RTHK Audio Description

Audio Description (AD) project serves to provide service for selected RTHK television programmes on its digital terrestrial television (DTT) channel, which would render them more accessible to the visually impaired people by providing an audio description of the visual image on the screen during the gaps between dialogues. more

The mobile application RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) produced by RTHK works with a designated series of audio description TV programmes broadcast on RTHK TV 31. The application targets both visually impaired persons and general audience. It can transmit the audio channel of the audio description TV programmes broadcasting on RTHK TV 31 to mobile devices in real time, such that both visually impaired persons and general audience can enjoy TV programmes together with family and friends at the same time and at the same time place using this application.

Starting from 12 November 2022, every Saturday, visually impaired people can listen to the audio description of the "Audio Description - Film" (Chinese content only) through the RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) mobile application.

https://www.rthk.hk/tv/dtt31/programme/audiodescription_film

Accessibility Statement

We are committed to ensuring that this mobile app has adopted accessibility design to the maximum extent possible. However, this mobile application contains interactive elements / interface design that cannot incorporate all accessibility features. If you encounter any technical problems when using this application, please call the accessibility support organisation: Hong Kong Blind Union at 27095559 or Radio Television Hong Kong hotline at 35250890; or contact us by email at webmaster@rthk.hk.

Audio Description

When Audio Description TV programmes are broadcast, audience can choose to listen simultaneously to the "Audio Description" track or the "Audio Description + the Original Audio" track, and enjoy TV programmes freely together with family and friends.

Programme Schedule

Audience can check the broadcast time and the introduction of the audio description TV programmes that will be broadcast in the "Programme Schedule".

Reminder Function

Audience can set the time for a reminder on audio description TV programmes before the broadcast by using the "Reminder Function".

How to use

Step 1: Audience should first switch to RTHK TV 31 on your integrated digital TV set or set-top box and turn to a higher volume;
Step 2: Open this application around 5 minutes before the broadcast of audio description TV programmes, and keep the mobile device connected to the Internet, then move the mobile device close to or face to the TV and wait;
Step 3: When the TV is broadcasting the audio description TV programmes, the application will actively try to achieve synchronisation with the TV’s audio output;
Step 4: Audience can choose freely in the application:

1: "Audio Description" or
2: "Audio Description + the Original Audio" to listen to RTHK TV programmes.

What are the system requirements for RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視)?

RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) can be used on mobile devices with the following specifications:

Operating System: iOS 11 or later, Android 10 or later

Network: Wi-Fi, 4G or 5G required, and please make sure the devices have been properly connected to the Internet.

Language: Traditional Chinese or English

Device: iPhone 7 or later, iPad or Android phone and tablet

Tests have been conducted for the following devices, and the application will be updated continuously:

Phone

iPhone 7 or later
Samsung Galaxy A71
Samsung Galaxy S8
Samsung Galaxy S9
Samsung Galaxy S10
Hauwei P30
Xiaomi

Tablet

iPad
Samsung Galaxy TAB

Is RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) free?

RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) is a free mobile application, and RTHK does not charge any fees for it. While iOS and Android users may download it for free at iTunes App Store or Google Play, data transmission may be used for downloading or using the application through mobile devices, and the fee incurred for such operations may not be applicable for user’s monthly data plan. Please consult your mobile phone network provider on the actual fee arrangement before using the application.

Does RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) use a lot of data?

When listening, the data-rate capability is about 150kbps, that is less than 70 MB per hour.

Can I save the content of the RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) mobile application and share it with friends?

No. This mobile application does not support playing videos, but provides real-time audio description track when TV programmes are broadcast. Our initial aspiration is to provide inclusive services for visually impaired persons and sighted persons, so that they can appreciate, enjoy and exchange views on TV programmes together.

After opening the application, why is there only a red interface at Audio Description page, but no "Start Audio Description" button for listening?

The "Start Audio Description" button will appear 5 minutes before the broadcast of an audio description programme.

After pressing "Start Audio Description" and waiting for a long time at the synchronisation status, there is still no sound. What should I do?

If no sound is heard, it may be because you have selected the "Audio Description" channel and the programme has not yet started or there is no audio description for the programme segment, please wait patiently for the audio description to appear or try the "Audio Description + the Original Audio" channel. If you still can't hear the background sound, try clicking "Exit Audio Description", go back to the previous page and then click "Start Audio Description" to listen again.

Whom should I contact if I have comments or enquiries about RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視)?

For comments or enquiries, please email us at webmaster@rthk.hk

In 2019, RTHK's TV Production, Engineering and various departments started the development of the RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) mobile application. After several tests, working meetings, liaison with various visually impaired organisations for testing and improvement, the application is officially launched in 2021.

RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) Mobile Application Tests

Members of The Hong Kong Society for the Blind and Hong Kong Blind Sports Federation were invited to try out the RTHK Audio Description (聽•電視) mobile application and to collect data at RTHK TV House Studio One in Oct 2020. Members of the above-mentioned organisations were again invited to help test the mobile application during the launch of the TV programme "Audio Description - Noon Theater" from November 2020 to March 2021.

More Apps: