36 CFR Part 1194 - Proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines NPRM - Preamble

402.3 Volume (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This section proposes to require two alternate standards for volume control and output amplification on ICT with closed functionality that delivers sound, depending on whether such sound is being conveyed for private or non-private listening. An exception also provides that ICT conforming to 410.2, which addresses volume gain for ICT with two-way voice communication, would be exempted from complying with this section.

402.3.1 Private Listening (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This section proposes to require that, where ICT subject to 402.3 provides a mechanism for private listening—such as a handset or headphone jack—it must have a mode of operation for controlling the volume, and provide a means for effective magnetic wireless coupling to hearing technologies. This proposed requirement would be new to the 508 Standards.

402.3.2 Non-private Listening (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This section proposes to require that, where ICT subject to 402.3 provides non-private listening, incremental volume control must be provided with output amplification up to a level of at least 65 dB. In addition, where the ambient noise level of the environment is above 45 dB, a volume gain of at least 20 dB above the ambient level would be required and must be user selectable. This provision would require a function to be provided to automatically reset the volume to the default level after every use. This section closely corresponds to § 1194.25(f) in the existing 508 Standards.