How many hours does SBS broadcast each week?
SBS broadcasts up to 27 hours of audio described programming every week...
Which SBS On Demand applications (apps) or platforms support audio description?
SBS On Demand service provides audio description (AD) via a range of its applications (apps) available on a number of platforms—SBS aims to increase the number of supported devices over time. Watch this space for updates!
Currently, AD is available on SBS Channel Live Streams, and on selected TV shows and movies. Audio Description is available on the following devices:
- website
- iOS (iPhone and iPad)
- tvOS (Apple TV)
- Foxtel iQ3, iQ4, and iQ5 set top boxes
- Hubbl devices.
We're working to improve the Audio Description experience across the On Demand Service.
Will all content on SBS On Demand have audio description?
Selected programs and movies on the SBS On Demand catalogue are currently available with audio description. We aim to grow the number of these over time. These programs will have the ‘AD’ icon located within the program page. Please click here for a full list of audio described programs on SBS.
What types of SBS On Demand content are available with audio descriptions?
SBS aims to provide audio description for the widest range of content as appropriate—based on there being sufficient gaps in dialogue for insertion of audio description—including for dramas, documentaries, entertainment, children’s and cooking programs, as well as movies.
Where do I find content with audio description on SBS On Demand?
There are several ways. When navigating SBS On Demand, including when using a screen reader, you may go to the 'Audio Description Collection' page which lists all programs and movies that have audio description. In SBS On Demand, individual content that has audio description will be labelled accordingly—with an audio description icon and text.
Live Streaming Audio Described Content on SBS On Demand
When live streaming SBS television channels via SBS On Demand, once you have found the content you wish to access, you may simply select to hear the additional audio description track while using SBS On Demand media player. When you play video content via the media player, it will commence by providing a dedicated visual graphic and a two-note chime if that content is available with audio description.
The SBS Website also lists the latest programs and movies that are available with audio description. Please visit this page.
There is a link at the bottom of SBS On Demand labelled 'Audio Description.' Once clicked or accessed, you will be taken to a page that provides information about audio description, content available with audio description, as well as help and troubleshooting.
You may also contact the SBS Help Centre via telephone at 1800 500 727 between 8:30am–5:30pm (AEDT/AEST) Monday to Friday, excluding public holidays.
How do I enable Audio Description on SBS On Demand?
iOS Device: Start your program, tap the 'Audio and Subtitles' button, and select 'English AD'.
tvOS: On your Apple TV device, start your program, navigate up, then right to select the Audio Settings button, and choose Audio Track English AD.
Website: Once the program starts, select the subtitles/audio icon and choose English [Audio Description].
Smart TV: Start your program, use the remote to navigate to the Audio and Subtitles button, and select English [Audio Description].