{"id":82968,"date":"2026-09-10T06:38:00","date_gmt":"2026-09-10T04:38:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/faller-audio.com\/ratgeber\/allgemein\/accessible-television\/"},"modified":"2026-09-23T16:59:45","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T14:59:45","slug":"accessible-television","status":"publish","type":"ratgeber","link":"https:\/\/faller-audio.com\/en\/guide\/understanding-television\/accessible-television\/","title":{"rendered":"Accessible Television"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<style>\n.fa-article{\n--fa-font:\"Figtree\",Arial,Helvetica,sans-serif;\n--fa-accent:#F63D28;\n--fa-accent-hover:#066A6D;\n--fa-badge-bg:linear-gradient(100deg,#E07444 0%,#F63D28 100%);\n--fa-badge-fg:#ffffff;\n--fa-badge-shadow:0 1px 2px rgba(0,0,0,.38);\n--fa-ink:#000000;\n--fa-ink-soft:#3d4b50;\n--fa-surface:#F4F0E8;\n--fa-border:#e3ddd0;\n--fa-radius:6px 0 6px 0;\n--fa-radius-soft:0 6px 0 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.6rem;font-size:.85rem;font-weight:700;text-transform:uppercase;letter-spacing:.05em}\n.fa-procon .fa-procon-col:first-child p{color:var(--fa-pro)}\n.fa-procon .fa-procon-col:last-child p{color:var(--fa-con)}\n.fa-procon .fa-procon-col:first-child li::before{content:\"\\2713\";position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--fa-pro);font-weight:700}\n.fa-procon .fa-procon-col:last-child li::before{content:\"\\2013\";position:absolute;left:0;color:var(--fa-con);font-weight:700}\n@media(max-width:600px){\n.fa-article h1{font-size:1.75rem}\n.fa-article h2{font-size:1.35rem}\n.fa-meta{flex-direction:column;align-items:flex-start;gap:.25rem}\n.fa-procon{grid-template-columns:1fr;gap:.75rem}\n}\n@media(prefers-reduced-motion:reduce){\n.fa-article *{transition:none !important}\n}\n<\/style>\n\n<article class=\"fa-article\">\n\n  <nav class=\"fa-breadcrumb\" aria-label=\"Brotkr\u00fcmelnavigation\">\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/faller-audio.com\/en\/\">Home<\/a> \u203a\n    <a href=\"https:\/\/faller-audio.com\/en\/ratgeber\/\">Guide<\/a> \u203a\n    <span aria-current=\"page\">Accessible Television<\/span>\n  <\/nav>\n\n  <span class=\"fa-cat\">Understanding Television Better<\/span>\n\n  <h1>Overview of Accessible Television<\/h1>\n\n  <div class=\"fa-meta\">\n    <span>By Faller Audio Editorial Team<\/span>\n    <span class=\"fa-sep\">|<\/span>\n    <time datetime=\"2026-09-10\">Updated on September 10, 2026<\/time>\n    <span class=\"fa-sep\">|<\/span>\n    <span class=\"fa-readtime\">5 min read<\/span>\n  <\/div>\n\n  <figure class=\"fa-hero\">\n    <img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/faller-audio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/Nahaufnahme-einer-schwarzen-Taste-mit-Musiksymbol.jpg\" alt=\"Close-up of a black button with a music symbol\" width=\"780\" height=\"439\" loading=\"eager\" fetchpriority=\"high\"\/>\n  <\/figure>\n\n  <nav class=\"fa-toc\" aria-label=\"Inhaltsverzeichnis\" role=\"navigation\">\n    <p class=\"fa-toc-title\" id=\"toc-heading\">Contents<\/p>\n    <ol aria-labelledby=\"toc-heading\">\n      <li><a href=\"#bausteine\">The Building Blocks of Accessible Services<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#geraet\">Accessibility on the Television Set<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#finden\">Finding Accessible Programs<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#verfuegbarkeit\">Availability by Provider and Reception Method<\/a><\/li>\n      <li><a href=\"#faq\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/a><\/li>\n    <\/ol>\n  <\/nav>\n\n  <p class=\"fa-intro\">Accessible television refers to additional services that make a program accessible even when vision or hearing is impaired. These include subtitles, audio description, sign language, and versions optimized for speech or sound. All of these run parallel to the standard program and can be switched on as needed.  <\/p>\n\n  <p class=\"fa-intro\">Which options are available depends on the broadcaster, the individual program, and the reception method. In addition, there are functions within the television set itself, such as voice guidance through the menus. Anyone wishing to use accessible television must therefore address two areas: the programming and the device.  <\/p>\n\n  <aside class=\"fa-highlight\" aria-label=\"Zusammenfassung\">\n    <p class=\"fa-highlight-title\">Highlight Box<\/p>\n    <ul>\n      <li>Subtitles, audio description, sign language, Clear Speech, and Plain Language cover different needs.<\/li>\n      <li>Public broadcasters now offer all first-run programs with subtitles.<\/li>\n      <li>On private channels and streaming services, the range of services is significantly smaller, especially regarding audio description.<\/li>\n      <li>On the device, voice guidance, contrast settings, and tactile remote controls are also available.<\/li>\n      <li>Whether a program has an accessible version is indicated by labels in the program guide and filters in the media libraries.<\/li>\n    <\/ul>\n  <\/aside>\n\n  <div class=\"fa-content\">\n\n    <section id=\"bausteine\">\n      <h2 id=\"h2-bausteine\">The Building Blocks of Accessible Services<\/h2>\n      <p>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.  <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Subtitles for Dialogue and Sound Effects<\/h3>\n      <p>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.    <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Audio Description for the Image<\/h3>\n      <p>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.    <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Sign Language in a Picture-in-Picture Window<\/h3>\n      <p>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.   <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Clear Speech as a Speech-Enhanced Audio Track<\/h3>\n      <p>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.   <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Plain and Simple Language<\/h3>\n      <p>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.    <\/p>\n\n      <div class=\"fa-table-wrap\" role=\"region\" aria-label=\"\u00dcbersicht der barrierefreien Angebote\" tabindex=\"0\">\n        <table>\n          <thead>\n            <tr>\n              <th scope=\"col\">Service<\/th>\n              <th scope=\"col\">What it supplements<\/th>\n              <th scope=\"col\">Primarily intended for<\/th>\n            <\/tr>\n          <\/thead>\n          <tbody>\n            <tr>\n              <td>Subtitles<\/td>\n              <td>Text for spoken words, plus notes on sounds and music<\/td>\n              <td>Deaf and hard of hearing people, as well as many others<\/td>\n            <\/tr>\n            <tr>\n              <td>Audio Description<\/td>\n              <td>Second audio track describing the image during dialogue pauses<\/td>\n              <td>Blind and visually impaired people<\/td>\n            <\/tr>\n            <tr>\n              <td>Sign Language<\/td>\n              <td>Picture-in-picture window with an interpreter<\/td>\n              <td>Deaf people who use sign language<\/td>\n            <\/tr>\n            <tr>\n              <td>Clear Speech<\/td>\n              <td>Second audio track with reduced music and background noise<\/td>\n              <td>People who have difficulty hearing dialogue clearly<\/td>\n            <\/tr>\n            <tr>\n              <td>Plain and Simple Language<\/td>\n              <td>Linguistically simplified version of the content<\/td>\n              <td>People with learning difficulties and language barriers<\/td>\n            <\/tr>\n          <\/tbody>\n        <\/table>\n      <\/div>\n      <p class=\"fa-table-summary\">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. <\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"geraet\">\n      <h2 id=\"h2-geraet\">Accessibility on the Television Set<\/h2>\n      <p>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.  <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Voice Guidance through the Menus<\/h3>\n      <p>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.     <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Display and Remote Control<\/h3>\n      <p>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.     <\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"finden\">\n      <h2 id=\"h2-finden\">Finding Accessible Programs<\/h2>\n      <p>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.  <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Labeling in the Program Guide<\/h3>\n      <p>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&#8217;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.  <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Filters in the Media Libraries<\/h3>\n      <p>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.  <\/p>\n      <ul>\n        <li>Filter for the desired version in the accessible area of the media library.<\/li>\n        <li>Check in the player which audio tracks and subtitles are available for selection.<\/li>\n        <li>Check individual episodes of series, as versions are not always complete.<\/li>\n        <li>Pay attention to the availability period, as many contributions are only available for a limited time.<\/li>\n      <\/ul>\n    <\/section>\n\n    <section id=\"verfuegbarkeit\">\n      <h2 id=\"h2-verfuegbarkeit\">Availability by Provider and Reception Method<\/h2>\n      <p>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&#8217; own rules play a role, as does the reception method.  <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Broadcasters and Streaming Services<\/h3>\n      <p>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.    \nGood to know: Since 2022, nationwide private broadcasters must report regularly on their status.<\/p>\n      <p>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&#8217;s read-aloud function does not necessarily work there.  <\/p>\n\n      <h3>Reception without an Internet Connection<\/h3>\n      <p>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.    <\/p>\n    <\/section>\n\n  <\/div>\n\n  <section id=\"faq\" class=\"fa-faq\">\n    <h2 class=\"fa-faq-title\">Frequently Asked Questions<\/h2>\n\n    <div class=\"fa-faq-item\">\n      <button class=\"fa-faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-0\">What does accessible television mean?<\/button>\n      <div class=\"fa-faq-a\" id=\"faq-0\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"fa-faq-a-inner\"><p>It refers to additional services that make a program accessible even with impaired vision or hearing. These include subtitles, a descriptive audio track, sign language, and versions optimized for speech or sound. The term also encompasses the operation of the television set, for example via voice guidance. Both together determine whether a program is actually usable.   <\/p><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fa-faq-item\">\n      <button class=\"fa-faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-1\">Are accessible services only intended for people with disabilities?<\/button>\n      <div class=\"fa-faq-a\" id=\"faq-1\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"fa-faq-a-inner\"><p>They were developed for these groups, but are used by significantly more people. Subtitles are used in many households because they help with language learning or allow watching in loud environments. Simplified language versions are also useful for everyone who is just learning German. Furthermore, voice guidance on the device makes operation easier if the font in the menu is very small.   <\/p><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fa-faq-item\">\n      <button class=\"fa-faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-2\">Does the use of accessible services cost extra money?<\/button>\n      <div class=\"fa-faq-a\" id=\"faq-2\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"fa-faq-a-inner\"><p>There is no charge for the versions themselves; they are part of the respective program and are included in the broadcasting fee or subscription. Costs only arise for the device, for example if an older television does not have the functions. An additional device for reception may also be necessary. The broadcasters&#8217; offerings remain unaffected by this.   <\/p><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fa-faq-item\">\n      <button class=\"fa-faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-3\">Where can missing accessibility be reported?<\/button>\n      <div class=\"fa-faq-a\" id=\"faq-3\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"fa-faq-a-inner\"><p>The respective broadcaster is responsible in the first instance and usually provides a contact for this topic on its pages. In addition, there is a central contact point for accessible services that accepts feedback on public and private providers. It is helpful to include the program, date, time, and reception method. This allows the case to be assigned more quickly.   <\/p><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n    <div class=\"fa-faq-item\">\n      <button class=\"fa-faq-q\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"faq-4\">Why do subtitles lag behind the image in live broadcasts?<\/button>\n      <div class=\"fa-faq-a\" id=\"faq-4\" role=\"region\">\n        <div class=\"fa-faq-a-inner\"><p>They are created during the broadcast and not in advance. A person repeats what is said or types along, from which the subtitles are generated. This process takes a few seconds, which cannot be avoided. For the same reason, live subtitles contain errors more frequently than pre-produced versions.   <\/p><\/div>\n      <\/div>\n    <\/div>\n\n  <\/section>\n\n  <aside class=\"fa-sources\">\n    <button class=\"fa-sources-toggle\" aria-expanded=\"false\" aria-controls=\"sources-list\">Sources &#038; References<\/button>\n    <div class=\"fa-sources-list\" id=\"sources-list\">\n      <ol>\n        <li>ARD. Accessible program offerings from ARD. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ard.de\/die-ard\/aufgaben-der-ard\/transparenz\/barrierefreie-programmangebote-der-ard-100.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">ard.de<\/a>. <\/li>\n        <li>ZDF. Accessibility at ZDF. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.zdf.de\/barrierefreiheit-im-zdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">zdf.de<\/a>. <\/li>\n        <li>Media Authorities. Accessibility, monitoring, and reporting obligations under the Media State Treaty. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.die-medienanstalten.de\/aufgaben\/aufsicht\/barrierefreiheit\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">die-medienanstalten.de<\/a>. <\/li>\n        <li>German Federation of the Blind and Visually Impaired. Television, cinema, and theater with audio description. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.dbsv.org\/fernsehen-kino-theater.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">dbsv.org<\/a>. <\/li>\n        <li>Bavaria Accessible. Experiencing television and films accessibly. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.barrierefrei.bayern.de\/gemeinsam-gestalten\/gute-praxis\/portraets-reportagen\/barrierefrei-fernsehen-und-filme-erleben.php\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer nofollow\">barrierefrei.bayern.de<\/a>. <\/li>\n      <\/ol>\n    <\/div>\n  <\/aside>\n\n<\/article>\n\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\">\n{\n  \"@context\": \"https:\/\/schema.org\",\n  \"@type\": \"FAQPage\",\n  \"mainEntity\": [\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Was bedeutet barrierefreies Fernsehen?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Gemeint sind Zusatzangebote, die eine Sendung auch bei eingeschr\u00e4nktem Sehen oder H\u00f6ren zug\u00e4nglich machen. Dazu geh\u00f6ren Untertitel, eine beschreibende Tonspur, Geb\u00e4rdensprache sowie sprachlich oder klanglich aufbereitete Fassungen. Der Begriff umfasst au\u00dferdem die Bedienung des Fernsehger\u00e4ts, etwa \u00fcber eine Sprachf\u00fchrung. Beides zusammen entscheidet dar\u00fcber, ob ein Programm tats\u00e4chlich nutzbar ist.\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Sind barrierefreie Angebote nur f\u00fcr Menschen mit Behinderung gedacht?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Entwickelt wurden sie f\u00fcr diese Gruppen, genutzt aber von deutlich mehr Menschen. Untertitel laufen in vielen Haushalten mit, weil sie beim Sprachenlernen helfen oder das Mitschauen in lauter Umgebung erm\u00f6glichen. Vereinfachte Sprachfassungen sind auch f\u00fcr alle n\u00fctzlich, die Deutsch gerade erst lernen. 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Die Angebote der Sender bleiben davon unber\u00fchrt.\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Wo l\u00e4sst sich fehlende Barrierefreiheit melden?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Zust\u00e4ndig ist zun\u00e4chst der jeweilige Sender, der auf seinen Seiten meist einen Kontakt f\u00fcr dieses Thema nennt. Daneben gibt es eine zentrale Anlaufstelle f\u00fcr barrierefreie Angebote, die Hinweise zu \u00f6ffentlich-rechtlichen und privaten Anbietern entgegennimmt. Sinnvoll ist es, Sendung, Datum, Uhrzeit und Empfangsweg mit anzugeben. Damit l\u00e4sst sich der Fall schneller zuordnen.\" }\n    },\n    {\n      \"@type\": \"Question\",\n      \"name\": \"Warum laufen Untertitel bei Live-Sendungen dem Bild hinterher?\",\n      \"acceptedAnswer\": { \"@type\": \"Answer\", \"text\": \"Sie entstehen w\u00e4hrenddessen und nicht vorab. Eine Person spricht das Gesagte nach oder tippt mit, woraus die Untertitel erzeugt werden. Dieser Vorgang braucht ein paar Sekunden, die sich nicht vermeiden lassen. Aus demselben Grund enthalten Live-Untertitel h\u00e4ufiger Fehler als vorproduzierte Fassungen.\" }\n    }\n  ]\n}\n<\/script>\n\n<script>\n(function(){\n  document.querySelectorAll('.fa-faq-q').forEach(function(btn){\n    btn.addEventListener('click',function(){\n      var expanded=this.getAttribute('aria-expanded')==='true';\n      document.querySelectorAll('.fa-faq-q').forEach(function(b){\n        b.setAttribute('aria-expanded','false');\n        b.nextElementSibling.style.maxHeight=null;\n      });\n      if(!expanded){\n        this.setAttribute('aria-expanded','true');\n        var panel=this.nextElementSibling;\n        panel.style.maxHeight=panel.scrollHeight+'px';\n      }\n    });\n  });\n  document.querySelectorAll('.fa-toc a').forEach(function(a){\n    a.addEventListener('click',function(e){\n      var target=document.querySelector(this.getAttribute('href'));\n      if(target){e.preventDefault();target.scrollIntoView({behavior:'smooth',block:'start'});history.pushState(null,null,this.getAttribute('href'));}\n    });\n  });\n  var srcBtn=document.querySelector('.fa-sources-toggle');\n  if(srcBtn){srcBtn.addEventListener('click',function(){\n    var expanded=this.getAttribute('aria-expanded')==='true';\n    this.setAttribute('aria-expanded',String(!expanded));\n    var list=document.getElementById('sources-list');\n    list.style.maxHeight=expanded?null:list.scrollHeight+'px';\n  });}\n})();\n<\/script>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Subtitles, audio description, sign language, and speech-enhanced audio tracks make television accessible when vision or hearing is impaired. The available options often depend less on the television set itself than on the broadcaster and the reception method. <\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":82969,"template":"","ratgeber_kategorie":[59],"class_list":["post-82968","ratgeber","type-ratgeber","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","ratgeber_kategorie-understanding-television"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v28.4 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Accessible Television - faller<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/faller-audio.com\/en\/guide\/understanding-television\/accessible-television\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Accessible Television - faller\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Subtitles, audio description, sign language, and speech-enhanced audio tracks make television accessible when vision or hearing is impaired. 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