Overview of the audio description in spanish DTT channels

Abstract

This paper presents a research of current practices in audio description broadcast in Spanish television channels. The results of this research show that in some television channels the audio description is broadcasted in ‘receiver mix audio description’ mode while in other channels the alternative used is ‘broadcaster mix audio description’ mode. In both cases, correct signalling and correct audio description coding is crucial so that digital television receivers can recognize audio description in the broadcast signal and reproduce it upon user request. The current practice of audio description broadcast in Spanish television channels only partially fulfils DVB standard. In addition, not all digital television receivers are able to reproduce appropriately the wide range of options defined in DVB to convey audio description in the television channels. The consequence for the users is less availability of audio description services than expected. Some of the problems detected for the activation of audio description in users’ receivers can be solved by applying some enhancement to signalling information used by broadcasters in their DVB television channels. Finally, some recommendations for the users are included to present the key aspects for audio description activation in their digital television receivers.