[nfb-talk] Losing DVS

[John G. Heim]

As many of you probably know, DVS, Described Video Service, is available on 
several PBS programs. This includes Nova, The American Experience, and 
Nature. Over the years I've grown quite fond of these programs. There are 
few entertainment programs available on the radio. It's mostly talk and 
music. But things designed for you to sit down and listen to for an hour are 
pretty rare.

This is why I was dismayed to be told that Wisconsin Public Television is 
not broadcasting the DVS signal in their digital broadcast. The analog 
signal has DVS. The digital signal does not. Now, obviously, Wisconsin 
Public Television bears the primary responsibility for this huge step 
backward. But I also place some of the blame on the NFB. No one would find 
it acceptable if the transition to digital television had meant that deaf 
people would lose their access to closed captioning. Closed captioning has 
become part of the fabric of our society and everyone takes it for granted. 
Why isn't DVS on that same level? Because the NFB opposed it.

Thanks NFB.