What is NCI Described Video? NCI Described Video
is a service that provides access to television and recorded video programming
for people who are blind or have low vision. Through a detailed process
that provides concise yet vivid descriptions of a program’s visual
elements, NCI Described Video mirrors the commitment of NCI's captioning
service to accessibility, along with its reputation for quality, capacity
and timely delivery. The descriptions are combined with the original
sound track on the SAP (Secondary Audio Programming) channel of televised
programming or as a separate sound track on other media.
NCI's Competitive Edge: NCI is the global leader
in providing closed captions for television. With its established reputation,
its unparalleled resources and its depth of trained personnel, NCI created
the Described Video service to fully complement its highly successful
captioning services. Because so many elements of the process are already
in place, NCI can offer competitive pricing, same-time captioning and
unquestioned quality.
Section 508 of the Rehabilitation Act requires Federal
agencies to make their training and informational video and multimedia
productions accessible to people with disabilities. These productions
must include an audible description of the video content if they contain
visual information necessary for the comprehension of the content. The
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) includes similar requirements
for state and local governments.
NCI Described Video Features: Upon delivery of
a work tape (time-coded, if possible) on DigiBeta, Betacam SP, VHS,
SVHS or 3/4" tape, NCI describers review the program and then write
a script describing the visual elements that are relevant to each scene.
The script is time-coded, complete with audio or video cues, to fit
into selected natural pauses and lapses in the dialogue. The script
is also word-efficient, as the level of detail depends on the time available
for speaking.
The description includes:
- Characters in the scene
- Location of the scene
- Who is speaking
- What the characters are doing
- What the characters are wearing
- Facial expressions and body language
- Text shown on objects in a scene or as subtitles
- Colors
Once the script is written, it is reviewed for content,
adherence to style and word efficiency so that the narration will fit
into the selected non-dialogue spots.
Voiceover: NCI
can choose from either union or non-union actors to voice the descriptions.
The voiceover is unobtrusive and doesn't compete with the dialogue.
Working in a professional studio setting, the descriptions
are recorded in a high-quality digital format. These recorded descriptions
are then professionally mixed with the original sound track for optimal
sound levels and recorded on a master tape (lay back) as a separate
sound track.
The Benefits: In
addition to compliance with accessibility regulations, providing described
video allows programming to reach yet another new and extremely appreciative
audience. With more than 14 million visually impaired viewers in America,
this type of access to news, information and entertainment is a service
whose importance cannot be overstated.
How do I arrange for NCI Described Video? Contact
an NCI marketing representative.
