BBC launches subtitles for live channels on BBC iPlayer in world-first
In a first for any major video on-demand service in the world, the BBC has begun trialling subtitles for live channels on BBC iPlayer. To date, subtitles have only been available for on-demand programmes.
Published: 27 July 2016
We welcome this breakthrough from the BBC, which is a huge step in the right direction for full accessibility for people who are deaf or have a hearing loss.
The trial, currently available on PC and Mac computers* will allow deaf and hearing-impaired viewers to watch more BBC TV programmes wherever and whenever they want. The BBC will test and improve the feature over the coming months before it is rolled out to BBC iPlayer’s app for mobiles and tablets – and over time to Connected TVs.
With almost 2m programmes a day or 20% of all on-demand programmes watched using subtitles on BBC iPlayer – there is already huge demand for this feature to be extended to live content too.
Gareth Ford Williams, head of accessibility for the BBC said: “The BBC is already a world-leading provider of accessible services– but we know there is always more to do. We want to ensure our content and services are accessible to everyone – and this trial will give viewers who are deaf or hearing-impaired access to even more programming than ever before.”
Dr. Roger Wicks from Action on Hearing Loss said: “We welcome this breakthrough from the BBC, which is a huge step in the right direction for full accessibility for people who are deaf or have a hearing loss. Our Subtitle It! campaign has been working towards increasing online broadcasters’ use of subtitles on online content and we’re delighted that the BBC is leading the way by trialling this new feature.”
The trial subtitles are available on the following channels:
BBC One HD http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcone?area=england
BBC One Northern Ireland (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcone?area=northern_ireland
BBC One Scotland (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcone?area=scotland
BBC One Wales (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcone?area=wales
BBC Two (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbctwo
BBC Four (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcfour
CBBC (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/cbbc
CBeebies (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/cbeebies
BBC News (HD) http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbcnews
For access to subtitles on BBC Two in Wales, Scotland and N. Ireland go to http://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/live/bbctwo?area=england or select England from the ‘Change location’ menu.
*Available on devices using the Flash version of the BBC Standard Media Player
IW