Audio description

You might have used this on videos or DVDs with an AD marking but it is not available on analogue TV. So it is a new service from the broadcasters that is coming in with digital TV.

Audio description works like a commentary for people who have difficulty seeing the screen. During the programme a voice describes what is shown and happening on the screen, during gaps in the dialogue or in silent parts.

Ofcom sets and monitors targets for broadcasters. The current 10-year target is for 10% of programming hours to be audio described. Broadcasters are also required to raise awareness of this service and to identify signed programmes with 'AD' in on-screen TV Guides.

You can also get more information on AD from RNIB and here's a link to listings of TV programmes with audio description:
www.tvhelp.org.uk/audes/schedule.php

Finding products with AD
To see test reports on products that have AD capability use our Product Search and select ‘Audio Description’ as a search criteria.

The RNIB also have lists of products with AD capability.

Some audio description is broadcast terrestrially, but very few iDTVs and digital boxes are able to get it.

BSkyB satellite and the Virgin Media cable company broadcast audio description combined with a programme’s soundtrack. You just have to change the settings on the TV – no special kit is needed. Once you’ve switched it on, everyone watching hears both soundtrack and audio description. Audio description comes on whenever it is broadcast, and you can then choose to switch it on or off. Further information from Sky Accessibility Helpline and Virgin Media customer services.

AD is not currently available on digital TV services that are delivered through your telephone line, such as BT Vision and Homechoice.

Other equipment
You can also get AD though the following special equipment

• Nebula PC card – called the DigiTV, it is a computer adapter for watching digital TV programmes with audio description on your PC. DigiTV also works with speech and magnification software. Information on 01689 897090 or at www.nebula-electronics.com.
• Portset digital media centre - a box that provides all digital terrestrial TV channels, sound only, with audio description when it’s broadcast, plus spoken text services, record and playback. Information on 01489 893919 or at www.portset.co.uk/pdmc.htm.

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