If you’re blind or have a visual impairment, you know that watching TV can be a challenge. But did you know that many TV shows now offer audio descriptions? This means that there is an additional audio track that narrates what is happening on-screen, making it easier for those with vision impairments to follow along.
In this article, we will discuss which TV shows offer audio descriptions and how you can access them.
What is an Audio Description?
Audio description is a narration of what is happening on-screen, typically provided during pauses in dialogue. This can include descriptions of characters, actions, sets, and costumes.
Audio description is different from closed captioning, which provides a transcript of the dialogue and sound effects but does not describe the action on-screen. You can use this technology either by turning on the audio description track on your TV or by using audio description services which provide narration through a separate device.
So, which TV shows offer audio descriptions? Here are just a few:
1. The Walking Dead
This popular AMC show about a group of survivors in a zombie apocalypse offers audio descriptions on both the AMC website and the Comcast Xfinity TV app.
To access the audio descriptions on the AMC website, simply click on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of the page and then select “Audio Description.” On the Comcast Xfinity TV app, go to “Settings” and then select “Accessibility.” You will then be able to turn on the audio descriptions for The Walking Dead.
2. Game of Thrones
This HBO series about the fight for the Iron Throne also offers audio descriptions.
To access the audio descriptions on the HBO website, simply click on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of the page and then select “Audio Description.”
You can also find audio-described versions of Game of Thrones on the Comcast Xfinity TV app and on the HBO GO app. To access audio descriptions on the Comcast Xfinity TV app, go to “Settings” and then select “Accessibility.” You will then be able to turn on the audio descriptions for Game of Thrones.
3. Downton Abbey
This popular British drama offers audio descriptions on the PBS website. To access the audio descriptions on the PBS website, simply click on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of the page and then select “Audio Description.”
4. Homeland
Homeland is a popular Showtime series about a CIA officer trying to stop a terrorist plot offers audio descriptions on the Showtime website. To access the audio descriptions on the Showtime website, simply click on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of the page and then select “Audio Description.”
5. Breaking Bad
This AMC series about a high school chemistry teacher who turns to cook meth offers audio descriptions on both the AMC website and the Comcast Xfinity TV app. To access the audio descriptions on the AMC website, simply click on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of the page and then select “Audio Description.” On the Comcast Xfinity TV app, go to “Settings” and then select “Accessibility.” You will then be able to turn on the audio descriptions for Breaking Bad.
6. Better Call Saul
This AMC series is a prequel to Breaking Bad and also offers audio descriptions on both the AMC website and the Comcast Xfinity TV app. To access the audio descriptions on the AMC website, simply click on the “Accessibility” link at the bottom of the page and then select “Audio Description.” On the Comcast Xfinity TV app, go to “Settings” and then select “Accessibility.” You will then be able to turn on the audio descriptions for Better Call Saul.
Why the Popularity of Audio Description is Increasing?
Audio description is becoming increasingly popular as more people learn about the technology and as more companies are offering audio-described content. One reason for the increase in popularity is that audio description can be a great way to make TV shows and movies more accessible to people who are blind or have low vision.
Audio description can also be helpful for people with cognitive disabilities who may have difficulty processing visual information. Another reason for audio descriptions’ popularity is that they can improve the experience of watching TV shows and movies for everyone.
For example, audio descriptions can provide important information about what is happening on screen, which can help people follow the plot. Audio description can also provide information about the setting and the characters’ appearances, which can enhance the viewer’s understanding of the story.