CCS offers video description services for the benefit of visually impaired viewers. These services are also referred to as audio description. The video description technology gives the visually impaired a description of a program’s visual content by recording a specially created track which can be accessed through a television’s SAP (second audio program) model. For home video, the tape must be played on a VCR with SAP capability.

CCS uses specially trained writers who view the program and create a script describing the key visual elements. This script is timed so that the voiceover is recorded in the pauses between the dialogue and audio elements. Like many aspects of captioning, creating this script is a labor-intensive, specialized skill. CCS’ writers have been advised by various organizations of the visually impaired in order to create the best video description available.

Once the script is completed, voiceover talent records the video description. The description is mixed with the program audio and then laid back to a master, which can be broadcast with the original program and the newly created video description.

Video description is mandated by the Federal Communications Commission for certain broadcasters. For further information on the federal regulations, visit our links page for the direct address to the FCC.

For more information about our video description services, including rates and turnaround, contact one of our offices for immediate attention.