ABC launches trial of audio description on iview

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Tuesday, 14 April 2015 12:48pm

The ABC has today launched a trial of audio description on its online catch-up TV service iview. The trial will last 15 months, during which 14 hours of audio described programs will be added to iview each week.

Audio Description logo and ABC iview logo

The audio description is initially available on iPads and iPhones only, and people will need to download the latest version of the iview app to receive it. The trial will be extended to desktop PCs in mid-May, Android devices in June, and to HbbTV enabled TVs (which are connected to the internet) in July.

The programs to have audio description during the first week of the trial include the new British drama Poldark, the Redfern Now telemovie, New Tricks, Tattoo Tales and the children’s program Bubble Bath Bay.

To locate audio described programs, go to iview, click on ‘Programs A-Z’ and then the tab for ‘Audio Described’ programs. When you select one of them, you will be given the option to ‘Play with AD’. There is also an FAQ page in the ‘Support’ section, an instructional video on YouTube and a help line to call: 02 8333 3248 (this is a message bank, but the ABC has promised that people who leave a message will receive a call back).

On completion of the trial, the ABC will report to the government on the delivery of audio description online, and how people access it.

You may also like:

  • More on TV & Video accessibility, including captions and audio description on TV, as well as reviews and how-to guides
  • The ADonTV website, which covers the progress of getting audio description on Australian television
  • Everything you need to know about catch-up TV accessibility in Australia and abroad
  • Our page on video on demand accessibility
  • DVD & Blu-ray accessibility, covering captions and audio description, as well as where to find audio described DVDs
  • Information on audio described movie technology, as well as how audio described movies are made

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