Clear language on ARD, ZDF and Co - understanding television better

Have you ever noticed that some TV content is very difficult to understand due to music or background noise?

In recent years, television broadcasters such as ARD, ZDF and many others have therefore focused on inclusion and accessibility. Since 2022, ARD's main program, Das Erste, and some regional programs have had the "Clear Language" option. This is an additional audio track alongside the original sound of the program, which has been technically adapted to improve the intelligibility of the language.

This "Clear Language" option is available in the HD versions of channels such as Das Erste HD, BR, hr, mdr, NDR, Radio Bremen, rbb, SR, SWR, WDR, tagesschau24, KiKA, One and ARD alpha.

Speech intelligibility on television

Speech intelligibility in television is a key element that significantly influences the quality of the viewer experience. While impressive graphics and high-quality visual content have their value, it is the clear and understandable transmission of speech that conveys the emotional content and message of a program or film. But what exactly does speech intelligibility mean in the context of television?

Importance of speech intelligibility

Clarity of content:
In news programs, documentaries or discussion panels, it is important that viewers understand the information conveyed precisely.

Emotional connection:
In movies and series, the right pitch and clarity is crucial to conveying the emotions of the characters.

Accessibility:
Clear and distinct language enables people with hearing impairments to hearing impaired or older viewers to follow the content more easily.

Challenges

Several factors can affect speech intelligibility. These include

Background noise:
Particularly in busy environments, such as live broadcasts, ambient noise can drown out speech.

Background music:
While music creates atmosphere in films and television, it can drown out the dialog if it is too dominant.

Technical problems:
Poor microphone technology or audio quality can lead to unclear voice transmission.

One solution to this problem is the "Clear speech" option: an additional audio track that ensures optimized voice quality.

What "Clear language" can do

Clear speech is more than just an audio track. It is a special audio track that is used in television programs to increase speech intelligibility. This is done by minimizing distracting noises and music and amplifying speech.

The optional "Clear speech" audio track reduces background and ambient noise and enables people with age-related or general hearing loss in particular to enjoy a better listening experience when watching television. However, people who find background noise or added music too dominant, for example, can also switch to the "Clear speech" audio track.

The technology behind "clear speech": How is the intelligible audio track generated?

The "normal" television sound goes through a highly sophisticated process to produce "clear speech". First, all elements of the sound - from background noise to music and speech - are analyzed and separated in real time. The speech volume is then increased, making the words stand out clearly and distinctly. Other sounds are reduced so that viewers are not distracted. The result is pure, intelligible sound.

Instructions: How is "Clear speech" activated?

Don't worry, technology should work for you, not against you. You can easily navigate to the "Clear speech" option with your remote control. In your TV's audio menu, you will now usually find "Clear language" in addition to the familiar options such as "Original sound" or "Audio description". Depending on the TV model, the name of this option may vary slightly, for example "deu (qks)", "German+Icon ABC" (on LG) or as "deu (undefined)" (on Samsung).

There is also a special shortcut for all HbbTV users. By simply pressing the red button on your remote control, you can navigate directly to "Clear Language" via the ARD start bar and activate it.

Availability and distribution: Where can you find "Klare Sprache"?

Many broadcasters have recognized how important it is to present their content in a way that is easy to understand for all viewers. This is why some broadcasters have integrated "plain language" as a fixed component in their transmission standards. Clear speech" is mainly broadcast via satellite HD and in some cases DVB-T2 HD.

However, you can not only use this improved sound via your TV, but also online. Some of the broadcasters mentioned also offer "clear speech" in their web live streams. And for all streaming fans, there are some programs in the ARD Mediathek that offer this special sound.

However, not every broadcaster or television provider has yet adopted the "plain language" principle.

This can be frustrating for viewers who have difficulty understanding dialog or news clearly. Fortunately, there are practical solutions that ensure you can achieve excellent speech intelligibility on almost any channel and with any TV model.

Oskar TV sound amplifier: the alternative to "clear speech"

If the built-in "Clear speech" option is missing, the OSKAR TV sound amplifier from faller audio is an excellent solution. The portable and wireless TV loudspeaker is designed to improve speech intelligibility across all channels. It does not matter whether the selected channel supports the "clear speech" setting or not.

Thanks to its special dialogue optimization, users can adjust both the volume and clarity of speech according to their individual preferences and needs, significantly improving the viewing experience.