Evaluation of Emerging Audio Description Systems for Broadcast TV

Abstract

Abstract. Following EU directives on Media Access and Ambient Assisted Living, the broadcasting industry needs to introduce new services in order to guarantee access to all citizens. The article and its conclusions are part of the EU project DTV4ALL, which focuses on some possible broadcasting scenarios for achieving barrier-free television for those with visual impairments. Five enhanced Audiodescription (AD) scenarios were proposed and evaluated: 1) Live streaming Internet TV with AD, 2) AD reception in a group situation, 3) Video on demand over a set-top-box, 4) Video on PC and 5) Podcasts. User evaluation concerning usefulness, quality and usability of the services was assessed using questionnaires. Results of the user evaluation show that not only are AD emerging services technically viable but they are also positively rated by users. Implementation of these services will provide improved access to content, making TV accessible for all.

Researching Audio Description

“…Five possible scenarios for distribution and reception of an enhanced AD service were drafted for the project (Vilaró, Rodríguez-Alsina, Orero, & Carrabina, 2012 ). Th e respective prototypes were developed in order to test their technical feasibility and, more importantly, in order to be able to conduct a battery of tests on these prototypes for usability (including ease of use and graphic interface), utility and quality of the received signal.…”