If you're struggling to see your favourite television programmes or movies, then Audio Description (AD) may be for you.
AD is commentary that describes body language, expressions and movements, making the programme clear through sound.
To get audio described TV programmes, you will need digital television. You get digital TV via Freeview, satellite or cable. This is either built into your television or it is a set top box connected to your television.
Broadcasters (like the BBC, Channel 4 and Sky) must add AD to 20 per cent of their programmes. AD is also available in Welsh on selected programmes.
Download our factsheets to find out more about audio description for Freeview, satellite and cable television.
Find out more information in our Television section.
Many cinemas are equipped with a system that delivers audio description (AD) through a headset, which is provided when you collect your ticket. The audio description runs each time the film is shown and is undetectable to anyone not wearing a headset.
A number of web based video on demand services deliver audio description on films and TV programmes.
There are two types of VOD services:
In order to use these services, you will need a device which is capable of connecting to the internet. VOD service providers make their content available online in a number of different ways, the most popular being using the provider’s website.
There are also apps for various platforms (Android, iOS, Windows Phone and on Smart devices such as internet connected TVs and Roku Streaming Players). In addition to these, these services can also be used on set-top boxes provided by companies like Sky and Virgin Media.
You can normally view the content in the following ways:
Most of the main providers in the UK now offer AD in some form or another. The key ones are listed here:
Watch our video on how TV catch-up and on-demand services can be made more usable for people with sight loss.
Blind and partially sighted spectators at the famous home of cricket, Lord’s Cricket Ground, are able to follow every ball bowled and every boundary scored through the dedicated ‘Ball by Ball’ commentary service at the ground. Lord's provides commentary on every international match, Middlesex county games, and the majority of minor fixtures at the ground.
Commentary is provided at many of the professional football league clubs as well as some non-league clubs, as well as rugby league and rugby union clubs. Information regarding facilities provided at each club, for home and away fans, is available from Level Playing Field.
RNIB, through our Soccer Sight project, was instrumental in helping to set up many football clubs with an audio described commentary service. If you are a stadium manager hoping to make your venue more accessible to blind and partially sighted people then you might find our Soccer Sight Guide useful to read:
Access Audio has designed equipment specifically for the purpose of broadcasting description to blind and partially sighted people attending public events. The RAD system offers a superb level of reception utilising radio signals.
Contact Access Audio by emailing [email protected] or calling 0131 663 0777.
Please visit our useful resources page for other factsheets and helpful links.