An Overview of Accessible Television

The Building Blocks of Accessible Services

Accessible television refers to a variety of services aimed at different groups. Some add audio to the video, others add text to the audio. Still others modify the language itself, either in terms of pronunciation or content.

Subtitles for dialogue and sound effects

Subtitles display the spoken words as text. In versions for deaf and hard-of-hearing people, descriptions of sounds and music are included, and the speakers are often distinguished by different colors. They are transmitted to televisions via teletext, a separate data stream within the broadcast signal, or via HbbTV. They have long since ceased to be used only by people with hearing impairments. They are also helpful for language learning and in noisy environments.

Audio description for the image

An additional audio track provides a description of what is happening on screen. During pauses in the dialogue, a voice briefly identifies people, places, gestures, and actions. This allows viewers who are blind or have low vision to follow the plot. This format is also known as an audio-described film. On some devices, the menus may list this feature as “audio description” or “audio for the visually impaired.”

Sign language in the pop-up window

With this service, an interpreter translates the program into German Sign Language, which is displayed in an on-screen window. In addition to hand and finger signs, this includes facial expressions and body language. It is used primarily for news programs, political shows, and major live events. In movies or TV series, however, it is rarely used.

Clear speech as a language-focused audio track

This feature also runs as a separate audio track, but it only affects the mix. On this track, the music and background sounds are turned down, allowing the voices to stand out. The text itself remains unchanged. The track is provided by ARD and ZDF, though not for every episode.

Simple and Easy Language

These two offerings focus not on the sound but on the text. Short sentences, familiar words, and the avoidance of technical terms make the content accessible to those who have difficulty reading or understanding. “Easy language” follows set rules, while “simple language” is somewhat more flexible. Such versions are found primarily in news reports. They are offered as separate programs, as online articles, and, in some cases, via teletext.

Subtitles and audio description are the most widely used. Sign language and simplified versions, on the other hand, are found primarily in news programs and live events.

Accessibility on the TV

The obstacles to better access to programming often start with the path to getting there. If you can’t read the menus, you won’t be able to access audio description even if the station broadcasts it. Modern devices now have a separate menu for this, usually under the heading “Accessibility.”

Voice Guidance Through the Menus

A voice guide reads aloud whatever is currently highlighted on the screen. This means it helps even before you start watching a TV program. This applies to menu items, channel names, and, in many cases, the TV guide as well. Depending on the device, this feature is called “voice output” or “screen reader.” It is often confused with audio description because, in both cases, an additional voice can be heard. However, voice guidance describes the user interface, while audio description describes the film.

Display and Remote Control

For users with low vision, many devices also allow you to adjust colors and contrast. Common features include a high-contrast mode, grayscale display, and enlarged menu text. On the remote control, large buttons with noticeable spacing make operation easier. Raised dots are often found on the number five key and on the channel selection button. Voice control further simplifies operation, allowing users to have channels announced directly.

Find 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. That is why there are labels and filters in the program guide and media libraries.

Labeling in the program

In program guides, short abbreviations appear next to the program title—usually “UT” for subtitles, “AD” for audio description, and “DGS” for German Sign Language. These same abbreviations appear in the TV station’s program guide, and some stations include small icons alongside them. However, you shouldn’t rely on them entirely, as program changes aren’t always reflected in the labeling.

Filters in the media libraries

The media libraries of public broadcasters group their accessible content into separate sections. There, users can filter specifically for subtitles, audio description, and sign language. When playing a video, users can select the desired version from a menu within the player.

• In the accessible section of the media library, filter by the version you want.
• Check the player to see which audio tracks and subtitles are available.
• For TV series, check individual episodes, because not all versions are always available in their entirety.
• Be sure to check the availability period, as many posts are only available for a limited time.

Availability by Provider and Reception Method

The availability and extent of accessible television vary greatly. There is a significant gap between public and private broadcasters. When it comes to streaming, however, the situation is different; here, the providers’ own rules play a role, as does the method of reception.

Broadcasters and Streaming Services

Public broadcasters offer the widest range of accessibility options. All new episodes are now available with closed captions. Audio description and sign language are also provided regularly, with a focus on prime-time programming and the news. Private broadcasters, on the other hand, offer a more limited range of options, which is particularly evident in the case of audio description. Good to know: Since 2022, however, nationwide private broadcasters have been required to report regularly on their progress.

Streaming services generally offer subtitles across the board, but the situation varies when it comes to audio tracks. Whether an app supports audio description often isn’t clear until you start playing the content. On top of that, there’s the question of how user-friendly the app actually is, since the TV’s text-to-speech feature doesn’t necessarily work there.

Reception without an Internet connection

Some of the content is transmitted via the broadcast signal and therefore does not require an internet connection. Subtitles are provided via teletext or as a separate data stream, while audio description and plain language are available as additional audio tracks. An older device can be a hindrance if it lacks support for the newer subtitle data streams. This applies equally to antenna, cable, and satellite broadcasts. On the other hand, media libraries and everything that runs via HbbTV require an internet connection.