We review audio descriptions on Peacock. What are they? Who uses them? How do you turn them on and off?
Viewers who use Peacock on Google Chromecast may have recently noticed a new feature called “audio descriptions” (AD), an added audio layer that describes what is happening on screen. The service is a huge step in the right direction in terms of accessibility for viewers with disabilities, but what are they and how do you turn them on/off in the Peacock app?
What are audio descriptions on Peacock
Audio descriptions on Peacock aren’t an NBCUniversal innovation, though they should be applauded for adding them.
An audio description is a seperate audio file included with the video to add context for blind and deaf blind users. Typically, the audio description describes events or imagery in the video that are not apparent from the dialogue alone. For example, describing how a character is interacting with objects, expressing emotion, or giving other visual cues to move the video’s narrative overall.
Here’s an example of an audio description file added to The Lion King.
The Lion King, example of audio descriptions on Peacock
The addition of audio descriptions on Peacock is part of a wider effort to improve access for persons with disabilities. Without them, blind and deaf-blind users are forced to rely on the dialogue and special effects alone.
How to turn on/off audio descriptions on Peacock
Audio descriptions on Peacock can be found in the captions menu in the Peacock app. They can be turned on or off by deselecting them as you would a captioning language.
On Mobile/Tablet Devices
1. Open the Peacock app
2. Select the show episode or movie with audio description
3. Select ‘Audio & Subtitle’ option from player menu
4. Select the ‘English (AD)’ option
On Web
1. Open the Peacock app in a web browser
2. Select the show episode or movie with audio description
3. Select Language setting (‘Audio & Subtitle’) option from player menu
4. Select the ‘English (AD)’ option
On Cable Provider Set Top Boxes
1. Open the Peacock app on TV device
2. Select the show episode or movie with audio description
3. Select Audio & Subtitle option from player menu
4. Select the ‘English (AD)’ option
On Connected TVs, Game Consoles and Streaming Devices
1. Open the Peacock app on connected TV, game consoles and streaming devices
2. Select the show episode or movie with audio description
3. Select Audio & Subtitle option from player menu
4. Select the ‘English (AD)’ option
Final words
The entertainment industry has come a long way in terms of accessibility for online viewers. Since captioning technology made its debut in the 1970s, digital accessibility for communication has improved dramatically. Today, local news broadcasters are required to include captioning by the FCC. And digital websites now have standards to ensure persons with disabilities can access technology.
The fact that audio descriptions on Peacock are now included on new titles puts the streamer in a leadership position among some of its colleagues. We can’t wait to see what other innovations come to improve access for viewers with sensory disabilities in the future.
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