Sorenson launches free relay service for the deaf

Sorenson Media has created a free video relay service for the deaf and hard of hearing. The Sorenson Video Relay Service (VRS) connects the hearing-disabled person to an American Sign Language interpreter via a broadband connection. The interpreter then connects the other party in the call via a standard telephone. Video is used by the interpreter to capture facial and bodily movements that help determine the emotion of the person speaking. All that is required to use the service is a Sorenson VP-100(tm) videophone appliance and a TV or using a personal computer with Sorenson EnVision SL video relay software or Microsoft NetMeeting and a Web camera.