This trial will provide a closed audio description service, and new Freeview integrated sets and Freeview digital set-top boxes will incorporate the ability to decode and play the audio description (which will be on a second audio channel). Some older Freeview sets may be able to be upgraded.
According to NZ On Air, the initial service is expected to be on TV One and consist of imported description. Description of local programming has been identified as a future priority.
“Access to broadcasting is a human rights issue," said Clive Lansink, President of the Association of Blind Citizens of New Zealand. "Like it or not, television plays a huge part in people's lives and now it is possible for the television industry to include us more in their audience. We know that audio description available on some of today's movies has given people who are blind or whose sight is just not what it was a chance to enjoy movies in a whole new way. This development will let us gain the same full enjoyment from today's television programmes and we congratulate NZ On Air, Government and TVNZ for their initiative."
For more information, see the NZ On Air website.
Australia is also hoping to have an audio description trial on the ABC prior to digital switchover (2014), but no details or timeframe have been announced yet.
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