Environment
Canvas
MiVideo Mediaspace
Issue
What is an extended audio description (EAD) and how can it be added to videos in Canvas and MiVideo Mediaspace?
Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service.
Mediaspace Admin: EAD requires use of the latest Kaltura video player. If your Mediaspace players have not yet been upgraded please contact ITS-MiVideo via the ITS Service Center.
Resolution
What is an Extended Audio Description (EAD)?
Audio description (AD) is a verbal portrayal of visual content in media injected between spoken dialog pauses. AD can assist blind and visually impaired people by describing key visual content necessary for comprehension of the media. To learn more about AD see the Order Audio Descriptions for Media in Canvas or Mediaspace article.
Sometimes there isn't enough time between dialog pauses for longer descriptions. Extended audio description (EAD) pauses the video during the audio description then resumes play. EAD is suitable for video with few pauses but contain a lot of visual content.
Listening to EAD in the Kaltura Media Player
EAD can be enabled/disabled in the Kaltura media player by toggling the AD icon in the lower right corner of the player.
Videos in Canvas and MiVideo Mediaspace with extended audio description contain a time coded VTT file. When EAD is enabled, these videos use Speech Synthesis, an artificial production of human speech, to synthesize sound from the VTT file. Speech Synthesis is compatible with most browsers however you can check your browser compatibility of speech synthesis API at lambdatest.com.
Example Video with Professional EAD
Annoto: Transforming Course Videos into Exciting Interactive Learning
Professional Human-generated EAD (English to English)
Kaltura contracts with 3PlayMedia to generate extended audio descriptions for videos. This is a premium fee-based service. It is not free.
There are two ways to order EAD:
- With a shortcode
- Disability accommodation through the SSD office
Important Notes
- EAD is returned as a timestamped VTT file created by a professional AD captioner.
- EAD uses Speech Synthesis, an artificial production of human speech, in your browser to synthesize sound from the VTT file.
Ordering Professional AD with a shortcode
Professional audio descriptions can be ordered with a shortcode. Please complete the MiVideo Captioning, Transcription & Audio Descriptions Request Form.
- Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service.
- EAD requests produce a timestamped VTT file.
- The cost is based on the length of the recording (not the number of minutes of audio description created) and the turnaround time.
- The recording length can be edited down as necessary, see the Utilizing Video Editor article.
- The ITS-MiVideo team will need a shortcode and authorized signer approval to place the order.
- The ITS-MiVideo team will email the requester once the order is completed.
Disability Accommodations through the SSD Office
Professional extended audio descriptions can be ordered on request for disability accommodations through the SSD office. Please complete the MiVideo Captioning, Transcription & Audio Descriptions Request Form.
- Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service.
- EAD requests produce a timestamped VTT file.
- The recording length can be edited down as necessary, see the Utilizing Video Editor article.
- Instructions for ordering EAD are provided by the SSD office.
Additional Information
Closed captions, audio descriptions, language translation captions, and language translation dubbing are separate services; see related articles.
Resources and Questions
For additional questions, please contact the ITS Service Center.