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This chapter contains the specific electronic and information technology (EIT) performance requirements related to the following subpart of Section 508:
EIT Technical Standard 1194.24, Video and Multimedia Products, Provisions (a) thru (e).
The requirements in this chapter cover the following:
• All mission-critical video and multimedia products and productions used by the Postal Service as defined by the Access Board, regardless of size or whether purchased or developed internally. Multimedia is defined by the Access Board as including "more than one medium or sensory mode like a VHS or streaming Web video since it includes both audio and visual elements." The multimedia must also be both of the following:
• A production, as it must be intended for broadcast, rebroadcast, or multiple viewings.
• Related to the mission of the organization (i.e., it must be considered mission-critical).
• All associated data, information, training material, and documents related to those mission-critical video and multimedia productions.
• Multimedia elements that are part of a live presentation. For example, a video presented during a graphics slideshow would need to comply with the specific requirements in this chapter. The presentation equipment often must comply with either Chapter 9, Self-Contained, Closed Products, or Chapter 10, Desktop and Portable Computers.
• Elements that use only one sensory mode (e.g., a graphical animation that does not contain any audio, or an audio file that does not contain or synchronize with any visual content). Such elements often qualify as non-text elements. Based on the mode of delivery (e.g., Web, software, self-contained, etc.), specific requirements in other chapters of this handbook may also apply. For example, an animated element found on a Web page that does not include any audio must comply with the "Animation" requirement in Chapter 6, Web-Based Information and Applications.
Note: You may need to synchronize general and specific requirements in this chapter with requirements in other chapters in this handbook. For example, video and multimedia accessed via internal or external Postal Service Web sites must also comply with the requirements stated in Chapter 6, Web-Based Information and Applications. Video or multimedia products that are embedded in software applications or that run on self-contained platforms or in kiosks may require synchronization with other chapters.
This chapter applies to all personnel who purchase or develop video or multimedia products for the Postal Service (i.e., Postal Service employees, suppliers, contractors, and business partners). Video or multimedia products include information technology solutions of all scope and magnitude, consisting of simple or complex purchases or development that span other technical areas, and all associated data, information, training material, and documents.
Each part of this chapter describes the specific requirements that support one or more provisions in the technical standards for video and multimedia products. The technical standards of Section 508 were written primarily from a technology perspective. The Postal Service has detailed these technical standards to aid Postal Service employees, suppliers, contractors and business partners with understanding Postal compliance requirements from the perspective of designing for accessibility. Each specific requirement includes a Rationale, Techniques, Testing Methods, and References as shown below in section 8-2.
8-1, Overview
8-2, Analog and Digital Video Caption Receivers, Decoders, and Displays (Provision §1194.24a)
• Rationale
• Techniques (and Exhibits)
• Testing
• References
8-3, Television Tuners and Secondary Audio Playback Circuitry (Provision §1194.24b)
8-4, Open or Closed Captioning of Video and Multimedia Productions (Provision §1194.24c)
8-5, Audio Description of Video and Multimedia Productions (Provision §1194.24d)
8-6, User-Selectable Captions or Audio Descriptions (Provision §1194.24e)
Appendix 8-A, Postal Service Video and Multimedia Accessibility Checklist
Appendix 8-B, Summary of Video and Multimedia Delivery Methods and Requirements
While looking at video and multimedia barriers, it is helpful to understand the challenges that people with various disabilities face in accessing and viewing videos and other multimedia. The need for a solution to these challenges resulted in the development of specific video and multimedia accessibility standards in Section 508. Here is a summary of those challenges:
• People with hearing disabilities are typically faced with challenges such as:
• Lack of closed captioning support in broadcast or transmission methods.
• Lack of closed captioning support in display technologies such as TVs, monitors, and media players.
• Lack of closed or open captioning as an included feature of a video or multimedia production.
• Lack of ability to turn closed captioning on and off, using both hardware and software controls, or using functions built into video or multimedia productions.
• People with visual disabilities are typically faced with challenges such as:
• Lack of support for secondary audio program (SAP) or stereo audio in broadcast or transmission methods.
• Lack of support for secondary audio program (SAP) or stereo audio playback in display technologies such as TVs, monitors, and media players.
• Lack of audio descriptions as an included feature (on a SAP) of a video or multimedia production.
• Lack of ability to turn SAP content on and off, using both hardware and software controls, or using functions built into video or multimedia productions.
While making video and multimedia products accessible presents many challenges, the greatest barrier to compliance with Section 508 is lack of knowledge. Video and multimedia products can sometimes be made accessible with minimal difficulty and expense. In addition, buying or building accessible video or multimedia products can benefit the population at large, not just people with disabilities.
• Implementation of specific requirements will require research on the current accessibility features of the target platform, operating system, or transmission/broadcast method.
• All video and multimedia productions should be designed with the evolving open standards for accessibility that support cross-platform use (i.e., use of SMIL standards that are supported by most digital media players, etc.).
• Sections 8-2, 8-3, and 8-6 provide detailed requirements for hardware and software technologies used to produce, transmit, and display video and multimedia.
• Sections 8-4, 8-5, and 8-6 provide detailed requirements for authoring and encoding captioning and audio descriptions in video or multimedia content, documentation, or applications. Captioning and audio description, or an appropriate alternate format or alternate access method are required for all productions defined as "mission-critical" by the agency. This includes, but is not limited to, any pre-produced video or multimedia productions used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for wide distribution on Postal or external television networks or on the Internet.
• Manual inspection or tool-based testing methods may not be available for the specific requirements described in this chapter. In lieu of standard testing methods, Postal Service employees and representatives must ensure compliance with the techniques stated in the specific requirements, as applicable. Automated testing tools and methods may be available over time, but automated testing must be accompanied by manual testing. For example, a developer can use a development tool to test for valid syntax (e.g., using an accessibility checker within a multimedia authoring program), but a manual inspection must still be done to validate semantics and proper rendering. In other words, the meaningfulness of the captions or audio descriptions must also be considered for the end user who may have a physical disability and who may use assistive technology.
• In many cases, raw videotaped footage does not have to be captioned or audio described. For example, raw videotaped footage used to document a safety violation could be considered a video "in support of the Postal Service's mission." If the footage is used in a production, however, such as a Web-based presentation or training video, it does have to be captioned or audio described.
When compliance cannot be achieved using the techniques described in this chapter, individuals with disabilities must be provided equivalent access to video and multimedia content through an alternate format or access method. An alternate format or access method must be equivalent in content and functionality to the primary video or multimedia source, and it must be updated concurrently with the primary source. Alternate formats and alternate access methods must be made available at no additional charge.
Electronic alternate formats should be considered as the first preference for comparable video or multimedia content. These electronic alternate formats must be made available to participants in a timely manner, distributed either via the Internet or the Postal Service Intranet.
• For Postal Service sites on the Internet, electronic alternate formats are restricted to HTML, plain text, or rich text format (RTF) files.
• For the Postal Service intranet, the electronic alternate format may also be one of the native formats used by the Postal Service for its standard suite of office products (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
When live events organized or sponsored by the Postal Service are open to the general public, any included video and multimedia productions or live presentations must include captions. Real-time captions must be integrated and synchronized with the video stream where TV or satellite broadcasts are included. (Even so, interpreting services may still be required.) Live presentations that do not involve broadcast technologies or multimedia productions may be captioned using a separate monitor, such as a steno-captioning service. Captions serve as a text equivalent for the audio portions of multimedia productions. In addition, multimedia productions require audio descriptions for any visual content that is necessary for understanding. (Currently, audio descriptions are most often provided as part of a second version of the production or are included on the secondary audio program track.)
When live events are not open to the general public - or when other accommodation methods are required or preferred - captions or audio descriptions may not have to be provided. Instead, reasonable accommodations can be offered to participants with disabilities (see Handbook EL-307, Reasonable Accommodation, for more information). Reasonable accommodations for live presentations of video and multimedia often include, but are not limited to, American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters, steno-captioning services, remote audio listening systems, and the like. Note that, in some cases, (i.e., large venues), ASL interpreters should be displayed on screen along with the primary visual presentation, so that they can be seen by all who need them.
Only as a last resort should other alternate formats or alternate access methods be considered as comparable access.
• Other alternate formats may include, but are not limited to, Braille, large print, cassette recordings, and recorded audio.
• Other alternate access methods may include, but are not limited to, voice, fax, relay service, and TTY.
All analog television displays 13 inches and larger, and computer equipment that includes analog television receiver or display circuitry, must be equipped with caption decoder circuitry that appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. As soon as practicable, but not later than July 1, 2002, widescreen digital television (DTV) displays measuring at least 7.8 inches vertically, DTV sets with conventional displays measuring at least 13 inches vertically, and stand-alone DTV tuners, whether or not they are marketed with display screens, and computer equipment that includes DTV receiver or display circuitry, must be equipped with caption decoder circuitry that appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals (Section 508, Provision §1194.24a).
This requirement addresses the techniques used to ensure that all applicable Postal Service video receivers and displays are capable of displaying closed captioning in a variety of contexts. This requirement does not address the techniques used to author or encode the open or closed captioning in the video or multimedia itself (see section 8-4).
Like subtitles, captions display
spoken dialogue found in various
video and multimedia products as
visual text on television displays or
computer monitors in a variety of
Postal Service settings. Unlike
subtitles, captions are specifically
designed for hearing-impaired and
deaf viewers to identify speakers and
spoken text and to enable their full
participation when viewing video or
multimedia products, though they
have also proven to be beneficial to a
wider range of viewers. Captions are
carefully placed so as not to interfere
with the visual presentation and often
include information regarding on- and
off-screen sound effects, such as music, major sounds or human sounds
such
as laughter. Captions are also useful for people who are learning a
foreign
language, learning how to read, or watching television in a noisy area,
as well
as for those who understand best by processing visual information.
There are two kinds of captioning that are used to provide such access to the audio portions of video and multimedia products: open captioning and closed captioning (see the Glossary for definitions).
Analog televisions or video displays larger than 13 inches (diagonal) must include caption decoder circuitry that appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. Decoders are included in all televisions with screens greater than 13 inches built after July 1, 1993. Televisions and monitors without built-in decoders must have an add-on decoder for closed captioning to work. Note that it is often less expensive to purchase a new monitor or television than to add on a decoder.
Digital televisions (DTVs) or digital video receivers, tuners, and displays (including those in computer equipment and kiosks) must include caption decoder circuitry that appropriately receives, decodes, and displays captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. This includes widescreen digital television (DTV) displays measuring at least 7.8 inches vertically, DTV sets with conventional displays measuring at least 13 inches vertically, stand-alone DTV tuners (whether or not they are marketed with display screens), and computer equipment or kiosks that includes DTV receiver or display circuitry.
Digital media player software used on computer or kiosks for stand-alone or embedded playback must include decoders that decode captions and secondary audio encoded using SMIL markup or another industry-recognized open standard. Recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), SMIL is an XML markup designed to be the standard markup language for timing and controlling synchronized media elements (i.e., video, audio tracks and descriptions, captions, and other media). SMIL works for a media player similar to the way that HTML works for a Web browser. Just as HTML markup displays in any browser, the standardized SMIL language fosters interoperability among varieties of media players (see the references below for more information).
Where practical, provide real-time captions for video and multimedia products shown during mission-critical live events that are not Web-based (e.g., major conferences, or distance learning). Real-time captions can be provided using computer-aided real-time captioning (CART) systems that use speech recognition technology to provide simultaneous open captions and immediate text transcripts. For major conferences, as long as the event is not being remotely broadcast, CART can be displayed on a separate screen that will permit larger text and more text on the screen. If such technology-based solutions are not used, provide an appropriate alternate format or alternate access method.
For each technology or service that is developed or purchased, use the following general method to test compliance with the specific requirements in this section:
• Examine the hardware and software equipment used to transmit or display video or multimedia production content, including its associated online or offline documentation. Hardware and software can include equipment such as broadcast or transmission equipment, analog televisions and displays, digital televisions and displays, computer media players, or captioning system technology.
• Check to see if the hardware or software includes caption decoder circuitry or a method for enabling and displaying closed captions in video or multimedia production content that would be played on it.
• If the equipment does support closed captioning enabling, display, and user preferences, attempt to play a closed-captioned video or multimedia production on the equipment. Check to see if closed captions can be enabled, displayed and disabled properly.
• If the equipment does not support closed captioning display, it should either be adapted to do so or not purchased by the Postal Service. If it is purchased, a general exception must be documented and approved by the responsible functional and Supply Management organizations.
• If the equipment is used by the Postal Service, all video or multimedia productions played on the equipment must be open captioned, or an alternate format or alternate access method must be provided.
The following references provide additional guidance on the techniques described above, but must not be used in place of the general and specific Postal Service requirements in this chapter. If any of these references conflict with Postal Service requirements, defer to the Postal Service requirements.
• Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) decision
that digital
television displays will eventually need to be equipped with the
capability to provide an alternative to audio playback (e.g.,
captioning).
http://www.atsc.org/
• Apple
Computer's "Quicktime and SMIL" Page
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/authoring/qtsmil.html
• CPB/WGBH's
National Center for Accessible Media: Common DTV
Issues
http://ncam.wgbh.org/dtv/basics/dtvissues.html
• CPB/WGBH's
National Center for Accessible Media: Motion Picture
Access Project (MOPIX)
http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/aboutproject.html
• EIA-708
Specification for Digital Television Closed Captioning
http://global.ihs.com/
• FCC: DTV
Regulations
http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/
• Macromedia
Flash Player Home
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
• Microsoft
Windows Media Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
• Real Networks
SMIL Basics Tutorial
http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/howto/smil/smilbasics.html
• The
Telecommunications Act of 1996
http://www.access-board.gov/about/Telecomm Act.htm
• The
Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.24-decoderact.htm
• World Wide
Web Consortium's list of SMIL Players
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/#SMIL
Television tuners, including tuner cards for use in computers, must be equipped with secondary audio program playback circuitry (Section 508, Provision §1194.24b).
Whereas section 8-2 addresses the reception, decoding, and display elements necessary to display captions, this requirement addresses elements of televisions displays and computer monitors that are required to play secondary audio programs (tracks) that can be encoded in video or multimedia. This requirement does not address the techniques used to author or encode the secondary audio in the video or multimedia itself (see section 8-5).
Most new TVs and computer tuner cards
include a feature called Multi-channel
Television Sound (MTS). The standard
television broadcast contains three audio
channels: the right stereo, left stereo, and
secondary audio program (SAP). MTS
includes the secondary audio program
(SAP) playback circuitry, so that it can
receive and display all three. The SAP
channel can contain alternative audio such
as the soundtrack in another language,
audio descriptions, or additional
information about the program. Only
stereo (not mono) televisions can receive
the third SAP channel.
During a stereo television broadcast, two audio signals are sent out. One contains the standard soundtrack, while the other contains the soundtrack modified with the additional audio descriptions. When the SAP is selected, the modified soundtrack is played (see exhibit 8-3.1). This SAP can contain audio description (also known as video description), which is a method for making certain visual aspects in television, videos, multimedia products, and live performances accessible to people who are blind, visually impaired, or cognitively impaired.
All television tuner cards in televisions, video displays, kiosks, and computer equipment purchased by the Postal Service must include secondary audio program (SAP) playback circuitry. SAP playback circuitry supports Multi-channel Television Sound (MTS), which is required to play back stereo right and left audio tracks and SAP content such as audio descriptions.
Where practical and possible, use equipment that is capable of producing, broadcasting, and receiving video or multimedia productions that include stereo audio and secondary audio program (SAP) content (i.e., audio descriptions). Stereo audio includes channels for left audio, right audio, and SAP audio, making it possible for audio descriptions to be played back in video and multimedia productions that include them (see section 8-3.2.1).
For internal productions, the current Postal Service infrastructure may not currently support stereo production and broadcast methods. When this is the case, video or multimedia productions that are mission critical must include open audio descriptions, or an alternate format or alternate access method must be provided.
For external productions, stereo production and broadcast methods must be used to ensure SAP playback capability or an alternate format or alternate access method must be provided to comply with Section 508.
Digital media player software used on computer or kiosks for stand-alone or embedded playback must include decoders that decode captions and secondary audio encoded using SMIL markup or another industry-recognized open standard. Recommended by the World Wide Web Consortium (W3C), SMIL is an XML markup designed to be the standard markup language for timing and controlling synchronized media elements (i.e., video, audio tracks and descriptions, captions, and other media). SMIL works for a media player similar to the way that HTML works for a Web browser. And just as HTML markup displays in any browser, the standardized SMIL language fosters interoperability among varieties of media players (see the References below for more information).
For each technology or service that is developed or purchased, use the following general method to test compliance with the specific requirements in this section:
• Examine the hardware and software equipment used to transmit or display video or multimedia production content, including its associated online or offline documentation. Hardware and software can include equipment such as broadcast or transmission equipment, analog televisions and displays, digital televisions and displays, computer media players, or captioning system technology.
• Check to see if the hardware or software includes secondary audio program playback circuitry or a method for enabling and playing audio descriptions in video or multimedia production content.
• If the equipment supports audio description enabling, playback, and user preferences, attempt to play an audio-described video or multimedia production on the equipment. Check to see if audio descriptions can be enabled, played, and disabled properly.
• If the equipment does not support audio description playback, it should either be adapted to do so or not purchased by the Postal Service. If it is purchased, a general exception must be documented and approved by the responsible functional and Supply Management organizations.
• If the equipment is used by the Postal Service, all video or multimedia productions played on the equipment must include open audio descriptions, or an alternate format or alternate access method must be provided.
The following references provide additional guidance on the techniques described above, but must not be used in place of the general and specific Postal Service requirements in this chapter. If any of these references conflict with Postal Service requirements, defer to the Postal Service requirements.
• Access Board: 508 Universe: My training courses:
Accessible
Conferences
http://www.section508.gov/training/index.cfm?FuseAction=CourseMenu&CourseID=2
(Note: Site registration is required to access this
link.)
• Apple
Computer's "Quicktime and SMIL" Page
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/authoring/qtsmil.html
• CPB/WGBH
National Center for Accessible Media: Description FAQ
http://ncam.wgbh.org/dtv/basics/description.html
• CPB/WGBH's
National Center for Accessible Media: Motion Picture
Access Project (MOPIX)
http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/aboutproject.html
• Department of
Defense's Computer/Electronic Accommodations
Program: Guidelines for Computer-Aided Real-Time Captioning
(CART)
http://www.tricare.osd.mil/cap/services/services_acc_cart.cfm
• FCC: DTV
Regulations
http://www.fcc.gov/dtv/
• United
Kingdom Office of Communications (Ofcom): Guidance on
Standards for Audio Description
http://www.itc.org.uk/codes_guidelines/broadcasting/tv/sub_sign_audio/audio_description_stnds/
• Joe
Clark / Media Access: Comments on U.K. Guidelines for audio
description
http://joeclark.org/access/description/ukad.html
• Macromedia
Flash Player Home
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
• Microsoft
Windows Media Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
• Real Networks
SMIL Basics Tutorial
http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/howto/smil/smilbasics.html
• The
Telecommunications Act of 1996
http://www.access-board.gov/about/Telecomm Act.htm
• The
Television Decoder Circuitry Act of 1990
http://www.access-board.gov/sec508/guide/1194.24-decoderact.htm
• World Wide
Web Consortium's list of SMIL Players
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/#SMIL
All training and informational video and multimedia productions that support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain speech or other audio information necessary for the comprehension of the content, must be open or closed captioned (Section 508, Provision §1194.24c).
Whereas section 8-2 addresses the reception, decoding, and display elements necessary to display captions, this requirement addresses the techniques used to author or encode the caption content in video or multimedia productions widely distributed via Postal Service television, Web sites, training software, and other information systems.
The Postal Service must provide captioning for any video or multimedia production that is distributed externally or that are considered critical to the Postal Service's mission. Such productions include, but are not limited to, those used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for distribution on television or on the Internet. In applicable productions, the audio portions necessary for the comprehension of the production's content must be captioned, so that people who are deaf or hearing impaired can access them.
Captioning is the standard method of making narrative content in television, videos, multimedia productions, and live performances accessible to people who are deaf and hearing impaired. "Multimedia productions" refers to productions that present information in more than one sensory mode (i.e., both audibly and visually), regardless of delivery method. For instance, streaming video presented via the Web with a soundtrack and a Macromedia Flash demo of a Postal Service Web application that uses both visual animation and audio narration are both considered multimedia productions.
Two kinds of captioning are used to provide access to the audio portions of video and multimedia products: open captioning and closed captioning (see the Glossary for definitions of these terms).
Besides aiding those with hearing loss, captions also do the following:
• Help persons with hearing disabilities. In an aging population, this group is increasing. According to the Census Bureau, 8 percent of the population under age 45 reports a hearing loss. This increases to 13 percent in the 45-64 age range and skyrockets to 30 percent after age 65!
• Increase learning, retention, and literacy. Allowing viewers to read the audio content provides additional reinforcement.
• Aid in learning a second language. Viewers can hear the one language being spoken and simultaneously read the captions.
• Facilitate the conveyance of audio content in environments that are noisy or are not conducive to playing audio (e.g., a quiet library or no sound card or speakers).
When Postal Service television or video productions are dubbed onto videotape or broadcast via mechanisms that support closed captioning, the video production must include closed captioning. Supportability for closed captioning is covered in section 8-2. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, any pre-produced video productions that are distributed over television, Web, or computer-based TV channels and that are considered to be mission-critical, such as those used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for distribution on television or the Internet.
Closed captioning is always created using a dubbing process. Using a master video (i.e., a dubmaster), a video program is first routed through an encoder that embeds the closed caption file data (i.e., the caption text equivalents) onto line 21 of the vertical blanking interval (VBI) of the television signal. This information is then recorded onto various formats that will result in a closed-captioned master (i.e., VHS, SVHS, Beta SP, DigiBeta, DVCPro, or DVD).
When Postal Service television or video productions are dubbed onto videotape or broadcast and the display mechanism is either unknown or does not support closed captioning, the video production must contain open captioning. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, any pre-produced video productions considered to be mission-critical, such as those used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for distribution on television or on the Internet.
Where possible, include real-time captions in video or multimedia presentations used in live events that are organized or sponsored by the Postal Service and that are open to the general public. The real-time captions serve as a text equivalent for those portions of the audio presentation required for comprehension of the content.
Real-time captions can be provided using computer-aided real-time captioning (CART) systems that use typing or speech recognition technology to provide simultaneous open captions and immediate text transcripts. Usually, such captions will be authored by captioners, people who are especially skilled in capturing narration and key ambient sounds. These captioners employ court reporter-type equipment to type captions in real-time. The reporter equipment is connected to a computer and display equipment consisting of an LED screen or other large screen projection that, typically, is above the performers. Some systems offer the ability to transmit captions remotely, using phone lines, satellite feeds, or fiber optics.
For additional requirements related to live events, see Section 8-1.6, Alternate Formats, Alternate Access Methods, and Reasonable Accommodation.
Narrated portions of mission-critical Postal Service multimedia productions, regardless of how delivered (e.g., Web-delivered, CD-ROM, DVD, or software application), must be either open or closed captioned. Many multimedia productions used in product or service demos, training or educational media, and health and safety demos are considered "mission-critical."
Closed captioning is preferred when the delivery and display mechanisms are known and available to support it (see section 8-2). However, if the broadcast and display mechanisms are unknown or cannot support closed captioning, open captioning must be used.
Computer-based training (CBT) products - including e-learning applications and other Postal training productions - can include multimedia as components of larger software applications, Web-based applications, or "closed" products. In these cases, relevant specific requirements for video and multimedia captioning and audio description must be satisfied in addition to other specific requirements found in other chapters. For example, a multimedia demo for Click-N-ShipTM distributed as an executable software application on CD-ROM would have to comply with video and multimedia captioning and audio description requirements, in addition to applicable software application requirements.
Some training software development applications (e.g., Macromedia Authorware or Click2Learn's Toolbook) offer support for captioning multimedia. For example, some development applications support standard APIs for speech-to-text options (e.g., Speech Application Programming Interface included in the Microsoft Active Accessibility programming kit).
For each multimedia or video production that is developed or purchased, determine the delivery method for the production, then use the following general method to test compliance with the specific requirements in this section:
• If the production is a video and the delivery method is unknown or not known to support closed captioning, whether on tape or via broadcast, make sure that open captioning is permanently encoded on the video track of the production. If open captioning is not included, author and encode it before distribution.
• If the production is a video and the delivery method is external or known to support closed captioning, make sure that the production is encoded with closed captions. Test the video broadcast and display on equipment capable of decoding closed captioning. Ensure that the user can enable, view, and disable the caption track of the video.
• If the production is a live event (e.g., conference or webcast), determine if a real-time captioning system technology and captioner resources can be used in the event. If not, ensure that an appropriate real-time alternate format or access method is available to all participants (see section 8-1.6).
• If the production is a multimedia production and the delivery method is unknown or not known to support closed captioning, make sure that narrated audio portions of the production required to understand the content are permanently encoded in equivalent text elements used in the production (i.e., open captioning).
• If the production is a multimedia production and the delivery method is known to support closed captioning (e.g., SMIL), make sure that the narrated portions of the production required to understand the content are encoded in a caption track or equivalent alternate text that can be enabled, viewed, and disabled by the user.
The following references provide additional guidance on the techniques described above, but must not be used in place of the general and specific Postal Service requirements in this chapter. If any of these references conflict with Postal Service requirements, defer to the Postal Service requirements.
• Access Board: Captioning Time/Cost Considerations
Matrix
http://www.section508.gov/training/docs/captionCostMatrix.doc
• Access Board: Checklist for Captioning Video and
Multimedia
http://www.section508.gov/training/docs/captionVendorQCChecklist.doc
(Includes considerations for selecting/evaluating suppliers,
preparations, and quality control elements.)
• Apple Computer's "Quicktime and SMIL" Page
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/authoring/qtsmil.html
• Caption Center
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/captioncenter/
• Captioned Media Program
http://www.cfv.org/
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media:
Captioning FAQ
http://ncam.wgbh.org/dtv/basics/captioning.html
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media: Media
Access
Generator (MAGPie)
http://ncam.wgbh.org/webaccess/magpie/
• DVS Theatrical is the technology that provides video
and performance
description
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/ncam/mopix/aboutproject.html#dvs
• Macromedia Flash Player Home
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
• Microsoft Windows Media Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
• NCAM - National Center for Accessible Media
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/ncam/
• NCAM's Motion Picture Accessibility Project
http://ncam.wgbh.org/mopix/index.html
• Real Networks SMIL Basics Tutorial
http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/howto/smil/smilbasics.html
• Rear window technology is explained at
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/ncam/mopix/aboutproject.html#rwc
• World Wide Web (W3) Consortium's Synchronized
Multimedia
Integration Language Standard
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/
All training and informational video and multimedia productions that support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain visual information necessary for the comprehension of the content, should be audio described where possible (Section 508, Provision §1194.24d).
Whereas section 8-3 addresses the secondary audio program (SAP) playback circuitry necessary to decode audio descriptions, this requirement addresses the techniques used to author and encode the audio description content in video or multimedia productions widely distributed via Postal Service television, Web sites, and other information systems.
Where possible, the Postal Service provides audio description for any video or multimedia production that is distributed externally or that is considered critical to the Postal Service's mission. Such productions include, but are not limited to, those used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for distribution on television or the Internet. In applicable productions, the visual portions necessary for the comprehension of the production's content must be audio described so people who are blind or visually impaired can access them.
Audio description is a method for making certain visual aspects in television, videos, multimedia productions, and live performances accessible to people who are blind, visually impaired, or cognitively impaired. "Multimedia productions" refers to productions that present information in more than one sensory mode (i.e., both audibly and visually), regardless of delivery method. For instance, streaming video presented via the Web with a soundtrack and a Macromedia Flash demo of a Postal Service Web application that uses both visual animation and audio narration are both considered multimedia productions.
There are two kinds of audio description that are used to provide access to visual portions of video and multimedia productions that are critical for their comprehension: open audio description and closed audio description (see the Glossary for definitions of these terms).
The advantages of audio descriptions cited most by blind and visually impaired viewers include the following:
• Gaining knowledge about the visual world and a better understanding of televised materials.
• Feeling independent and reducing the burden on sighted viewers with whom they watch.
• Experiencing social connection, enjoyment, and equality with those without visual impairments.
Where possible and practical, include open audio descriptions on video productions when Postal Service television or video productions are dubbed onto videotape or broadcast, and the display mechanism is either unknown or does not support secondary audio program (SAP) playback. In this case, the video production should be delivered with two versions, one with and one without descriptions, often back-to-back on the same tape cassette.
Open audio description can be used to provide limited audio descriptions on the primary audio tracks instead of on an SAP channel. The open audio description technique may be more feasible than standard audio description, as the narration recorded on one primary audio track could include descriptions of key visual elements along with the main narration, if planned for in advance.
For example, a Postal Service training video that demonstrates the correct way for letter carriers to unload boxes from a truck could be produced so that open audio descriptions are permanently encoded in the production's narration. Instead of merely demonstrating the correct procedure for unloading boxes, all viewers could hear descriptions of enacted visuals because they are included in the narration (i.e., "a letter carrier unloads the boxes from her truck, being careful not to bend using her back"). When such open audio descriptions are included in the main audio tracks, they can be easily included in text transcripts, often eliminating the need to produce a secondary audio program or track.
This requirement includes, but is not limited to, any pre-produced video productions considered to be mission-critical, such as those used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for distribution on television or on the Internet.
When Postal Service television or video productions are dubbed onto videotape or broadcast via mechanisms that support SAP playback, the video production should include standard (i.e., closed) audio description, if possible. Supportability for SAP playback is covered in section 8-3. This requirement includes, but is not limited to, any pre-produced video productions that are distributed over television, Web, or computer-based TV channels and that are considered to be mission-critical, such as those used in training, product or service demos, health or safety videos, or advertising produced for distribution on television or on the Internet.
Audio description is always created using a dubbing process. Using a master video (i.e., a dubmaster), a video program is first routed through an encoder which embeds the primary and secondary audio program tracks onto tape or onto the broadcast signal. This information can then be recorded onto various formats that will result in an audio-described master (i.e., VHS, SVHS, Beta SP, DigiBeta, DVCPro, or DVD).
Where possible (e.g., where events are scripted ahead of time, where technologies are available), include audio descriptions for video or multimedia presentations used in live events that are organized or sponsored by the Postal Service and that are open to the general public. The audio descriptions serve as a text equivalent for those portions of the visual presentation required for comprehension of the content.
In some cases (i.e., when events are well-scripted and planned in advance), audio descriptions can be provided using technology systems that offer remote transmission of audio via radio or phone lines, satellite feeds, or fiber optics. Usually, such audio descriptions will be authored by describers, people who are especially skilled in capturing narration, key ambient sounds and visually significant elements of presentations. These describers employ court reporter equipment or speech to communicate visually significant elements of presentations in real-time. However, describers usually need to review the video production and make extensive notes before they begin.
Audio descriptions do not necessarily involve technology per se. Two examples describe such nontechnological approaches to audio description:
• During video teleconferences or webcasts where presenters use several visual aids, consider providing an additional person off-screen to describe the visuals quickly and discreetly. Make sure you alert all of the meeting participants of this need to allow time for description so that they can adjust their presentation accordingly.
• During a webcast, when a presenter is demonstrating features of new purchasing software, the presenter should exactly describe the actions she is performing (i.e. "from the `File' menu, select the `Import...' option. When the `Import' dialog box appears, select the `Browse' button to select a file to import.") That way, even those participants with visual impairments will still be able to follow the presentation.
For additional requirements related to live events, see Section 8-1.6, Alternate Formats, Alternate Access Methods, and Reasonable Accommodation.
Where possible, provide audio description for critical visual portions of mission-critical Postal Service multimedia productions, regardless of how delivered (e.g., web-delivered, CD-ROM, DVD, or software application). Many multimedia productions used in product or service demos, training or educational media, and health and safety demos are considered "mission-critical." When such productions contain visual elements that are critical for comprehension of the content, an audio description or appropriate alternate format or alternate access method must be provided.
Closed audio description is preferred when the delivery and display mechanisms are known and available to support it (see section 8-3). For example, a multimedia demo that uses visual demonstration and narration to describe safe mail delivery procedures could offer audio descriptions that can be turned on and off for the visual demonstrations.
However, if the delivery and display mechanisms are unknown or cannot support audio description or secondary audio program playback, include audio descriptions in the primary audio channel. For example, the same multimedia demo referred to above that uses visual demonstration and narration to describe safe mail delivery procedures could offer audio descriptions in the primary audio track (which would not be able to be turned off).
Computer-based training (CBT) products - including e-learning applications and other Postal Service training productions - can include multimedia as components of larger software applications, Web-based applications, or "closed" products. In these cases, relevant specific requirements for both multimedia production audio descriptions must be satisfied in addition to other specific requirements found in other chapters. For example, a multimedia demo for Click-N-ShipTM distributed as an executable software application on CD-ROM would have to comply with both video and multimedia requirements, in addition to software application requirements. Some training or CBT software development applications offer support for audio-describing multimedia.
For each multimedia or video production that is developed or purchased, determine the delivery method for the production, then use the following general method to test compliance with the specific requirements in this section:
• If the production is a video and the delivery method is unknown or not known to support closed audio description, whether on tape or via broadcast, make sure that, where possible, open audio descriptions are permanently encoded on the audio track of the production. If they are not, author and encode them before distribution.
• If the production is a video and the delivery method is external or known to support closed audio description, make sure that, where possible, the production is encoded with closed audio descriptions. Test the video broadcast and display on equipment that is capable of SAP playback. Ensure that the user can enable, view, and disable the secondary audio program track (i.e., closed audio descriptions) on the video.
• If the production is a live event (e.g., conference or webcast), determine if a real-time audio descriptions of critical visual information can be provided using either a technology-based system (e.g., remote transmission of audio via radio or phone lines, satellite feeds, or fiber optics) or a non-technology solution such as a modified presentation script or off-screen audio describer. Ensure that an appropriate real-time alternate format or access method is available to all participants (see section 8-1.6).
• If the production is a multimedia production and the delivery method is unknown or not known to support closed audio description, make sure that visual portions of the production required to understand the content are permanently encoded in a primary audio track or in equivalent text elements used in the production.
• If the production is a multimedia production and the delivery method is known to support audio descriptions, make sure that the visual portions of the production required to understand the content are encoded in a secondary audio track or equivalent alternate text that can be enabled, viewed, and disabled by the user.
The following references provide additional guidance on the techniques described above, but must not be used in place of the general and specific Postal Service requirements in this chapter. If any of these references conflict with Postal Service requirements, defer to the Postal Service requirements.
• Access Board: 508 Universe: My training courses:
Accessible
Conferences
http://www.section508.gov/training/index.cfm?FuseAction=CourseMenu&CourseID=2
(Note: Site registration is required to access this link.)
• Access Board: Checklist for Audio Describing Video
and Multimedia
http://www.section508.gov/training/docs/audioDescChecklist.doc
(Includes questions for evaluating suppliers, materials to provide
suppliers, and quality control elements.)
• American Foundation for the Blind: "Video Description in North America"
http://www.afb.org/info_document_view.asp?documentid=1231
• Apple Computer's "Quicktime and SMIL" Page
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/authoring/qtsmil.html
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media:
Description FAQ
http://ncam.wgbh.org/dtv/basics/description.html
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media: Media
Access
Generator (MAGPie)
http://ncam.wgbh.org/webaccess/magpie/
• Department of Defense's Computer/Electronic
Accommodations
Program: Guidelines for Computer-Aided Real-Time Captioning
(CART)
http://www.tricare.osd.mil/cap/services/services_acc_cart.cfm
• United Kingdom Office of Communications (Ofcom):
Guidance on
Standards for Audio Description
http://www.itc.org.uk/codes_guidelines/broadcasting/tv/sub_sign_audio/audio_description_stnds/
• Joe Clark / Media Access: Comments on U.K. Guidelines
for audio
description
http://joeclark.org/access/description/ukad.html
• Macromedia Flash Player Home
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
• Microsoft Windows Media Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
• Real Networks SMIL Basics Tutorial
http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/howto/smil/smilbasics.html
• Washington Ear: Audio Description
http://www.washear.org/audiod.htm
• World Wide Web (W3) Consortium's Synchronized
Multimedia
Integration Language Standard
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/
Display or presentation of alternate text presentation (i.e., captions) or audio descriptions must be user-selectable, unless they are permanent (Section 508, Provision §1194.24e).
When video and multimedia productions provide either closed captioning or closed audio description - regardless of their delivery method - viewers must be given the ability to enable or disable them, using an intuitive and easy-to-use selection feature.
Given the current state and prevalence of analog technology, the "user-selectable" requirement applies only to forms of closed approaches for captioning and audio description, when the production, transmission, and display mechanisms are known, available to support it and at the control of the viewer (see sections 8-2 and 8-3). In some situations, such as Postal Service television broadcasts in public spaces, the viewer does not control the display. In this case, the "user-selectable" requirement does not apply to the individual user but to the persons administrating the system. However, if video content containing closed captions is played on a desktop computer where the viewer does have control, the "user-selectable" requirement is applicable.
While analog technologies are limited, digital media production, distribution and display methods (e.g., CD-ROMs, DVDs, or Web) provide increasing support for alternate channels. These alternative visual and auditory channels and methods can be used to integrate captions and audio description more easily into digital video and multimedia productions.
When closed captions are provided, video or multimedia productions (or the information technology of which they are a component) must offer a feature, where possible, that allows users or administrators to turn them on and off independently. The method used for selecting closed captions varies greatly depending on the video or multimedia format and display methods used. For example, on-screen menus must offer a text-based menu option that does not require hearing and that allows users to enable or disable closed captions.
In addition, controls provided to enable or disable captions must comply with other specific requirements found in other chapters of this handbook. For example, for multimedia that requires a media player software application to view it, the controls used in the software application must comply with applicable requirements in Chapter 5, Software Applications and Operating Systems (e.g., keyboard access, textual information, or on-screen focus).
When audio description is provided, video or multimedia productions (or the information technology of which they are a component) must offer a feature, where possible, that allows user to turn them on and off independently. The method used for selecting closed audio descriptions varies greatly, depending on the type of video and multimedia format and display used. For example, an on-screen menu that offers a feature to enable or disable audio description must be made audible or otherwise readily selectable so that people with visual disabilities can independently gain access to audio descriptions. The menu should also be intuitive and easy to use so that the procedure will be convenient and possible to follow. In addition, controls provided to enable or disable audio descriptions must comply with other specific requirements found in other chapters of this handbook.
For each multimedia or video production that is developed or purchased, determine the delivery method for the production, then use the following general method to test compliance with the specific requirements in this section:
If the production is a closed-captioned video or multimedia production that can be viewed by an individual user, regardless of the display mechanism (e.g., Postal Service television, IP-based television, media players, or a Web-based presentation), you must do the following:
• Make sure that the information technology used to display the video or multimedia production offers a feature that allows the user to turn the captions on and off independently. This feature must be documented and communicated to the user.
• Make sure that the controls provided to turn captions on and off - whether hardware or software - comply with other specific requirements found in other chapters of this handbook.
• If the captions cannot be turned on and off, if the controls used to do so are not compliant with applicable requirements in other chapters of this handbook, or the feature is not documented and communicated, use a different information technology to deliver the production, or author and encode open captioning in the video or multimedia production before distributing it (see sections 8-4.2.2 and 8-4.2.4).
If the production is an audio-described video or multimedia production that can be viewed by an individual user, regardless of the display mechanism (e.g., Postal Service television, IP-based television, media players, or a Web-based presentation), you must do the following:
• Make sure that the information technology used to display the video or multimedia production offers a feature that allows the user to turn the audio descriptions on and off independently. This feature must be documented and communicated to the user.
• Make sure that the controls provided to turn audio descriptions on and off - whether hardware or software - comply with other specific requirements found in other chapters of this handbook.
• If the audio descriptions cannot be turned on and off, if the controls used to do so are not compliant with applicable requirements in other chapters of this handbook, or the feature is not documented and communicated, use a different information technology to deliver the production, author and encode open audio descriptions in the video or multimedia production before distributing it, or provide an appropriate alternate format or access method (see sections 8-5.2.2 and 8-5.2.4).
The following references provide additional guidance on the techniques described above but must not be used in place of the general and specific Postal Service requirements in this chapter. If any of these references conflict with Postal Service requirements, defer to the Postal Service requirements.
• Access Board: 508 Universe: My training courses:
Accessible
Conferences
http://www.section508.gov/training/index.cfm?FuseAction=CourseMenu&CourseID=2
(Note: Site registration is required to access this link.)
• Access Board: Captioning Time/Cost Considerations
Matrix
http://www.section508.gov/training/docs/captionCostMatrix.doc
• Access Board: Checklist for Audio Describing Video
and Multimedia
http://www.section508.gov/training/docs/audioDescChecklist.doc
(Includes questions for evaluating suppliers, materials to provide
suppliers, and quality control elements.)
• Access Board: Checklist for Captioning Video and
Multimedia
http://www.section508.gov/training/docs/captionVendorQCChecklist.doc
(includes considerations for selecting/evaluating suppliers,
preparations, and quality control elements)
• American Foundation for the Blind: "Video Description in North America"
http://www.afb.org/info_document_view.asp?documentid=1231
• Apple Computer's "Quicktime and SMIL" Page
http://www.apple.com/quicktime/authoring/qtsmil.html
• Caption Center
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/captioncenter/
• Captioned Media Program
http://www.cfv.org/
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media:
Captioning FAQ
http://ncam.wgbh.org/dtv/basics/captioning.html
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media:
Description FAQ
http://ncam.wgbh.org/dtv/basics/description.html
• CPB/WGBH National Center for Accessible Media: Media
Access
Generator (MAGPie)
http://ncam.wgbh.org/webaccess/magpie/
• Department of Defense's Computer/Electronic
Accommodations
Program: Guidelines for Computer-Aided Real-Time Captioning
(CART)
http://www.tricare.osd.mil/cap/services/services_acc_cart.cfm
• United Kingdom Office of Communications (Ofcom):
Guidance on
Standards for Audio Description
http://www.itc.org.uk/codes_guidelines/broadcasting/tv/sub_sign_audio/audio_description_stnds/
• Joe Clark / Media Access: Comments on U.K. Guidelines
for audio
description
http://joeclark.org/access/description/ukad.html
• Macromedia Flash Player Home
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/
• Microsoft Windows Media Home Page
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/default.aspx
• NCAM - National Center for Accessible Media
http://www.wgbh.org/wgbh/pages/ncam/
• Real Networks SMIL Basics Tutorial
http://www.realnetworks.com/resources/howto/smil/smilbasics.html
• Washington Ear: Audio Description
http://www.washear.org/audiod.htm
• World Wide Web (W3) Consortium's Synchronized
Multimedia
Integration Language Standard
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/
• World Wide Web (W3) Consortium's Synchronized
Multimedia
Integration Language Standard
http://www.w3.org/AudioVideo/
Appendix 8-A
Postal
Service Video and Multimedia
Accessibility Checklist
Use this as a tool for high-level guidance in determining if a video or multimedia production is compliant or accessible.
| Requirement | Yes No N/A |
Comments | |
| 8-2 | Analog
and Digital Video Caption
Receivers, Decoders, and
Displays All analog television displays 13 inches and larger, and computer equipment that includes analog television receiver or display circuitry, must be equipped with caption decoder circuitry that appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals. As soon as practicable, but not later than July 1, 2002, widescreen digital television (DTV) displays measuring at least 7.8 inches vertically, DTV sets with conventional displays measuring at least 13 inches vertically, and stand-alone DTV tuners, whether or not they are marketed with display screens, and computer equipment that includes DTV receiver or display circuitry, must be equipped with caption decoder circuitry which appropriately receives, decodes, and displays closed captions from broadcast, cable, videotape, and DVD signals (Section 508, Provision §1194.24a). |
blank | blank |
| 8-3 | Television
Tuners and Secondary Audio
Playback Circuitry Television tuners, including tuner cards for use in computers, must be equipped with secondary audio program playback circuitry (Section 508, Provision §1194.24b). |
blank | blank |
| 8-4 | Open or
Closed Captioning of Video and
Multimedia
Productions All training and informational video and multimedia productions that support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain speech or other audio information necessary for the comprehension of the content, must be open or closed captioned (Section 508, Provision §1194.24c). |
blank | blank |
| 8-5 | Audio
Description of Video and Multimedia
Productions All training and informational video and multimedia productions that support the agency's mission, regardless of format, that contain visual information necessary for the comprehension of the content, should be audio described where possible (Section 508, Provision §1194.24d). |
blank | blank |
| 8-6 | User-Selectable
Captions or Audio
Descriptions Display or presentation of alternate text presentation (i.e. captions) or audio descriptions must be user-selectable, unless they are permanent (Section 508, Provision §1194.24e). |
blank | blank |
Appendix 8-B
Summary of
Video and Multimedia Delivery
Methods and Requirements
Use this as a reference tool for understanding detailed specific requirements found in this chapter. Note that only content determined to be "critical" to the Postal Service's mission is required to comply with these captioning and audio description requirements.
| Delivery Mechanism or Component | Captioning Requirements | Audio Description Requirements | Alternate Formats & Access Methods |
| Television broadcast video content where at least one production or transmission element is analog | Open captions | Provide open audio description where possible in primary audio track and captions. | Optional; provide if needed. |
| Stereo television broadcast video content where no elements are analog | Closed captions; must be user-selectable | Closed audio description; must be user-selectable | Optional; provide if needed. |
| VHS format taped video content (except raw footage) | Open captions; may provide both uncaptioned and open captioned versions on one tape. | Provide open audio description where possible in primary audio track (and captions); may provide both audio described and non-described versions on one tape. | Optional; provide if needed. |
| Analog display hardware | May have built-in caption decoders; if not, must add on or provide alternate format/access method. | Hardware may not include SAP playback circuitry in tuner card; if not, you must provide open audio descriptions or alternate format / access method. | You must provide if no caption decoder or SAP playback is available in the hardware. |
| Digital televisions, digital video receivers, computer display hardware | Must have built-in caption decoders for closed captioning; must be user-selectable. | Must include SAP playback circuitry; must be user-selectable | Optional; provide if needed. |
| Digital media player software | Must provide captioning support; must be user-selectable | Must provide SAP or equivalent channel playback; must be user-selectable | Optional; provide if needed. |
| Mission-Critical live events that present video or multimedia content (except for taped content) | Must provide real-time captioning services or alternate format / access method. | Must provide real-time audio description or alternate format / access method. | Optional; provide if needed or for replay. |
| Mission-critical pre-produced multimedia productions regardless of how delivered (e.g., Web, CD-ROM, DVD, software application, etc.) | Closed captioning preferred, but open captioning OK. If closed captioning provided, must be user-selectable | Closed audio description preferred, but open audio description OK. If closed audio description provided, must be user-selectable. | Optional; provide if needed. |