Talking Pictures AudioVision Canada: a described video pioneer, and still a leader in quality

In 1995, the National Broadcast Reading Service, operator of VoicePrint, launched its second division: AudioVision Canada (AVC), a pioneer in "described video," a process many say does for people with no or low vision what closed-captioning does for people who are deaf — make film and other forms of on-screen entertainment more accessible.

      Here’s how the process works: The description of the meaningful visual elements of a movie or TV production (or even a commercial or corporate video) are scripted, narrated and then matched to the soundtrack in a way that is congruent with what is on the screen and without distracting from the original dialogue or sound effects. This approach is unique because it is inclusive, allowing the production to be enjoyed by everyone: people with vision restrictions plus their friends, families and companions.

      Since its inception AVC has "described" hundreds of  movie and TV productions, including classic films and a dozen Sherlock Holmes stories, plus such recent titles as “Monster’s Ball” and "The Girl With a Pearl Earring.”  

      AudioVision Canada titles are available in video or DVD. They are also available on what we call AudioCinema®, an audio-only version of a described movie on audio cassette and CD. As well, many described movies or TV programming can be accessed on the secondary audio program (S.A.P.) of many TV stations.

      The market for described movies and TV programs is growing, primarily due to aging baby boomers. There’s no getting around the fact that as we age, our vision decreases. By the age of 50, for example, one in two people require prescription eyewear. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that the number of blind people worldwide exceeds 150 million, and is increasing. Every seven minutes in North America someone loses his or her eyesight. Currently there are 13 million people in North America with significant vision retrictions.

      The CRTC recognizes this trend and now is requiring, as part of the license-renewal process, that television broadcasters (both conventional and specialty services) must meet a minimum requirement of described-programming hours in their regular prime-time schedules. And many producers and broadcasters have turned to AudioVision Canada to help them meet this requirement. In addition, the National Film Board of Canada recently chose AVC to describe a large number of titles from its award-winning library.

      For more information on AVC or to order a described title, visit www.audiovisioncanada.com