DTS Access™

For captioned and audio described access to movies

DTS Digital Cinema is dedicated to bringing the movie going experience to all audiences. For nearly a decade, we have taken on a leading role in providing access to first-run films for underserved audiences. In response to the large number of requests by the deaf community for increased availability of open caption screenings, and the desire to assist film distributors and cinemas to make the provision of captioned screenings more economical and flexible, we introduced the DTS Access™ program which features the DTS-CSS Cinema Subtitling System.

Captioning - In the past, cinemas have traditionally waited until a specially captioned (also called "hard" captioned) print - in which the captions are etched or overlaid onto the film - was available; these special prints have historically been produced in limited numbers. With the DTS-CSS, captions are projected onto the screen, which enables the cinema to use a standard release print for captioned shows. Being easy to use, theater operators can simply insert the appropriate CD-ROM disc (which includes the caption information) and turn the system on. This flexibility allows exhibitors to schedule more open-captioned screenings at more convenient times.

Audio Description - Providing access for blind moviegoers, the audio description is received on infrared headphones and does not disturb other patrons. Blind patrons using these headphones hear all the dialogue and effects, as well as a vocal narration in between describing the scene and the action. Characters are described, visual jokes explained, and body language are all outlined in the narrative.

In addition to open captions and audio description, the DTS-CSS unit also plays back closed captions via the Rear Window^® Captioning System. Developed by the Media Access Group at Boston PBS station WGBH, the Rear Window system displays caption data as reversed text on an L.E.D. panel on the rear wall of the theater, and patrons view text via portable, transparent acrylic panels that attach to the theater seats and reflect the captions superimposed over the screen.

We encourage you to visit this site for updated information about access issues, accessible theater locations, and upcoming films available with DTS-CSS open captions.

DTS Access Inquiries: dtsaccess@dtsdcinema.com