Content access service provision

People who are deaf, hard of hearing, vision impaired or have language understanding difficulties, have particular requirements in order to be able to perceive and understand programming content. Known collectively as ‘content access services’ subtitles, audio description and sign language interpreting they are essential for the full understanding and enjoyment of programme content.

A particular benefit of digital television over an analogue service is that most content access services can be provided as a separate stream, together with timing and other information to allow correct synchronisation. To make use of these services, users will need to activate them through their receiver equipment.