Audio Description on television

Which platforms carry Audio Description?

Analogue terrestrial

None currently, and none intended. As this service will be switched off sometime in the next ten years, plans to deliver a service over analogue terrestrial television were abandoned in favour of digital services.

Actually, that's not entirely true. Some of the BBC's overnight Sign Zone programmes have an open description. It's referred to in the Radio Times as 'enhanced commentary'.

Digital terrestrial

Now branded as 'Freeview'. Thirteen channels carry a service currently at a level of six per cent but due to steadily rise over the next four years. To find out what you need to receive it, have a look at this list of DTT equipment. To find out if you can get Freeview in your area, try Freeview's postcode check. Freeview offers 34 TV and 24 Radio free channels, plus 11 subscription TV channels through Top-up TV.
When installing a digital receiver, you may need a new aerial if the transmitters in your area use a different group. Check using this list of transmitter links. There's an up-to-date status on BBC's reception advice. You may like to check the schedule of Audio Described programmes.

Digital satellite

Audio described programmes on BBC, ITV, Channel 4, five and a number of other channels are now available on Sky satellite. For more details, refer to Sky's disabilities page.
The audio description for BBC1 is only on the London region, and for BBC2 it is only on the England nation. Therefore you should use channel 944 for BBC1 if you have a viewing card and live outside of London, and channel 959 for BBC2 if you live outside of England. Visit BBC's website for more information.
The same is true for ITV1 and channel 4. Use channel 963 for ITV1 London and 964 for Channel 4 London. If these channels are not available, turn the power off to your Sky box for ten seconds, then turn on again.
We have detailed instructions on how to activate audio description.
Sky are now offering a non-subscription package. For a one-off £150 you can have a dish and box installed, giving access to all the Freeview channels. Alternatively, you can purchase your own dish and box, which gives access to BBC, but not ITV, Channel 4 or five. In both cases, you can also receive 175 TV channels and 84 Radio channels free.

If you are interested in satellite listings, please also check the Sky schedule.

Analogue Virgin Media cable

None currently, and none intended. Analogue services are gradually being phased out.

Digital Virgin Media cable

Yes! There are instructions for Virgin Media boxes. There is now also an audio description listing for Virgin Media.



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Last updated 11 May 2007.
For further information, contact RNIB's Broadcasting team.