How to enable and access audio description

Audio description for programs on SBS, SBS VICELAND, SBS World Movies, and NITV television channels can typically be enabled on most digital TV receivers by accessing the audio language settings of the devices. Here are general steps to enable audio description on most receivers:

• Press the ‘Menu’ button on the remote control.
• Navigate to ‘Audio’ or ‘Audio Language’ menu.
• Locate ‘AD’ or ‘Audio Description’ option.
• Select ‘On’ to enable audio description.

There are some receivers on which audio description can be enabled in the accessibility settings. These receivers typically have a dedicated accessibility menu that allows users to enable or disable various accessibility features, including audio description.

To enable audio description on a receiver’s accessibility settings, you may follow these general steps:

• Press the ‘Menu’ button on your remote control.
• Locate ‘Settings’ or ‘Setup’ option.
• Navigate to ‘Accessibility’ or ‘Accessibility Settings’ menu.
• Locate ‘Audio Description’ or ‘AD’ option.
• Select ‘On’ to enable audio description.

The specific steps may vary depending on the make or model of your receiver. Please refer to the user’s manual or contact the manufacturer's customer support for further assistance.

Some TVs may have a specific button on their remote controls labelled ‘AD’ or ‘Audio Description’ which you may press to access or turn on/off the feature.

SBS has also provided instructions for a number of models. If you receive television services over the air or using an antenna, download instructions on how to set up audio description in either PDF format or Microsoft Word format.

If you receive television services via Viewer Access Satellite Television (VAST), using a satellite dish, there are three models of set top box that can receive SBS's audio description service. Instructions on how to set up audio description on these set top boxes are outlined below.

Please be aware that for some TVs and set top boxes, the setting change to turn on audio description may not persist after the device is switched off, or if the channel is changed from SBS, SBS VICELAND, NITV and SBS World Movies. You may be required to update your settings again if you experience this problem.

Some audience members may seek assistance from a range of support personnel available from accessibility support organisations. In most cases, a sighted person in the household should be sufficient. A number of assistive software may also be useful.

Some devices have a setting (either ‘on’ or ‘off’) for audio description. If you have set this to ‘on’ and you are not hearing the audio description track, you may need to select ‘AUS’ or ‘Unknown’ alternative audio language in the language settings of your device.

The process for selecting the ‘AUS’ or ‘Unknown’ audio language on your receiver may vary, depending on the make or model of your device.

Here are some general steps:

• Press the ‘Menu’ button on the remote control.
• Locate ‘Settings’ or ‘Setup’ option.
• Navigate to ‘Audio’ or ‘Audio Language’ menu.
• Locate ‘Language’, ‘Preferred Language’, or ‘Primary Audio’ option.
• Select ‘AUS’ or ‘Unknown’ from the list of available language options.
• Save your changes and exit the menu.

These steps may not be exactly the same for all receivers. You may need to refer to the user’s manual or contact the manufacturer's customer support for further assistance.

Most televisions and set top boxes should be able to decode secondary audio to provide audio description. You can check the manual of your device or search the on-screen settings menu on the device itself to determine whether it supports selection of an additional audio language. Alternatively, you can contact the retailer or manufacturer of your device.

Some older devices (manufactured before 2014) may not support selection of a second audio language. A set top box capable of receiving audio description may be required to connect to your existing TV. Those who are part of the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) may apply for NDIS support, subject to approval.

Personal Video Recorders (PVRs) may be able to record audio described programming, however SBS has not been in a position to carry out testing on this. SBS welcomes feedback on models of PVR which can record audio description, to assist in informing audiences

Audio description is not available on SBS channels accessible via these services at this time due to technology constraints.

An audio chime will sound, alerting audiences to audio description being provided for a program about to be broadcast. There will also be an on-screen notification text, indicating a program is audio described.

The programs being provided with audio description are listed on SBS's Audio Described Programming schedule . This page is regularly updated, including with any schedule changes.