If you struggle to see your favourite television programmes, Audio Description could be for you!
What is Audio description (AD)?
Audio Description (AD) is a free and existing service that can transform the enjoyment of TV for people who have difficulty seeing what's happening on the screen. Like a narrator telling a story, an additional commentary describes body language, expressions and movements, making the story clear through sound. Experience clips of AD for yourself.
"I cannot describe what it's like to fully understand what is happening, I have never had sight and really didn't realise what a large part of the programme I was missing out on.
AD has made a real difference."
Leah, Audio Description fan
Try audio description
Try audio description for yourself by watching clips of AD from Emmerdale, Coronation Street and Tarzan. You can also play a sound-only version of the BBC's Blue Planet.
How much does it cost?
Although AD itself is free, you may need to buy some equipment to receive it. Prices vary, so it's worth shopping around to find the right equipment for you.
The Digital Switchover Help Scheme provides help and support for eligible people, our digital switchover pages can offer more advice on this scheme.
How to get AD on TV
There are various ways to receive audio description (AD) on digital TV.
If you do not already have digital TV, you will either need to convert it to digital using a set-top box or replace it with an Integrated Digital TV (IDTV). Not all set-top boxes and IDTVs can receive AD. This can be via Freeview, satellite or cable.
Buying AD-ready digital equipment can be a challenge. Shop assistants are often unaware of what AD is. It may help if you investigate equipment options and specific model numbers, on this page, before going to a store and take these with you.
There are three main options Freeview, satelitte or cable and our factsheets have all the latest information on which models to buy and how to receive AD on each digital TV viewing platforms.
Freeview
There are two options for Freeview. One is to buy a Freeview set-top box that gives you digital TV through your existing aerial into an existing TV set. Only certain Freeview boxes can receive AD. The other is to buy a Freeview Integrated Digital Television (IDTV). An IDTV is a television with a built-in Freeview digital box. As with set-top digital boxes, not all IDTVs can receive AD.
For a full list of Freeview boxes and IDTV's which can receive AD, download our Freeview factsheet, (word, 46KB).
Before buying Freeview equipment, you should check whether you can receive it. Some areas of the UK cannot yet receive Freeview and five to 10 per cent of existing TV aerials cannot receive a digital signal and may need to be upgraded. Digital UK can advise on regional availability and registered installers in your area.
Satellite TV
Sky and Freesat, AD can be turned on and off using your remote control and on-screen menus. If you already have Sky or Freesat, then you can already receive AD. For instructions on how to turn AD on satellite download our Satellite factsheet, (Word, 36KB).
Sky offer different packages for digital TV. With Sky you can pay a one-off installation cost with no monthly payments or you can pay a monthly subscription for more channels. No matter which of these packages you choose you will be able to access Audio Description at no additional cost.
For more Sky information visit the Sky website or telephone 08705 66 33 33.
For more Freesat information visit the Freesat website or telephone 0845 313 00 52.
Cable TV
With Sky, Virgin Media and Freesat, AD can be turned on and off using your remote control and on-screen menus. If you already have Sky, Virgin Media or Freesat, then you can already receive AD. For instructions on how to turn AD on download our Virgin factsheet, (Word, 32KB).
Virgin Media offers digital TV with no additional monthly payments (Size M) when taken with its phone package, or you can pay a monthly subscription for more channels. No matter which of these packages you choose you will be able to access Audio Description at no additional cost.
For more Virgin Media information visit the Virgin website or telephone 0800 052 2525.
Campaign
Currently, UK law sets a target for all main TV channels to provide audio description for at least 10 per cent of programmes. RNIB believes this target is too low.
Ofcom, the organisation which regulates TV, has decided to consult on three alternative options for the future of audio description. This consultation is open until 5pm on 12 November, 2009. This is a major opportunity to improve the accessibility of TV programmes for thousands of blind and partially sighted people.
Find out more about our campaign.
About equipment for AD on TV
BBC i-player
Audiio description (AD) is also now available on the BBC i-player, the web based TV catch up service available from the BBC. Users can select the programme they'd like to play from the list of the audio described programmes available from the last 7 days.
Helpscheme equipment
The equipment that is being given out by digital switchover Helpscheme is also able to deliver audio description. Our digital switchover pages can offer more advice on this scheme.
Consumer testing of equipment
Ricability (Research Institute for Consumer Affairs) an independent research charity, has further detailed tests of some of the products that deliver audio description on their website.
More information
For more information email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk or telephone 020 7391 2398.