Helping Hand

Aerials, reception & Viewing

Does Freeview provide audio description for the visually impaired?

Audio Description (AD) is a new service provided by some channels for visually impaired viewers.

AD provides extra commentary in gaps between dialogue that describe the action, body languages, facial expressions and anything else that helps viewers understand the scenes being shown.

To get AD on Freeview you require a special type of digital box made by Netgem or TVonics, or a digital TVs from Sony or Panasonic which support AD.

For more information, call the BBC helpline on 08700100789 or visit the RNIB webpage on audio description on digital TV.

Audio description is currently is available on a variety of channels on Freeview.  Go to the TV Help website for schedules.