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Audio Description

(The following applies to Sky digital only)

What is narrative (audio description)?

Audio description is where an artiste verbally explains what is happening in a scene when there is no audible dialogue.

Sky has been providing narrative since 2000. Sky channels are regulated under 2003 Communications Act, for the provision of narrative.

Sky's Programme Services Department already provides over 3,000 hours of narrative a year for Sky channels.


What does Sky do?

Sky provides Audio description on the following channels:-
  • Sky Movies
  • Sky Sports
  • Sky One
  • Sky Two
  • Sky Three
  • Sky Travel



  • How is it done?

    Sky works with ten voice artistes to produce the Audio description. It is down to the artistes, who are also skilled at script writing, to explain what is happening between the gaps.

    We record their voice in one of our on-site audio suites. The Audio description and natural sound is delivered as a mixed audio through your set-top box at home.


    How do you get it?

    Programmes carrying audio description can now be easily recognised by switching on the Highlighted Programmes option.

    Press the Services Button on the remote control:
  • Then number 4 for System Set Up
  • Press number 3 for Language and Subtitles
  • Highlight Narrative, using the right/left arrow key change to ON
  • Using the down arrow key highlight 'Highlighted Programmes' using the left/right arrow key change to Narrative
  • Highlight Beep if Narrative Present', using the right/left arrow key change to ON
  • Highlight Save New Settings and press Select
  • You can return to your channels by pressing the Sky button



  • What to do now?

    So now just click through to our TV Guide, to see which Sky programmes have narrative over the next week.