Pro and the 84-cell, ALVA Satellite 584 Pro. The Satellite 570 Pro was designed to meet most users requirements with a wide desktop display, while the ALVA Satellite 584 Pro's extra wide profile gives those users needing more Braille real estate for high-resolution applications, Windows and data intensive programs.  Like all other ALVA Braille displays, the Satellite Braille display complies with ALVA's Open Standard philosophy. This policy ensures that the Satellite will operate with just about every popular screen reader, speech synthesizer and computer system currently available.

The Satellite is the most ergonomically designed Braille display on the market. The Satellite's slim case design combined with thoughtfully placed control keys, results in an exceptionally comfortable and effective user interface. Innovative twin satellite keypads provide fast and easy access to speech and Windows functions. Including Double Touch Cursors (for cursor routing and font information) and tacitly shaped navigation keys, the ALVA Satellite is simply a pleasure to use. By offering maximum control directly from the Braille display, hand movement between the Braille display and keyboard is significantly reduced. The Satellite's innovative design/features increases the navigation and operational effectiveness of most popular screen readers.

Twin Keypads:  The Satellite keypad is the most exciting new feature in Braille display development to come along since the touch cursor - and we invented that too! Twin Satellite keypads are conveniently positioned at either side of the Braille array. One set of Satellite keypads (each sets consists of six keys) performs computer keyboard navigation such as the directional cursor keys, tab and shift tab, control tab and control shift tab, escape, backspace and enter. The second set of Satellite keypads provides common speech commands such as read the content of a window, menu or dialog, announce the window title or status line, read continuously in a document, and interruption of speech output. The Satellite keypads allow easy and effective screen reader/Windows control in both speech and Braille of web pages, document windows, spreadsheets and custom applications - all directly from the Braille display. By minimizing hand movement to and from the Braille display and computer keyboard, maximum productivity is achievable with a Satellite.

Double Touch Cursors:  Above each Braille cell are two, newly designed silicone pad-switched Double Touch Cursors. The Double Touch Cursor simplifies cursor/caret control and allows for retrieval of contextual information by the way of speech and Braille integration. The first row of Touch Cursors routes the cursor or generates a left mouse click at the position shown in Braille, which corresponds to the location on the monitor. The second row of touch cursors is used to request speech feedback (when used with a speech synthesizer) such as font, font style, size and color. Additionally, names given to graphics are announced and a right mouse click can be generated at any location to invoke a Windows context menu.

Status Cells:  Depending on which screen reader software is being used, three status cells provide additional information such as text attributes, vertical or horizontal focus position, Braille display position within a window, control types in a dialog and screen reader mode. The status cells can be positioned at the left or right side of the Braille array or be turned off altogether to maximize the number of Braille reading cells.

USB Support:  Outfitted with USB ports, one in-port and two out-ports, the Satellite is easy to connect to a computer and can work as a USB hub for use with other USB peripherals. Scanners, printers and other USB devices plug right into the USB out-ports on the back of the Satellite--no more running out of ports. The Satellite's plug-and-play capabilities enable the Braille display to be used directly after driver installation even without having to restart the computer system.

Integrated Power Supply:  Equipped with an on-board dual voltage power supply, providing electrical power for the Satellite couldn't be easier. Plug in a standard power cable for the appropriate geographical region and the Satellite automatically senses the corresponding voltage. No longer is a bulky external power supply required.