Tips and Tricks
How to access Audio Description Audio Description is an additional commentary on television shows and movies that describes the action being shown on the screen. Audio Description is available on all broadcast television and is often available at cinemas and at theatre performances. Facial expressions, body language, and action are all described, as well as the setting or the location shown on the screen. The descriptions are given between lines of dialogue. Audio Description is usually denoted by the letters “AD” on remote controls, TV guides and cinema session times. We overview the following ways to access Audio Description:
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On your television At cinemas At plays and theatre performances When using BBC iPlayer on your computer or smartphone. Other Video on Demand providers
On your television: For televisions, the most common way to activate Audio Description is by pushing a button on a remote control. 1. Find the Audio Description or AD button on your remote control. 2. Push the AD button to turn it on or off. 3. Putting a bump-on or a tactile marking or a colour contrast sticker on the AD button is a good way to find the button. 20