Audio description still not available on downloads it is a disgrace that we
are being excluded from downloading films or TV series just because audio
description is not available on downloads it is a pity but hey maybe sky
needs to wake up and stop promising that this will happen and actually make
it happen
On Mon 4 Dec 2023, 6:12 p.m. Dominique Farrell, <dominiqueafarrell@xxxxxxxxx>
wrote:
It's important to us that everyone gets great customer service and can
enjoy our products, no matter their level of sight. So, if you're blind,
partially sighted or struggle to see or read the screen, we’ve a range of
features to help you get the most from our products and services.
Audio Description
Audio Description (AD) is an additional audio narration track in movies
and TV shows, designed primarily for blind and visually impaired people.
During gaps in the dialogue, a narrator describes what is happening
visually on screen.
We provide audio description for on average 30% of our shows on 31 Sky
channels, excluding Sky News and Sky Sports News which have a high level of
spoken content. This is almost triple what Ofcom requires us to do under
the 2003 Communications Act and Ofcom Code on Television Access Services.
We are also committed to providing audio description for all Sky
Originals, although on some occasions this may not be possible in time for
the first broadcast.
It’s not just about quantity though. We’re really proud of our approach to
audio description and the quality it brings to our shows and movies. Our
Access Services team picks the shows we audio describe carefully, making
sure all flagship programmes are covered and that every series has AD for
continuity and completeness. We also work with fantastic audio describers,
who we match to shows that suit their voice and area of expertise, and we
keep them across series’, because we know they become just as much a part
of the show as anything else.
Other broadcasters offer AD on their shows too, all available on your Sky
Q, Sky+, Sky Glass or Sky Stream.
For help with AD, check out our guides on switching on AD and finding
shows with AD over on Sky Help.
For more about AD, head over to Ciaran’s blog to find out what it’s like
to be a Sky audio describer, or take a listen to some of the AD
introductions written and voiced by the Sky audio describers. These are
available for a number of Sky Original series and movies.
Tell us your thoughts over on Sky Community.
Television
Finding what you want to watch when you can't see the screen or read the
on-screen menus can be difficult. Whether you have Sky Q, Sky+, Sky Glass
or Sky Stream, there are features which make it easier to find the
entertainment you love.
Voice Guidance
Voice Guidance is a screen-reader on on Sky Q, Sky Glass and Sky Stream,
providing spoken navigational guidance for people with a sight impairment.
It speaks out items on the screen as you navigate with the remote control.
Read our guide to using Voice Guidance for more info.
High Contrast
Makes it easier to read and get around the TV Guide and menus. Check out
our guide on high contrast settings.
Beep sound to signal shows with Audio Description
Have your box play a beep sound if AD is available as you’re flicking
through the channels.
Highlight shows in the TV Guide
Makes shows with AD, subtitles or sign language stand out in the TV Guide
so they're easier to spot.
Accessibility remote control
Prefer a larger remote that’s easier to grip and has large, high contrast
buttons? Our Accessibility remote control for Sky Q and Sky+ may be for
you. Check out our guide to the accessibility remote or get in touch to
order one free of charge.
Our standard Sky Glass and Sky Stream remote has also been designed to be
inclusive and easy to use for all customers.
Remote control shortcuts
Using specific buttons on the Accessibility Remote, or the quick settings
button on standard remotes, you can easily turn AD and subtitles on and
off.
Voice control
Use your voice to change the channel, search for content, change settings
and more. Simply press and hold the voice button on your Sky Q, Sky Glass
or Sky Stream remote, and speak your command.
Sky Glass customers can also simply say "Hello Sky" followed by the
command, no remote needed.
You can even turn accessibility settings such as subtitles, audio
description and Voice Guidance on and off with your voice.
For more info on how to get the most from Voice Control, read our full
guide to using voice control on Sky Q or Sky Glass.
Companion apps
These complement your Sky experience, so you can manage your account,
browse what's on and even watch live, On Demand and recorded content on
your smartphone or tablet more easily. All the apps listed below are
designed to work well with features such as TalkBack (Android), VoiceOver
(iOS) and large text settings. Here’s what you can do with them:
Sky Go app
All customers can browse the TV Guide, watch live TV and watch shows from
the On Demand library.
Sky Q and Sky+ customers can set shows to record from the TV Guide and
download to their box from the On Demand library.
Sky Q customers can see what they've recorded on their box and even choose
to watch them in the app, deleting them when they are done (with
Multiscreen subscription).
Sky+ app
Fully accessible with TalkBack (Android) and VoiceOver (iOS).
Browse the TV Guide, set shows to record and even change the channel on
your box.
See what's recorded on your box, play recordings on the TV and delete them
when they’re done.
Browse the On Demand library and download shows to your box.
Read our guide to using the Sky+ app for more info.
My Sky app
Manage your products, services and billing.
Join our VIP loyalty programme and claim rewards.
Get help when you need it.
TV Guide
You can browse the TV Guide in our companion apps and on your TV with the
help of accessibility features like Voice Guidance and high contrast.
You might also enjoy our weekly selection of top picks, highlighting great
new shows featuring audio description and subtitles.
Sky Talk, Broadband & Mobile
Our accessibility service for Sky Talk is regulated by Ofcom in the UK and
ComReg in the Republic of Ireland. We're proud of the quality of support we
offer to make sure you get the most from us. Read more about our support
for Sky Talk and Sky Mobile.
We've also created a guide for mobile devices and their accessibility
features to help you choose the one that’s right for you.
Customer Service
Our dedicated Accessibility team is fully trained to help you with all our
products and services. We have a range of contact methods available, so
it's easy to get in touch in whatever way works for you. We’re available
seven days a week in the UK, and Monday to Saturday in Ireland.
You can also request to receive correspondence from us in braille, audio,
large print or on coloured paper.
We can tailor our support to help you get the most from our products and
services. Get in touch to register your account so we can offer a more
personalised service.
Be My Eyes
Customers in the Republic of Ireland can now get in touch through the Be
My Eyes app. Be My Eyes connects blind and low vision customers to our
Accessibility team through a live video call, allowing us to provide visual
assistance.
Find us in the Technical category of the Specialised Help area of the Be
My Eyes app on iOS and android. Read more about
Sky on Be My Eyes.
Message us
Message online with one of our agents.
Once you're connected, responses may not be immediate.
Sky's messaging service is available:
UK: 9am to 5pm, Mon - Fri and 9am to 4pm on Sat .
Ireland: 9am to 6pm, Mon – Fri and 9am to 5pm on Sat.
If you contact us outside of these times, please expect a response the
following working day.
Message us
