[blindkid] The Perfect "Starter" DVD with DVS

[Richard Holloway]

Several people have asked me more about DVS. I'm happy to share what little I have learned with any who ask, but if anyone wants to find a quick and easy way to experience DVS audio, you can go and pick up a DVD of Toy Story 3.

We played a garden variety Toy Story 3 DVD-- off the shelf from Target tonight. As far as the package, the only clue it had DVS was the term "English 2.0 DVS" under "Technical Specifications" on the back of the package. TINY text, mind you, close to Buzz Lightyear's right knee. (There is no "D))))" logo anywhere either.)

Unlike most DVDs with DVS, there is a title screen or "splash screen" when this disk comes up with a picture of a three-eyed alien and exactly two options. You select either "English" or "English Descriptive Video Service". You make one selection on the first screen and you're off and running with DVS. 

Very simple. Very cool...

It isn't perfect because if you're blind, the screen is silent so you'd need some instructions to know "enter" (or play, etc) would go to English while a down arrow and then enter would get English with DVS. I'd have had Woody (from the movie) explaining what to do verbally as well, but still that is way better than hunting through menus, especially for confused sighted parents hunting for DVS options for their kids.

Remember also, at least on some DVD players (like this cheap one I'm using here), the Audio button (on the remote) will switch you from one audio option to the next, and you can always go to the setup menu to select your audio as well.

I think most of us will find it is far easier to access DVS with DVD's than from Cable or Over-The-Air Broadcasts so a DVD is a great place to start, but even finding it on TV isn't that hard. The trick is knowing where is should be so we know when to look for it! (I'm still working on that...)

Richard