36 CFR Part 1194 - Proposed Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Standards and Guidelines NPRM - Preamble

412 Audio Description Processing Technology (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This is an introductory section.

412.1 General (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This proposed section would require that, where ICT displays or processes video with synchronized audio, ICT must provide a mode of operation that plays associated audio description. This requirement draws from the audio description requirement in existing 508 Standards § 1194.24(b), but would include a specification for digital television tuners. This would be a new requirement to the 255 Guidelines.

Question 29. Would compliance with section 412 be readily achievable for manufacturers of mobile telecommunications equipment?

412.1.1 Digital Television Tuners (Section-by-Section Analysis)

This section proposes that, where audio description is played through a digital television tuner, that such tuner conform to Part 5 of the ATSC A/53 Digital Television Standard (incorporated by reference in 508 Chapter 1 and 255 Chapter 1). The provision then goes on to require that tuners provide processing for audio description when encoded as a Visually Impaired (VI) associated audio service. This is the industry-wide accepted method for delivery of audio description content and the means to identify audio as a VI associated audio service.