Can I remove audio description?

Sometimes only the audio described or signed versions of a programme are available on 大象传媒 iPlayer. The audio description is听built into that version听and can't be removed.听

If you can't find the听original version of the episode, it's because that听version of the programme has expired. The accessible version of a programme is often broadcast a few days after the standard version, so there will be a period where the AD or sign language versions are the only versions available.

For more information on signed programmes on iPlayer, have a look here: Are programmes with audio description available?

Can I switch audio description off if the original version is still available?

Yes, if the original version of the episode you want to watch is still available on 大象传媒 iPlayer.听

  • On the 大象传媒 iPlayer website
    Switch听over to the non-AD version by selecting Turn off Audio Description on the white bar at the top of the playback screen, or deselect 'Audio Described'听at the bottom of the playback screen.

    Image of the white Audio Description bar that appears at the top of an AD programme on the website. the 'Turn off Audio Description' button is in bold on the far right.
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  • On the 大象传媒 iPlayer app for mobiles and tablets
    Tap the playback screen to bring up the playback controls. Tap on the speech bubble icon. If the non-AD version of the programme is still available, you'll be able to switch AD toggle off.听

    Image of the playback screen on the iPlayer mobile app. The Audio Description option is highlighted
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  • On the 大象传媒 iPlayer app for connected TVs
    Use your听remote to navigate to the accessibility menu on the top left (speech bubble icon). If the non-AD version of the episode is still available, you'll see the option to toggle between the AD or non-AD version.


    Image showing the accessibility menu on the TV app. The Audio Description button is highlighted

Can I switch off audio description on live streams?

Audio description is available on many programmes when watching live on the 大象传媒 iPlayer website. Use the speech bubble icon to access the accessibility options for that stream, and use the toggle next to 'Aduo description' to switch AD on or off.

Image of the playback screen on the iPlayer website with the speech bubble accessibility options highlighted. The AD toggle is 'ON'

The known issues page will indicate if there are any known faults where versions with audio description are available incorrectly instead of a standard version.

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