Earcatch is making a splash for accessible media

We can all agree that no one wants to return to 2007. Britney Spears shaved off all her hair, and we all secretly sobbed in our bedrooms, knowing this was the last Harry Potter book we'd ever get to read (or was that just me?). But suppose you're blind, visually impaired, print-disabled, epileptic or neurodiverse and need audio-described content? In that case, you've only just now begun to be released from the damp and mildewy confines of 2007 TV experiences. 

Since March 2007, most Kiwis have been able to access free, on-demand media from the TVNZ+ downloadable platform. Audio-descriptions have previously been available on live TV, but as of last week, you can now access a growing library of audio-described content via the Earcatch app. 

This has been made possible thanks to the Manatū Taonga Ministry for Culture and Heritage funding via their Cultural Sector Regeneration Fund. Able, the not-for-profit organisation funded by NZ on Air, has used this 12-month grant to create a library of audio-described content to use with the TVNZ+ app.

Since April 2015, Netflix and other paid streaming services have included the option for audio-descriptions on their content. Once you've selected the option - the same way you choose sub-titles - it remains on automatically so that you can seamlessly change from Heartstopper to Bridgerton at the click of a button. If you're tech-savvy, you can even set your TV up to use voice commands and navigate to your next film or series in mere seconds. 

TVNZ enabling Able to access their content to sync audio-descriptions on-demand is a significant improvement on the previous system of nothing but live TV. Thomas Bryan, who sits on the board of Able, says: "Products like Earcatch will certainly make a huge difference, and I, for one, will be really pleased not to have to rush home to watch my favourite TVNZ shows". However, there are still barriers to accessing and utilising Earcatch as it's clearly a short-term workaround. "I hope this doesn't make TVNZ think they're off the hook", as it's being facilitated by Able and funded by a grant. "We've been asking for five to ten years for this. It's state-owned broadcasting. It's for New Zealanders". TVNZ is responsible for doing its very best to be easily accessible to as many different communities as possible. 

If you want to give the TVNZ audio-descriptions a go, you will need a separate smart device. Then you can download, set up and begin using the Earcatch app with the TVNZ+ app on your other device or smart TV.

It's surprisingly relaxing for those who would prefer a less intense version of TV or need something less stimulating to prevent triggering epileptic seizures or overstimulation. For those who struggle to understand social cues and fast-paced or complicated shows, it explains what's happening on screen. And it will be a life-changing improvement for blind and low vision communities who haven't been able to access Kiwi shows when and where they want. 

The new system will help many New Zealanders who haven't been able to access TVNZ shows on-demand until now. It will also leave people with older devices, no smartphones or the inability to use these technologies back in 2007 with a much sadder Britney. It's hoped this is just the beginning of upgrading TVNZ's app to be accessible to as many people as possible.