How To Hear Video DescriptionFollowing is an explanation of how to hear video description on broadcast television and dvd's. We have also included a summary of where video description can be found, e.g. which cities and which networks. VIDEO DESCRIPTION ON TELEVISIONThe SAP (secondary audio program) is a subcarrier frequency that is broadcast separately from the ordinary mainstream frequency that carries the audio portion of a television show. Unlike the main program audio which is generally a high fidelity stereo signal, the SAP frequency is a lower quality mono signal. When the SAP frequency is switched on, the television plays the second audio program instead of the standard stereo audio that would normally be heard. Consumers will hear the original sound of the show along with an added voice that describes images when characters in the show are not speaking. This allows blind viewers to know more about what is presented on the screen and enables sighted viewers to enjoy the show from another room or somewhere where the screen is not readily visible. Switching on the SAP FeatureWhen viewing a described program on a television set using an antena for reception, the SAP must be switched on or off by using buttons or on screen menus directly on the television itself. Modern televisions normally offer the SAP feature and may label the feature "SAP", "Second Audio Program", "Alternate Audio", or "Spanish". Many VCR's offer the SAP feature as well. When television is being viewed from the VCR tuner, the SAP needs only to be switched on at the VCR, not on the television. Most cable boxes and satellite receivers also offer a menu option where the SAP can be switched on. Switching on this menu option will change the audio frequency received from the standard stereo to the SAP frequency. When the SAP is switched on at the cable box or satellite receiver, it is not necessary to also switch on the SAP at the television itself. Naturally, since video description is primarily a service for the visually impaired, it might be important to know that eye sight may be required to switch on the SAP feature on many recevers and tv's. However, certain television units do offer one physical button to switch the SAP on or off. A list of these accessible tv's can be found at www.adinternational.org VIDEO DESCRIPTION ON DVD'SCertain select DVD's offer video description as a special feature. Usually the video description track can be heard by selecting "visually impaired" from the "language" menu. In rare cases such as the DVD release of "The Grinch", the DVD menus are audible, thus making the DVD accessible to blind consumers. Unfortunately, DVD packaging almost never indicates whether video description is included on the DVD. Furthermore, in some cases, such as the DVD release of "Daredevil", the video description track is included in all of the standard release copies. The "director's cut" edition, however, does not include video description. In other cases, such as the DVD release of "Ray", a separate special edition was released with video description, and thus the standard DVD version does not offer the video description feature. Where to Find Video DescriptionVideo description is generally broadcast only on PBS affiliate stations, ABC affiliates, CBS affiliates, FOX affiliates, NBC affiliates, plus the top five cable networks including USA, Lifetime, TBS, TNT, Nickelodeon, and TCM. Description is also generally only broadcast in the top 25 to 50 markets. Following is an estimated list of those largest television markets in the U.S.: Rank - Designated Market Area (DMA)
Please promote video description on DVD and broadcast television by contacting networks as well as the home video division of major studios. Also, encourage home entertainment product manufacturers to make the SAP feature and other on screen menus accessible to blind consumers. Let your elected representatives know that equal access to electronic products and to movies ought to be enforced.
WE SEE TV, Video Description! Turning pictures into words!
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