Cobalt Digital has partnered with SineSix Media to add the vocalVision audio description system to the Cobalt 9922 frame synchronizer family.
The companies say this workflow adds real-time audio descriptions of on-screen graphics to broadcast operations. As a result, visually impaired viewers can get more of the key information shown on screen.
The companies say the integration helps broadcasters meet 21CVAA requirements. At the same time, it helps them improve access in both live and recorded programming.
Cobalt Digital and SineSix Media for viewer access
SineSix Media says vocalVision gives real-time spoken descriptions of graphic elements that viewers may otherwise miss. These include lower-thirds, weather maps, election data, and sports graphics.
Cobalt Digital says the 9922 integration brings visual and audio access tools into one workflow. Therefore, broadcasters can present key information in both visual and spoken form.
Suzana Brady, Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales and Marketing at Cobalt Digital, said the integration helps broadcasters meet rules while also improving the viewing experience. She added that the partnership is meant to support audience trust, safety, and wider access.
Cobalt Digital 9922 and vocalVision workflow
The companies say broadcasters can trigger audio description events from existing graphics systems through the SineSix Watchman API. They can also run the workflow through a browser-based interface.
In addition, operators can control alerts and descriptions manually, on a schedule, or through automatic triggers. Shared watch folders also help teams move text and image assets into the workflow more easily.
Cobalt Digital says its +TTS feature turns text into speech and inserts the audio into the program stream in real time. The company also says the +EAS option supports emergency alerts, while +LOGO handles on-screen graphic insertion.
Cobalt Digital and SineSix Media with added tools
The system also includes AI-assisted image description for items such as weather maps. In addition, the companies say users can add custom pronunciation dictionaries for more accurate speech output.
The workflow also supports multiple languages. As a result, broadcasters can use it for a wider range of viewers.
Taylor Hightower, CTO at SineSix Media, said vocalVision was built to make accessibility easier and more useful. He said the work with Cobalt brings that function into the broadcast signal chain and helps broadcasters serve all audiences more effectively.
Cobalt Digital accessibility workflow
Cobalt Digital says the combined workflow makes accessibility part of the normal broadcast chain instead of a separate task. The company says this approach can help broadcasters improve compliance and simplify day-to-day operation at the same time.
