Described Video

Described video (DV) is also referred to as audio description (AD) or descriptive video.

DV is a narrated description of a program’s main visual elements, such as settings, costumes, or body language. The description is added during pauses in dialogue and enables people to form a mental picture of the program.

For broadcast, DV is carried on secondary audio tracks. It can be enabled in your cable box audio settings. For web, DV is either enabled as a secondary audio track within the media player or is presented as ‘Open DV’, meaning the described video is part of the main soundtrack.

At Described Video Canada, we’ve been producing high-quality described video for more than a decade. Our team has delivered thousands of hours of DV across television, film, digital platforms, and government/education content. We combine industry-standard writing practices with in-house narration and production expertise to ensure every project meets accessibility standards, while maintaining the creative intent and emotional tone of the original program.

Check out examples on the Described Video Canada YouTube Channel.

NEW – Described Video with Synthetic Voices

We now offer Described Video using advanced synthetic voices, taking accessibility and user experience to a whole new level.

This AI-assisted technology allows us to deliver vivid, clear, and expressive audio descriptions that are crafted to resonate with the context and emotions of the content, ensuring an engaging and immersive experience for all viewers.

There are advantages such as reductions in time, and disadvantages like potential impact on quality, to using synthetic voices. Learn more about the plus and minus from our blog or contact us today to discuss your needs and expectations.