What is audio description?

Learn about audio description with Xfinity.

What is audio description?

Audio description plays descriptions of what’s on the screen during some TV programs. This includes actions, facial expressions, costumes, or scene changes.

It makes television programs, feature films, and other media accessible to people who are blind or have low vision or a visual disability. It creates a richer, more independent experience.

Which content includes audio description?

Audio description availability can vary by channel, program, and location. You can often find audio descriptions on:

Local ABC, CBS, Fox, and NBC stations.
Public Broadcasting System (PBS) stations.
The most watched channels, like Hallmark, Nickelodeon, USA.

The cable networks and broadcasters decide what content has audio description. It is available on some programs:

As they air live
When you watch them later with your DVR.
On select Xfinity On Demand programs.

Federal Communications Commission (FCC) rules include requirements for audio descriptions. See the FCC website to learn more.

How do I turn on audio description?

Audio description uses Secondary Audio Programming (SAP). In most cases, the Spanish option contains the audio description. While audio description lives on the Spanish audio track, it will be voiced in English. If you turn on SAP for a program that does not have audio description, you may hear English, Spanish or no audio at all.

Turning on audio description depends on the device and the platform. To learn how to turn on audio description, see:

Additional information

Visit our Online Support Center to find common solutions.

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What is audio description?