techUK
Printable version

Ofcom to consult on accessibility of on-screen TV guides

This consultation will consider what actions can and should be taken to improve the accessibility of on-screen TV guides for visually impaired people.

Ofcom has published a consultation on ways to make on-screen TV guides more accessible to visually impaired people. Previous research suggests people with visual impairments watch a similar amount of TV as other people.

On-screen TV guides (known as electr

onic programme guides, or EPGs) help people plan their viewing and discover new programmes. But people with visual impairments can find them difficult to use.
Following a call for inputs, and feedback from stakeholders including the RNIB and EPG providers, Ofcom is proposing that EPG providers work with manufacturers to provide better accessibility features, enabling viewers to:

  • have EPG information on channels, programmes and navigation menus read out as speech, to help them navigate the EPG and choose programmes to watch or record;
  • magnify parts of the EPG display, or increase the size of text, to make it easier to read;
  • highlight or list separately programmes with audio description or signing, making these programmes easier to find; and
  • view the EPG in a high contrast display.

The closing date for responses is 30 September 2015.

techUK will be working with its members in the device manufacturing and broadcasting sectors to respond to this consultation.

The link to this consultation can be accessed in the below link:

Ofcom Consultation on EPGs

To get involved and input into this response contact:

Paul Hide

 

Channel website: http://www.techuk.org/

Share this article

Latest News from
techUK

Facing the Future...find out more