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AD on TV - FAQs

Summary: Frequently asked questions about getting Audio Description on TV.

• About Audio Description
• Getting Audio Description on TV
• Digital TV
• Types of digital TV
• Further information

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About Audio Description

What is Audio Description (AD)?

Audio Description is an additional commentary that helps people with a sight problem to picture the on-screen action, body language and facial expressions.

Getting Audio Description on TV

How can I get Audio Description?

To get AD, your TV must be able to receive digital TV. If you have digital TV there are three main ways you can receive AD. If you are a Sky customer or Virgin Media customer, all you have to do is use your remote to turn AD on, you may find our step by step guides helpful. Alternatively you can buy equipment that can receive AD, either a Freeview digital box or a Freeview Integrated Digital Television (IDTV).

How much does Audio Description cost?

The AD service itself is free to receive and use, but because you need digital TV to get it, you may need to buy some equipment.

Once you have decided how to receive AD it will be easier to compare equipment prices. Support is available for some people including registered blind and partially sighted people from the Digital Switchover Help Scheme.

You will still need a TV license if you have digital TV. RNIB offers advice on how to obtain a blind concession TV licence.

What programmes have AD?

Audio described shows include many popular soaps and sitcoms such as EastEnders, Neighbours, Coronation Street and Friends. In addition many dramas, documentaries, cookery shows, travel programmes, children’s programmes and films are shown with AD. Several online and print TV listings highlight TV programmes with AD.

Digital TV

What is Digital TV?

Digital TV is a way of broadcasting TV that means that you can receive more channels and access additional services. Virtually all TVs can be converted to receive digital TV with a set-top box, or you can buy a new Integrated Digital TV (IDTV). Digital UK is the organisation set up to provide information on digital TV and digital switchover.

What is digital switchover?

Digital switchover will happen between 2008 and 2012 as the UK gradually switches to digital TV, region by region. The UK’s old analogue television broadcast signal is being switched off and any TV set that’s not converted to digital when the switchover takes place will no longer receive TV programmes. Digital UK is the organisation set up to provide information on digital TV and digital switchover.

Will I get any help switching to digital TV?

Digital Switchover Help Scheme is a government scheme to help eligible people (including registered blind and partially sighted people) switch to digital TV. It is still being set up but will be up and running soon.

What’s a digital set-top box?

Digital set-top box (or digibox) is a small box that allows your existing TV to receive a digital signal. Your existing aerial plugs in the box and you connect the box to your TV’s aerial or scart socket. A list of models that can receive AD is on the equipment section of this site.

Who’s responsible for the switchover to digital TV?

Digital UK is the independent, non-profit organisation leading the process of digital TV switchover in the UK. Digital UK provides impartial information on how people should prepare for the move to digital and when to do it. If you have a question about digital TV speak to Digital UK on 08456 50 50 50.

Types of digital TV

What is Freeview?

Freeview is a free digital TV service bringing you channels including ITV2, E4 and BBC Three. When you buy a digital set-top box, this normally comes as standard. For a list of Freeview digital boxes that can receive AD visit the equipment section of this site.

What is Freesat?

Freesat is a similar service to Freeview, but is received via a satellite dish rather than via an aerial. Currently only Sky offer this but a new Freesat service is being launched by the BBC and ITV in Spring 2008.

What is an IDTV?

IDTV (Integrated Digital TV) is a TV with a digital box built in. With an IDTV you don’t need to buy a separate set-top box, just connect the digital TV to your rooftop aerial. In some cases an aerial upgrade may be required, which could cost between £80 and £150. Digital UK provide information about the availability of digital TV in your area, just use the Digital UK postcode tracker to find out more.

For a list of IDTV's that can receive AD visit the equipment section of this site.

Further information

Email audiodescription@rnib.org.uk

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Content author: audiodescription@rnib.org.uk

Last updated: 20/11/2008 11:13