If you are struggling to see your favourite television programmes, then audio description may be for you.
It is a free service that transforms the television viewing experience for anyone with sight loss.
Audio description is being advertised on many television channels in February and March, you may have seen an advert for it. Why not try it on your TV today?
Freeview
Freeview television delivers hundreds of hours of audio described programming every month.
To watch these programmes, you can either buy a integrated digital television or simply connect your television to a digital set top box that is capable of delivering audio description.
Our Freeview factsheet gives advice on which television and set top boxes are able to give you access to audio description.
Of course, there are new products being added to the market regularly so we suggest that you speak to your local dealer or equipment manufacturer to make sure that the model you are thinking of buying is set up to deliver audio description.
Satellite television
There are two ways to watch Satellite television.
Both, Sky and Freesat, can give you audio description on your favourite programmes. If you are using Freesat or Sky right now and would like to know how to turn on audio description, then our factsheet can help you.
Sky
If you would like to know more about using audio description via your Sky box, then you can visit Sky website or simply give them a call on 0844 241 0333.
Freesat
If you are using Freesat and would like more information on accessing audio description on Freesat, then please visit the Freesat website or give them a call on 0845 313 00 52.
Cable Television
Virgin Media
Virgin Media set top boxes deliver audio description.
Please refer to the Virgin factsheet below that lists steps on how to turn on audio description.
If you would like more information on Virgin Media then visit the Virgin Media website or simply call them on 0800 052 2525.
Freeview- sound only
If you are looking for a sound only option to listen to television programmes with audio description, then check our factsheet that offers advice on how to use a hi-fi or an amplifier to receive digital television.
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Sound only TV factsheet (Word, 204KB)
More on audio description
There is so much more that we would like to share with you on accessing and using audio description. Try our more on audio description page for more details.
If you still have have questions about audio description that we have not answered on our website, then email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk or simply call us on 08456 01 01 81.