IWEDIA Middleware announces that Comedia middleware is now Audio Description-ready

RENNES, France — IWEDIA Middleware, the international provider of embedded DVB-based software solutions for digital television devices, today announced that its Comedia middleware now supports Audio Description. The announcement was made to coincide with the opening of the spring edition of the Hong Kong Electronics Fair, which is taking place from April 14th through 17th.

Audio Description (AD) is an additional commentary which, like a narrator telling a story, describes events happening on-screen (background, action and expressions) during gaps in the TV programme dialogue and effects. The service is especially suitable for visually impaired people, allowing them to hear what they might not be able to see and ensuring they do not miss out on any detail.

In the UK, the Audio Description feature has been made mandatory for receivers to be provided under the Digital Switchover Help Scheme, a government-funded initiative to deliver support to those who might need assistance during the switchover from analogue, especially the elderly and the disabled.

Other European countries (including France) are considering launching the Audio Description service on their own DTT networks.

Patrick Desproges, CEO, IWEDIA, says: “Now that Comedia supports Audio Description, we are providing the very best in software solutions for set-top box manufacturers and TV set makers, enabling AD-ready devices to be delivered in time to serve the needs of the UK market. Furthermore, since it contributes to reducing the digital divide, we expect this feature to become mainstream right across Europe.”