Audiovisual accessibility

The aim of audio accessibility techniques is to improve access to content for people with different native languages and for those with a hearing or visual disability. Also known as audio description services, or, inclusive communication, these services promote inclusivity for everyone.

Encouraging access to content for all

Subtitling

Subtitling is an essential technique for making audiovisual content accessible to a wider audience. It consists of displaying text at the bottom of the image when a programme is broadcast, such as films, TV series, documentaries and news programmes. Originally used in the cinema, subtitling has now been extended to television and other media, including DVD-Video and the Internet. It enables dialogue and important information to be conveyed to deaf or hard-of-hearing viewers, as well as to people who do not understand the spoken language. Subtitling is a valuable method of ensuring inclusion and access to information for all, enabling individuals to fully appreciate audiovisual content, whatever their level of hearing comprehension. Subtitles are also metadata that contribute to the proper indexing of content.

Voice-over and Off-voice

This technique consists of superimposing one or more voices onto a programme. This process is used to make a programme understandable in a language other than the original language of the content. It can also be used to add information in the same language as the programme.
The original voice of the speakers is lowered to make way for the translation, interpreted by actors. This process replaces synchronous dubbing, which is more complex and more expensive. In practice, Vectracom makes international documentaries comprehensible in all languages

Audio description
This technique makes video content accessible to the blind and partially sighted. It consists of describing the visual elements of a cinematographic or audiovisual work to blind or partially-sighted viewers to give them the essential elements for understanding the work (settings, characters, actions, gestures). The recorded text is placed between the dialogue and sound effects and mixed with the original sound. It therefore does not interfere with the original content. Audio description is broadcast on a specific sound channel. It can be added to the television’s speaker outputs or listened to through separate headphones so as not to disturb viewers who do not need it. Vectracom assists its customers with these specific needs and is equipped with the necessary cutting-edge technology.
French Sign Language
French Sign Language (LSF) is a sign language used by and for deaf and hard-of-hearing people. Since its official recognition in 2005, it has come to symbolise the sharing and inclusion of the deaf community in society. It is most often used to ‘translate’ what someone says and is part of the culture of the deaf and hard of hearing. In practice, the sign language translator appears in a small part of the screen. This technique is used most often in documentaries and also in live situations. Vectracom provides this service for its customers.
Other Services (servicing business unit)

Digitize / Copy / Report
PAD production and delivery
VoD / SVoD Pack
Preservation and archiving strategy
File conversion
Storage services

" There are two things whose absence would prevent me from living: cinema and grace."

Martin SCORSESE

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