Thread Subject: Re: Subpart A Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed

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From: geoff freed
Date: Tue, May 01 2007 12:30 PM

Hi, Allen:

I won't argue with the use of video descriptions vs audio descriptions
(frankly, I prefer the latter). A Larry said elsewhere, we should
probably align ourselves with what other federal agencies already use,
so video descriptions makes sense.

But aside from the inclusion of language stating that video descriptions
are AKA audio descriptions, your definition is stating the same thing as
mine, only in more words. Am I missing a critical difference? I'd
rather go with as few words as possible.

Geoff/NCAM




Hoffman, Allen wrote:
> I suggest we insert definition for audio-description that refers to video description to alleviate any misunderstanding. Also, in a recent session at CSUN Joel Schneider from national captioning institute noted that there is a symbol for a/d sometimes used on media. I don't think it matters much on the overall what it is called as long as we all agree on what it is--personally "video description" makes more sense to me as the description is of the important information in the video content not discernible from the audio content alone.
>
> I do not agree with Jeff's language as it focuses on items that are not specifically related to the description of the critical information from a video content. I think the previous language was better.>
> Jeff wrote:
>> AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Audio descriptions make visual media (such as
>> television programs or training videos) accessible to people who are
>> blind or visually impaired. They provide descriptive narration of key
>> visual elements, such as sets, costumes and other important on-screen
>> information that may not be conveyed by the main audio track alone.
>>
>
> I might suggest an alternative as:
>
> Video Description: Video description, also often referred to as audio description or audio describing, is the provision via alternate audio track, or interspersing of additional narration in to the existing audio, of verbal descriptions of key pieces of information from an audio/video "multimedia" item, such as a broadcast, DVD, or web page, to allow people with visual disabilities to understand the content as a whole. Video descriptions may include descriptions of movements or actions which are not discernible or identifiable from the audio track alone, facial expressions if important to an understanding of the content, background visuals, sets, or text that appears on screen such as a mailing address or web reference. Video descriptions must not override the original audio content, and in some cases content timing may be lengthened for the audio-description to be inserted.
>
>
>
>
>
> Allen Hoffman -- 202-447-0303
> DHS Office on Accessible systems & Technology
> -----Original Message-----
> From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Larry Goldberg
> Sent: Tuesday, May 01, 2007 10:59 AM
> To: TEITAC AV list; Geoffrey Freed; 'TEITAC Subpart A Subcommittee'
> Subject: Re: [teitac-video] [teitac-subparta] Subpart A Definitions-Video Description-Action Needed
>
> The Telecommunications Act and the Federal Communications Commission both use the term "video description" which is the most commonly used term to refer to description of video materials; "audio description" has been more commonly associated with live theatrical description. I would suggest we continue to use the term used since 1990 and adopted by the Federal
> government: "video description."
>
> - Larry
>
>
> Gerald Freda wrote:
>
>> To be consistent and not confuse the definition label I support and
>> recommend the adoption of "audio description" as indicated within
>> 1194.24 of the technical standard as the definition label.
>>
>> I also agree with Goeff that since the 1194.24 technical standard is
>> not only referencing video and including multimedia products that the
>> selected language should not limiting nor restrictive in nature.
>>
>> I would recommend a few changes to the definition submitted by Goeff
>> as indicated below (replace VIDEO with AUDIO as the recommended
>> language, and replace cannot with may not).
>>
>> AUDIO DESCRIPTION: Audio descriptions make visual media (such as
>> television programs or training videos) accessible to people who are
>> blind or visually impaired. They provide descriptive narration of key
>> visual elements, such as sets, costumes and other important on-screen
>> information that may not be conveyed by the main audio track alone.
>>
>> thanks
>>

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