Audio description trial
Audio description is an additional verbal commentary that complements the underlying soundtrack of a program. It is narration that explains what is happening visually during television programs, movies, DVDs or live performances. Currently in Australia no television broadcasts include audio description.
The Media Access Review final report included a recommendation that the Australian Government commission a technical trial of audio description on the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) to generate a greater understanding of the technical and consumer issues associated with establishing and delivering audio description services.
On 22 February 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy announced a technical trial of audio description would occur during 2012 on digital ABC1.
On 19 July 2012, the Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy and the Managing Director of the ABC announced that the 13 week public broadcast component of the trial would commence on 5 August 2012. The trial involved the broadcast of drama, documentary and other content with audio description on digital ABC1 for 14 hours per week between 5pm and midnight. The trial concluded on 4 November 2012.
FAQs
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What is audio description?
Audio description improves access to electronic media for people with a visual impairment. It provides an additional verbal commentary that complements the underlying audiovisual program soundtrack. It is narration that explains what is happening visually during television programs, movies, DVDs or live performances.
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What was the intended outcome from the audio description trial?
The government intended that the technical trial would generate a greater understanding of both technical and consumer requirements associated with establishing and delivering audio description services in Australia. The trial included testing of the broadcast delivery path from capture (acquisition or commissioning) to transmission and distribution.
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What were the main parts of the trial?
The technical trial ran for 13 weeks and involved the broadcast of drama, documentary and other content with audio description on digital ABC1 for 14 hours per week during prime time. The ABC included programs such as The Slap, Midsomer Murders and Grand Designs in the trial of audio description.
- When will the results of the audio description trial be available?
The ABC has provided a report to the government on the audio description trial.
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Will the government mandate audio description on broadcasters?
The government will carefully consider the ABC’s report on the audio description trial in the context of all issues affecting the converging digital broadcasting environment.
