7 May 2013
2012 International Communications Market Report stated that UK consumers are also embracing the new generation of smart TVs - enabling access to online services such as catch-up TV viewing.
Fifteen per cent of UK consumers say they own a smart TV.
UK consumers are the most likely in the world to access TV content over the internet. Almost a quarter (23 per cent) of internet users claimed to use services such as BBC iPlayer, Sky Go and 4OD across the country.
A subtle but significant shift is transforming the way in which we watch television - more and more people are watching catch-up TV and on-demand television on the web and connected devices.
However, a vast majority of the catch-up and on-demand services are currently do not deliver audio description (AD). Even if a television programme was available with AD during its original broadcast on the television, it cannot be viewed online with the same AD.
This not only restricts the use of online catch-up and on-demand services for regular AD users, but actually prevents some AD users watching their favourite programmes independently online.
RNIB is campaigning to ensure that audio description is introduced on popular catch-up and on-demand services such as the ITV Player, Demand 5,and Lovefilm.com.
Currently, the only catch-up players that are geared up to deliver AD are the BBC iPlayer, Channel 4's 4oD and Sky Anytime.
Read a review of the BBC iPlayer
Read a review of the 4oD