Overview of Accessible Television

The Building Blocks of Accessible Services

Accessible television refers to several services aimed at different groups. Some supplement the image with sound, while others supplement the sound with text. Still others modify the language itself, either in terms of sound or content.

Subtitles for Dialogue and Sound Effects

Subtitles display spoken words as text. In versions for the deaf and hard of hearing, information about sound effects and music is added, and speakers are often further distinguished by color. They reach the television via teletext, a dedicated data stream in the broadcast signal, or via HbbTV. They have long been used for more than just impaired hearing; they also help when learning languages or in loud environments.

Audio Description for the Image

Here, an additional audio track describes what is happening in the image. During pauses in dialogue, a voice briefly describes people, places, gestures, and actions. This allows those with little or no vision to follow the plot. The format is also known as a descriptive video. In the menus of some devices, it is also listed as audio description or sound for the visually impaired.

Sign Language in a Picture-in-Picture Window

In this service, an interpreter translates the program into German Sign Language, visible in a picture-in-picture window. In addition to hand and finger signs, this includes facial expressions and gestures. This is primarily used for news, political broadcasts, and major live events. However, it rarely occurs in movies or series.

Clear Speech as a Speech-Enhanced Audio Track

This service also runs as a separate audio track but only affects the mix. On this track, music and background noise are reduced, making the voices stand out. The text itself remains unchanged. The track is provided by ARD and ZDF, though not for every program.

Plain and Simple Language

These two services do not focus on the sound, but on the text. Short sentences, familiar words, and the avoidance of technical terms make the content accessible when reading or understanding is difficult. Plain Language follows fixed rules, while Simple Language is somewhat more flexible. Such versions are primarily found in the news. They are offered as separate programs, as online text, and partially in teletext.

Subtitles and audio description are the most widespread. Sign language and simplified language versions, on the other hand, are mainly found in news and live events.

Accessibility on the Television Set

The hurdles to better program accessibility often begin with the path to get there. Those who cannot read the menus cannot access an audio description even if the broadcaster is airing it. Modern devices now have a dedicated menu for this, usually under the heading of Accessibility.

Voice Guidance through the Menus

Voice guidance reads aloud what is currently highlighted on the screen. It therefore helps even before watching a program on TV. This applies to menu items, channel names, and in many cases, the program guide. Depending on the device, the function is called voice output or screen reader. It is often confused with audio description because an additional voice is heard in both cases. However, voice guidance describes the user interface, while audio description describes the film.

Display and Remote Control

For impaired vision, colors and contrast can also be adjusted on many devices. Common features include a high-contrast mode, a grayscale display, and enlargement of menu text. On the remote control, large buttons with noticeable spacing are helpful. Raised dots are often found on the number five key and on the channel selection button. Voice control further simplifies operation, allowing channels to be announced directly.

Finding Accessible Programs

Being available and being found are two different things. Audio description is of little use if no one knows it exists for a particular program. Therefore, there are labels and filters in the program guide and media libraries.

Labeling in the Program Guide

In program overviews, short abbreviations appear next to the program title, usually UT for subtitles, AD for audio description, and DGS for German Sign Language. The same abbreviations appear in the television’s electronic program guide; some broadcasters also use small icons. However, one should not rely on these entirely, as program changes do not always reach the labeling system.

Filters in the Media Libraries

The media libraries of public broadcasters bundle their accessible content into dedicated areas. There, you can filter specifically for subtitles, audio description, and sign language. When playing, you then select the desired version via a menu in the player.

• Filter for the desired version in the accessible area of the media library.
• Check in the player which audio tracks and subtitles are available for selection.
• Check individual episodes of series, as versions are not always complete.
• Pay attention to the availability period, as many contributions are only available for a limited time.

Availability by Provider and Reception Method

Where and how much accessible television is available varies greatly. There is a significant gap between public and private providers. With streaming, it is different again; here, the providers’ own rules play a role, as does the reception method.

Broadcasters and Streaming Services

The range of services is widest with public broadcasters. All first-run programs there are now available with subtitles. Audio description and sign language are also regularly available, with a focus on prime-time programming and news. With private providers, however, the offering is smaller, particularly noticeable in the case of audio description. Good to know: Since 2022, nationwide private broadcasters must report regularly on their status.

Streaming services usually offer subtitles throughout, but the situation with audio versions is inconsistent. Whether an app supports audio description often only becomes apparent during playback. Additionally, there is the question of how easy the app is to use, as a television’s read-aloud function does not necessarily work there.

Reception without an Internet Connection

Some of the services run via the broadcast signal and therefore do not require internet. Subtitles come via teletext or as a separate data stream, while audio description and Clear Speech are provided as additional audio tracks. An older device can be a hindrance if it lacks the newer subtitle data streams. This is equally available via antenna, cable, and satellite. In contrast, media libraries and everything that runs via HbbTV are tied to the internet.