If you are blind or have low vision, you can enjoy increased access to TV programs with audio description.
FAQs
What is audio description?
Audio description:
- Refers to audio-narrated descriptions of key visual elements of programming inserted within natural pauses in dialogue.
- Makes television programs, feature films, and other media accessible to people who are blind or have low vision or a visual disability, creating a richer, more independent experience.
- For example, audio description describes key visual elements such as actions, facial expressions, costumes, or scene changes in a program that a viewer who is blind or has low vision or a visual disability would otherwise miss.
- For example, audio description describes key visual elements such as actions, facial expressions, costumes, or scene changes in a program that a viewer who is blind or has low vision or a visual disability would otherwise miss.
How do I access audio description?
For more information, see X1: enable audio description.
For audio description on Android devices using Xfinity apps, see:
How do I find programs that have audio description?
The cable networks and broadcasters determine what content receives audio description and how information on that programming is provided to the public. Audio description is available on select programs as they air live, when you watch them later on your DVR and on select Xfinity On Demand programs.
If you have Xfinity X1 and browse the On-Screen Guide on their TV, the information for each program will note whether audio description is available, indicated by the audio description logo:
If enabled, voice guidance will announce the availability of audio description as you explore the program's information in the guide. See X1 talking guide: the voice guidance feature.
The Xfinity TV web and mobile platforms also support video description services. Currently, these platforms are only available to Xfinity X1 customers in select markets. Learn more about Comcast's Accessibility services at xfinity.com/accessibility or contact our Accessibility Support Center.
Some programmers may label programming with audio description through logos that appear on your television screen and audio tones as a program begins.
Regulatory requirements
Is audio description a legal requirement?
On August 25, 2011, the FCC released an order requiring audio description on certain TV programming as directed by the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act.
The rules requiring audio description went into effect on July 1, 2012. The goal of these rules is to improve access to TV programming for people who are blind or have low vision. Over time, this will lead to more programming containing audio description.
What does Comcast have to do?
Comcast needs to ensure that all Comcast-rented TV Boxes and digital to analog adapters are capable of selecting audio description services (and passing through audio description where provided). Comcast must ensure that the top five non-broadcast networks (i.e., cable networks) provide at least 50 hours per calendar quarter of audio-described prime time or children's programming.
Which broadcasters and programmers are required to offer Audio Description?
Broadcast stations affiliated with ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC must provide at least 50 hours (roughly four hours per week) of audio-described prime time or children's programming each quarter. In addition, as noted above, the top five cable networks (USA, Disney Channel, TNT, Nickelodeon/Nick at Nite, and TBS) must provide at least 50 hours per calendar quarter of audio-described prime time or children's programming. Select programs with audio description are also available on PBS and Turner Classic Movies.