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.
EAD for YouTube passthrough videos on MiVideo is not supported.
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)?
All types of description for video provide equitable access to people who cannot see or process visual information by describing that information in text or in voice.
- Audio Description (AD) is an audio track describing visual information in the video
- Extended Audio Description (EAD) is a description track delivered by automatically pausing and restarting the video playback
- Because of this system, EAD is appropriate when the description is longer, or the video has fewer audio pauses, or both
- EAD ensures that all necessary description can fit, because the video stops to make space for it.
When is EAD Required?
EAD for online video is part of the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1, the digital accessibility standards that U-M uses. However, EAD is a Level AAA requirement, while content used or created at U-M must meet Level AA.
EAD is not required for all video used or created at U-M. However, for situations where using AD is not feasible, EAD is the best approach.
Can EAD be Edited?
Yes! To edit the accuracy or add additional descriptions use the Captions Editor.
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)
Kaltura contracts with 3PlayMedia to generate extended audio descriptions for videos. This is a premium fee-based service. It is not free. See the pricing table for turnaround times and cost.
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 EAD with a shortcode
Professional audio descriptions can be ordered with a shortcode. Please complete the MiVideo Captioning, Transcription & Audio Descriptions Request Form to order.
- Video must be uploaded to your My Media in Canvas or Mediaspace to use this service.
- The source video must be in English.
- EAD requests produce a timestamped VTT file.
- EAD for YouTube passthrough videos on MiVideo is not supported.
- Make any necessary edits to the video before ordering EAD.
- 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. See the Human Generated Captions and Audio Descriptions For SSD Accommodation article for more details.
User-generated EAD
The ITS-MiVideo team can assist with user-generated EAD requests for free. You must create your own timed VTT file.
A blank VTT file can be attached to the media and the Captions Editor in MiVideo can assist with adding descriptions. There are also third-party tools that assist with creating timed VTT files, however use caution when sharing media with platforms that do not have data protection agreements with the University.
Please complete the MiVideo Captioning, Transcription & Audio Descriptions Request Form.
Best practices for creating EAD
- Describe content that is critical for understanding the overall meaning of the video.
- Indicate speaker changes, facial expressions, actions and movements, and changes in settings.
- Describe important on-screen text, charts, and diagrams.
- Describe objectively without personal interpretation or options.
- Use plain language and avoid technical terms.
- w3.org has Tips for Doing Description Yourself.
- 3PlayMedia has a list of Quality Audio Description Standards.
Additional Information
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.