What open description changes
Described video communicates important visual information that dialogue and ordinary sound may leave out: an action, an expression, a setting or text shown on screen. AMI explains that its open description is always present. You do not need to find a separate description track for that open mix, and turning an ordinary audio-description setting off will not remove it.
This is different from a broadcaster offering an optional described track on selected programmes. It is also different from closed captions, which make spoken words and relevant sounds readable. A household can need description, captions or both; they solve different access problems.
Integrated description and added narration
AMI-tv identifies both traditional and integrated approaches to description. Traditional description adds narration around a programme’s existing dialogue. With integrated description, presenters and participants can work useful visual context into the programme itself. Neither should be judged simply by how often an extra narrator speaks.
For an original discussion programme, a presenter describing a demonstration can make an action understandable without stopping the conversation. For an acquired drama, a separate descriptive voice may provide the missing visual detail. Choose by what helps you follow the programme rather than assuming one format fits every genre.
Accessibility is part of the editorial subject too
AMI-tv’s original programming includes disability, accessibility and inclusion perspectives, alongside entertainment and information. That means its value is not limited to adding a soundtrack to familiar television. A programme about technology, everyday life or sport can also put disabled participants’ experiences at the centre of the story.
Start with the subject and programme format. A technology conversation, a cooking demonstration and a documentary need different levels of attention and have different practical takeaways. The official programme page is the appropriate place to check the current series description and episode context, rather than relying on a short guide abbreviation.
Make an accessible favourite that is easy to find
If your household uses AMI-tv regularly, give it a clear favourite label and put it within a short remote-control journey. Test that label with the person who will use it. A number written on a paper list may be less helpful than a spoken label or a small, stable favourites group.
If description is missing on a service you believe is AMI-tv, first establish which programme and channel are actually playing. Then report the programme, date, observation time and what is absent. Do not spend time searching for an optional description track when the expected feature is an open mix. If captions are the concern, describe that separately so the access problem can be investigated accurately.
Related questions
Can I turn AMI-tv’s open description off?
AMI says its open described video is always on. It is part of the presented sound rather than an optional description track.
Are captions and described video the same?
No. Captions present speech and sounds as text; description communicates important visual information through audio.
Is AMI-tv the English version of each AMI-télé programme?
The services have distinct language programming. Do not assume an episode-by-episode translation or matching schedule.
Sources and scope
Scope notes distinguish published documentation, supplied information and editorial methods. They do not report a hands-on service test.
- AMI-tv — Official English accessible television remit, open and integrated described video.
- AMI frequently asked questions — Meaning of described video and always-on open description versus optional description on other services.
