Audio descriptions offer a useful feature for visually impaired viewers on BBC iPlayer. However, if you don’t want the additional narration, here’s how to turn it off on different devices:
Disabling Audio Description on Your Smart TV/Streaming Device
- Start the program: Begin playing the show or movie on BBC iPlayer.
- Settings: Find the settings menu, often represented by a gear icon or accessed through the remote’s options button.
- Accessibility settings: Within the settings, locate the “Accessibility” or “Audio” section.
- Toggle Audio Description: Find the “Audio Description” setting and disable it.
Disabling Audio Description on Your Web Browser
- Open the program: Start playing the content you want to watch.
- Player Settings: Look for a settings icon (often a gear) within the BBC iPlayer video window itself.
- Turn off Audio Description: Find and disable the “Audio Description” option.
Disabling Audio Description on the BBC iPlayer App
- Launch the program: Start playing your desired show or movie on the BBC iPlayer app.
- Options: Look for a settings icon or a speech bubble symbol within the playback controls.
- Disable Audio Description: Toggle off the “Audio Description” setting.
Troubleshooting Tips
- Check for updates: Ensure you have the latest version of the BBC iPlayer app or that your streaming device firmware is up-to-date.
- Restart: Try completely closing and restarting the BBC iPlayer app.
- Start from the beginning: Sometimes, selecting the option to play from the beginning can start the show without audio description.
Important Note: In some cases, BBC iPlayer might automatically play the audio-described version of a show or movie. Before starting a program, look for an “AD” symbol, which indicates audio description. Select a version without the “AD” if available.
Turning Off Audio Description on BBC iPlayer
For viewers who need to disable the audio description feature on the BBC iPlayer, this section provides a simple guide to make your watching experience more enjoyable.
Understanding Audio Description
Audio description is a narrating service that helps visually impaired individuals enjoy programmes by providing a spoken version of the visual information on-screen. While it’s a valuable feature, those who don’t require it may find it interrupts their viewing.
Adjusting Audio Description Settings on Various Devices
On the iPlayer app:
- Launch the BBC iPlayer app.
- Start your selected programme.
- Look for a Settings icon or a speech bubble icon.
- Choose the option to Turn off Audio Description or deselect the ‘Audio Described’ tag.
Notes: The location of these settings may vary slightly depending on the device you are using.
For Freesat, Freeview, Sky, and Virgin Media:
- Navigate to the audio settings on your device’s menu.
- Select the option to disable or adjust the audio description settings.
Different devices will have different methods, so consulting the device’s manual or help sections is always a good idea if you encounter difficulties.
Accessing Alternate Versions
If you’re watching via the BBC iPlayer on a browser:
- Look for a version of the programme without the AD label.
- Switch to the non-audio-described version if multiple options are available.
The ‘Audio Described’ category on the iPlayer lists all shows with audio description, so to avoid this feature, simply select programmes outside this category.
Troubleshooting Audio Description Issues
When you encounter audio description playing when you don’t require it, there are several approaches to resolving the issue. This section aims to guide you through common problems and when it might be necessary to seek further assistance.
Common Problems and Solutions
Audio description is a feature designed for the visually impaired to hear descriptions of what’s happening on screen. At times, you may find yourself wanting to switch off this feature to return to the original version of a programme. Below are some hitches you might face and their straightforward solutions:
Problem: Audio Description Won’t Turn Off
- Solution: Check for an option in the ‘Settings’ menu of the BBC iPlayer app labelled ‘Audio Description’ and ensure it’s set to ‘Off’.
Problem: Audio Description by Default
- Solution: Navigate to the playback screen and look for ‘Turn off Audio Description’ or deselect ‘Audio Described’ before starting the programme.
Problem: Resuming Play Retains Audio Description
- Solution: Instead of resuming the programme, try searching for the programme again and select ‘Start from the beginning’ to play without audio description.
Remember that solutions may vary depending on the device being used to access BBC iPlayer, so always check the device’s own settings if the app’s settings do not resolve the issue.
Contacting Support for Assistance
In the event that the problem with audio description persists, or you encounter an expired setting that hinders your ability to change audio options, it might be time to seek external support:
- BBC iPlayer Help Centre: They offer a robust FAQ and the ability to contact the support team.
- Device Manufacturer’s Support: If issues seem to be device-specific (for example, on a smart TV), the manufacturer’s customer service can provide device-tailored instructions.
Make sure you have the details of the issue, such as the specific programme and what steps you have already attempted, on hand to expedite the support process.
Navigating BBC iPlayer Features
BBC iPlayer offers a diverse range of content and accessibility features to ensure that everyone can enjoy their favourite shows. This section walks you through the different categories available and explains how to use the accessibility options, such as turning off Audio Description (AD).
Exploring Content Categories
Users can explore the vast collection of BBC iPlayer programs by browsing through clearly marked content categories. Whether you’re looking for the latest drama, a comedy to lift your spirits, or a documentary to learn something new, the categories are well-organized, making it easy to find what you’re looking for.
- Drama & Soaps: Stories that captivate with intricate plots and dynamic characters.
- Comedy: Shows guaranteed to bring a laugh with clever humor and fun.
- Documentaries: Deep dives into real-world issues and stories that matter.
- Entertainment: Light-hearted content to enjoy and unwind with.
The platform also provides specific selections for those who require or prefer Audio Described content.
Utilizing Accessibility Options
BBC iPlayer is committed to being accessible to all users, including those who require AD for a better viewing experience. To turn off this feature:
- During Playback: Look for a white bar at the top of the playback screen, select Turn off Audio Description.
- Before Playback: In the program’s information page, deselect the option marked as ‘Audio Described’.
This ensures that users who don’t need AD can watch their chosen content without the additional commentary. For subtitles, the process is similar, allowing viewers to enable or disable them based on their preference or requirements. BBC iPlayer strives to accommodate each viewer’s needs, whether it’s changing the language or adjusting how they experience the program’s audio and visual elements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Navigating the world of accessibility features like audio description on your favorite streaming platforms doesn’t have to be complex. This section aims to address common queries about managing the audio description on BBC iPlayer.
How do I disable audio narration when watching shows on BBC iPlayer?
To disable audio narration on BBC iPlayer, look for the audio description settings within the programme’s playback options and turn it off.
What steps are needed to turn off the audio description feature on the BBC iPlayer app on different devices?
Turning off audio description involves accessing the audio settings on the BBC iPlayer app, which vary slightly between devices. You typically need to select the ‘Audio Description’ settings and switch them to off.
Is there a setting to permanently stop audio descriptions from playing on BBC iPlayer?
Permanent disabling of audio descriptions is not available on BBC iPlayer. Users need to turn off the feature for each show they watch.
Why is audio description automatically playing on BBC iPlayer, and how can I turn it off?
Audio description may play by default if it was enabled in a previous session. To turn it off, toggle the audio description setting to off in the playback options before or during watching a programme.
What should I do if the audio description won’t switch off on BBC iPlayer on my iPad or Fire Stick device?
If the audio description does not switch off, check if your device’s own accessibility settings have ‘Audio Descriptions’ enabled and turn it off there, as this might override the app’s settings.
Where can I find the option to turn off the audio description features within the BBC iPlayer interface on my television?
On your TV, the option to turn off audio descriptions within BBC iPlayer is often found in the settings menu under accessibility options, within the ‘Audio Description’ subsection.
