KNOXVILLE, Tenn.—In May, Regal Entertainment Group, which operates the largest theatre circuit in the U.S., announced that it had installed the new Sony Entertainment Access System at 400 theatres across the country. The system includes specially designed lightweight eyewear that enables moviegoers who are deaf or hard of hearing to privately view closed captioned text directly in their line of sight for both 2D and 3D movies.



 
 The Sony Entertainment Access System includes specially designed lightweight eyewear that enables moviegoers who are deaf or hard of hearing to privately view closed captioned text directly in their line of sight for both 2D and 3D movies.
Rob Del Moro, Regal’s chief purchasing officer, commented, “The evolution from open caption presentations and earlier generations of technology to our advanced Sony Entertainment Access System has led to the dawning of a new age of greater access at Regal.”

The Sony Entertainment Access System was introduced to American moviegoers exclusively by Regal in April 2012. The assistive technology can accommodate headphones or neck loops connected to the wireless receiver to hear descriptive audio tracks for patrons who have low vision or those who are blind. The access glasses and audio headsets allow guests to individually enjoy the cinema experience in a relaxed, natural way without the inconvenience of separate screening times or special seating.

The system is available at the Guest Services counter or from any manager. Captions and descriptive audio can only be accessed by use of this equipment and it is not visible or audible to other moviegoers. To select films offering this service, online showtimes will note: “Accessibility Devices Available.”

Regal received this year’s Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind. The Access Awards honored several individuals, corporations and organizations for eliminating or substantially reducing obstacles faced by people with vision loss. Regal was commended for improving access for the blind and low vision communities and providing access to the movies. ■