Federal Guidelines for video streaming and communications

Overview

More Information about The 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) coming soon!

Title II - Video Programming

• Restores audio description rules promulgated by the FCC in 2000 with some additions over the next 10+ years.
• Requires video programming that is closed captioned on TV to be closed captioned when distributed on the Internet (does not cover programs shown only on the Internet).
• Establishes deadlines for the FCC to respond to requests for exemption from the closed captioning rules.
• Requires video programming distributors, providers, and owners to convey emergency information in a manner that is accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired.
• Expands the requirement for video programming equipment (equipment that shows TV programs) to be capable of displaying closed captions, to devices with screens smaller than 13 inches (e.g., portable TVs, laptops, smart phones), and requires these devices to be able to pass through audio descriptions and emergency information that is accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired, if technically feasible and achievable.
• Requires devices designed to record TV programs to pass through closed captions, audio description, and emergency information so viewers are able to turn on/off the closed captions and video description when the TV program is played back, if achievable.
• Requires interconnection mechanisms (cables) to carry (from the source device to the consumer equipment, like a TV set) the information necessary to permit the display of closed captions and make audio description and emergency information audible.
• Requires user controls for TVs and other video programming devices to be accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired and requires TVs and other video programming devices to have a button, key, icon, or comparable mechanism designated for activating closed captioning and audio description.
• Requires on-screen text menus and program guides displayed on TV by set-top boxes to be accessible to people who are blind or visually impaired and requires set-top boxes to have a button, key, icon, or comparable mechanism designated for activating closed captioning (when built-in to the set-top box). (Source FCC)

Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010