Blind and Visually Impaired Community
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I’m seriously done with asking for Audiodeskription at the movie theater! (self.Blind)
submitted by Upper_Case3691
OK, here’s why. I am 17 years old and have been going to movie theaters my entire life pretty much as long as I can remember. Like a lot of blind people on this sub Reddit, I do not let my blindness get in my way. I’m always questioned about everything. Whether it’s, you can’t do this? You can’t do that? How are you going to? etc. either way, I’m enjoying my life. But one thing that I just can’t get over. Every time we go to the movie theater is that, If it’s a movie that I’ve not already seen before, I ask for audio description. I watch Netflix and listen to audiobooks all the time at home, so I’m definitely into the movies/TV shows/audiobooks world. Nine times, out of 10 though, at the front desk, I will end up asking them if I can get the audio description headset. The way their system works, is, At our movie theater, they have this box that contains these cheap ass, airplane headphones that they could give less of a crap about, and then the plastic box that looks like a creepy radio transceiver from an alien planet. Like a walkie-talkie without an external antenna. There’s a good description. Anyway, I usually get a headphone splitter. Which means I can send this to two outputs. I literally record what comes out of that box. Yes, it may be illegal. But I do it anyway. A lot of the times I will get the audio description track itself. Which is awesome, so I can sync it with the movie. But here’s my problem. Most of the time they end up, giving me this other device that looks exactly the same. But when the movie starts, the movie itself is playing through the headphones, meaning that this was built for a deaf person. Or a hard of hearing individual, not a blind person that needs audio description. I usually have to ask them four or five times to fix it, but by that point when they return the wrong device, several times the movies already almost over or completely over with. This is why I have not asked for one of these things in like eight months. And I don’t think I will continue to.
gunfart 12 points 1y ago
You are hearing the movie track and not the audio description track because they have the wireless device, that little plastic box that you plug your headphones into, configured to the wrong channel. Sort of like a CD has multiple tracks, they simply have the device tuned to the incorrect channel, not because it is made for someone hard of hearing or deaf.
SightlessBastard 5 points 1y ago
Do you know, if it is possible, to change the channel on the device? I visited a movie theater when I was in the US once, and I had the same problem that OP had.
gunfart 2 points 1y ago
No you can’t. It is a wireless receiver that is programmed behind the counter. There are no buttons or knobs aside from a volume rocker and a headphone jack
SightlessBastard 4 points 1y ago
Ah. That’s unfortunate.
In my country, we have an app called Greta, which lets you download the descriptive track onto your phone. When you play the track, your phone is supposed to notice when the movie begins, and start playing the description. I really wish, I could get a hold of these files…
In my country, we have an app called Greta, which lets you download the descriptive track onto your phone. When you play the track, your phone is supposed to notice when the movie begins, and start playing the description. I really wish, I could get a hold of these files…
Upper_Case3691 [OP] -1 points 1y ago
So those boxes, can be given out and set to different channels, depending on what they perceive you need? That’s cool, but I wonder what made them think I was deaf. The most possible explanation I can think of was that they always mix both channels up because this the 146th time lol
Smooth-Ordinary-8776 3 points 1y ago
For deaf people they give us captioning things that stick out of a cup holder. I have never seen anyone ask for a headset and it wouldn’t help either. I wonder if it’s for a different accommodation, maybe sensory where they can’t hear others eating?
CloudyBeep 2 points 1y ago
It's for people who need assistive listening, i.e. amplification. It's useful for people whose hearing loss still allows them to hear dialogue if it is amplified and people who cannot read closed captions such as hard of hearing children.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
That’s interesting. If they already have a separate device for the hard of hearing, I wonder what that channel does. What if, and this is far-fetched, but what, if this is the actual source of the movie itself? What if this is the exact same signal, that the speakers listen to. After all, it was a 0 ms delay. Meaning that the audio was 100% in sync. So, I’m also curious about that.
Smooth-Ordinary-8776 1 points 1y ago
Ooh that might be! If it is a separate channel than audio description, that could be it.
SightlessKombat 1 points 1y ago
It's likely a "hearing loop".
Smooth-Ordinary-8776 1 points 1y ago
A hearing loop is a program that’s built directly into the hearing aid/cochlear implant so that you can just turn it on and tune into the hearing loop. It’s not an external equipment thing they just have it on. We don’t use over the ear headphones for the loop
synthpopolis 7 points 1y ago
I have found that calling the movie theater a day or two in advance and letting them know that you are blind and will be needing the descriptive video unit is very helpful. I did that at our local theater a couple weeks ago and the guy said he would make sure that it was charged up and properly programmed, and when I arrived, it worked perfectly
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I just don’t feel that things like that are really necessary. Also, for us going to the movie theaters, it’s usually a very split run-of-the-mill decision that we make instantly, and because the service is generally available. I don’t think that it should be necessary to call ahead of time to prepare it. If it’s available as a resource it should be available on short notice. After all isn’t that what it’s for?
BenandGracie 5 points 1y ago
Why are you recording the AD? If I owned a movie theatre and I found you doing that, I would kick you out.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] -3 points 1y ago
Well, two things. First, you don’t know who I am, and second, good that you don’t own the movie theater. I go to. Whoops. Lol
BenandGracie 2 points 1y ago
I just hope no one catches you. The owners would be justified in asking you to leave. Recording any part of a movie at the theater is highly illegal.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] -2 points 1y ago
That’s why I stopped doing it after a while. For one, I never got the audio description box, except for a few. Lucky times, so it wasn’t even worth it. All I wanted was the actual audio from the audio description and the movie separate which I could get another place. But it’s harder than you think to sync them after the fact. So I just don’t do that anymore.
synthpopolis 11 points 1y ago
I’m certainly not going to give you a lecture on the morality of illegally recording movie audio. Honestly, I really don’t give a shit. Those studios rake in plenty of money and I don’t think Tom Cruise is going to have to go without a new motorcycle this year because some blind kid recorded audio through a headphone splitter.
Here’s the real issue I have with it. You are being provided with that device as an accommodation. It’s something the general public doesn’t have access to, and the theater is trusting that you will use it for its intended purpose. When you use it inappropriately, it can jeopardize the ability for others to get that tool when they need it. Plus, there’s already a negative stereotype out there that disabled people want special treatment or privileges, such as when people lie that their pet dog is a service animal just so they can take it on an airplane or into a grocery store. Let’s not give the general public more fuel for that fire
Here’s the real issue I have with it. You are being provided with that device as an accommodation. It’s something the general public doesn’t have access to, and the theater is trusting that you will use it for its intended purpose. When you use it inappropriately, it can jeopardize the ability for others to get that tool when they need it. Plus, there’s already a negative stereotype out there that disabled people want special treatment or privileges, such as when people lie that their pet dog is a service animal just so they can take it on an airplane or into a grocery store. Let’s not give the general public more fuel for that fire
akrazyho 5 points 1y ago
Audiovault.net
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 4 points 1y ago
Oh, yes. I am all too familiar with the site. The majority of my shows and movies come from that site. If I can’t find it there, I will torrent it somewhere else. I’m in contact with those people all the time. Requesting TV shows and I actually want to be one of their site back ups. It’s my dream to have all 5 TB of audio vault. Constantly updated every day on my home server. Yes, sir. Lol.
DannyMTZ956 3 points 1y ago
My solution was to request to speak with the maneager. I requested a refund of the funds, I explained that I didn’t step out of the movie because I was not going to ruin my wife’s movie experience too. I explain that without the audio description I did not receive the service I paid for. Now, every time I go to the movies the staff member goes with me to the theator and berifies that they provided the correct headset.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
Damn! I really wish I was that devoted. Honestly, I just either deal with it sometimes, and watched the movie later on the audio vault after it’s released, or just use general deduction to figure out what’s going on. After all, I have been addicted to TV shows that don’t use audio description, so it’s not a new thing to me.
DannyMTZ956 1 points 1y ago
Could you share the audio valt link please? I lost it recently.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Its audio vault.net
rkingett 1 points 1y ago
Try $1 so you can use your own equipment and just walk into the theater. The link is below, as well.
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spectrum-access-enabled-media/id1492182876
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spectrum-access-enabled-media/id1492182876
ForceR-1356 1 points 1y ago
I have this problem ALL the time. What I have noticed that if you ask for vision description instead of audio description, it get set to the right frequency for audio. A manager told me once that it is confusing because the audio description that blind people ask for is defined by the word vision on the receiver. So inconsequently if you ask for audio description, you will get the wrong frequency set.
It's confusing, but give it a shot and see if it works for you.
It's confusing, but give it a shot and see if it works for you.
Nature_Green 1 points 1y ago
I had no idea this existed. I allways join a friend of mine who has tunnelvision. I whisper during the movie what's going during the non-speaking parts.
I will look up if our movie theaters have those too. Thanks!
I will look up if our movie theaters have those too. Thanks!
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Np lol
Badassmotherfuckerer 1 points 1y ago
I too have had this issue without fail every single time I’ve been to the movies since 2015. To be fair though, I’ve only gone about 4 times though.
The other weird quirk is that there is another device they give out at a different theater that is a wireless headset that has the audio description in it. There is different volume wheels for both ears and you have to keep your head in one singular position the entire time so the headset will keep the signal clearly. If you move wrong the static will blast throughout the headset and murder your ears lol.Its also frustrating because you have to ride the volume knob so you dont bother people near you during quiet scenes.And since you have to be in a specific position to get a clear signal, you cant use your own earbuds either. Its a real pain in the ass.
The other weird quirk is that there is another device they give out at a different theater that is a wireless headset that has the audio description in it. There is different volume wheels for both ears and you have to keep your head in one singular position the entire time so the headset will keep the signal clearly. If you move wrong the static will blast throughout the headset and murder your ears lol.Its also frustrating because you have to ride the volume knob so you dont bother people near you during quiet scenes.And since you have to be in a specific position to get a clear signal, you cant use your own earbuds either. Its a real pain in the ass.
Shoddy_Doughnut6174 1 points 1y ago
I live in a small town and the theater had been closed down for decades until recently, and I haven't tried to go since they opened up, and doubt they'd have description. When I was still living in the Phoenix area my Mom took me to the circus my 1 and only time in 1984 or 1985. They had headphones with description, but boy was I disappointed. They covered your ears, and ridiculously, the description track had its own music that wasn't the same as the circus music at all! That was my only experience with description in a public place. In retrospect it was kind of amazing they had such a thing back in the mid 80s, but stil...
CloudyBeep 2 points 1y ago
They may have a legal obligation to provide audio description. You should look into this if you're interested.
Shoddy_Doughnut6174 1 points 1y ago
It might be a good idea to talk to the IT guy and find out exactly what they click on and fiddle with to get your channel. Then when you go, you can tell the kid at the counter how to set it up for you lol.
thebrightworker 1 points 1y ago
is the receiver generic to all theatres?
if so, buy one ebay.
if so, buy one ebay.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
It’s unlikely that that’s the case. Apparently some are still using analog. Lucky for me. Mine switched to digital.
thebrightworker 1 points 1y ago
poop
TwoSunsRise 1 points 1y ago
Yeah we used to have this problem all the time. They set the box up for hearing impaired, which plays the entire movie very loudly. We now make super clear and repeat multiple times that it's the track that describes the movie and is for the blind and visually impaired, NOT hearing impaired. Before and after they hand us the box, we clarify. We also bring our own headphones to use which give much better sound and are more comfortable.
A trick we've noticed is that you can hear static during the commercials. If there's no static, we bring it back bc it's likely not working correctly and get a replacement before the movie starts.
A trick we've noticed is that you can hear static during the commercials. If there's no static, we bring it back bc it's likely not working correctly and get a replacement before the movie starts.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
I’m glad that you guys do that. Hope that every other theater follows what you guys do.
DannyMTZ956 1 points 1y ago
I’ll ask the next time I go. But I am guessing that the files have the name of the movie and something that marks it as the audio description file and the audio track file. These may be quite similar to each other.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Your probably correct.
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
I’ve not been to the cinema in years, when I used to go and ask for audio description headphones, sometimes it was fine, other times not so much. also having to have one ear covered and one ear off got kind of annoying.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
That’s why they give us open back headphones. They are cheap, but they do what they’re designed for. They allow you to hear the movie at the same time so that you don’t have to be having one year off.
bradley22 1 points 1y ago
Ah, Okay.
That’s not how it was when I was at the cinema, maybe they’ve improved.
That’s not how it was when I was at the cinema, maybe they’ve improved.
[deleted] 1 points 1y ago
[deleted]
PrincessDie123 1 points 1y ago
Yeah that or it’s playin the wrong movie or if it’s right it will cut out partway through and be silent
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 2 points 1y ago
I’ve never had it cut out on me before or produce static. I think the ones that we have use digital. And thank the Lord because I hate static. Another reason I hate FM radio. I’m in audio file, and my music has to be either a very good file type which I won’t get into, or played on an amazing sound system, which again, I wouldn’t get into because I could spend hours on that topic.
PrincessDie123 1 points 1y ago
Yeah they give us these cheap wired headphones and a small meta brick that blinks three times then shuts off unless it’s playing something from another room then it’s crisp and clear as day lol
Wulflord104 1 points 1y ago
So in my experience I ask for the headset give them my I.D and go usually it is set to play audio description off the bat but sometimes it plays the film audio, what I found out is that it's just one headset they give out with a dial controlling which audio you hear.
The problem I usually have is the audio cracking or going to static which is irritating and often if the headset doesn't work (wich happens more than I'd like) I just get a voucher to come back later
The problem I usually have is the audio cracking or going to static which is irritating and often if the headset doesn't work (wich happens more than I'd like) I just get a voucher to come back later
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 3 points 1y ago
That’s interesting. I wonder if I messed with mine if I got it one day again. The digital one that they give us has a button. Just one button on the left corner. I’m not sure what it does. Or how to use it. But I’m interested to experiment with it. If there does in fact, has many channels, I’m curious to see what they are.
Mamamagpie 1 points 1y ago
Last time I tried one it was so statically that gave up.
CloudyBeep 1 points 1y ago
This will depend on where in the theater you are sitting. Also, you will only experience static with audio description over radio waves, not with infrared waves.
Upper_Case3691 [OP] 1 points 1y ago
Well that’s always great. Isn’t it? LOL.
Unlikely-Database-27 0 points 1y ago
Yep, fuck'em, always either give me closed captions without a second thought or else say yeah to audio description and then bark into the walkietalkie we need a closed captions over here at the front. Come on james, you can't be that busy all the time, google the difference on a break during shift, won't ya? Its the least you could do lol.
Scary-Ordinary427 0 points 1y ago
Do you know there is an app for that? It is called Sero Also another called Spectrum Acces. This app has the most recent movies on it. https://apps.apple.com/us/app/spectrum-access-enabled-media/id1492182876
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