Apple TV adds sign language interpretation to select originals

Apple TV now lets viewers switch on a sign language interpreter for a selection of Apple Originals. The choice covers British Sign Language (BSL) and American Sign Language (ASL), and it is aimed at Deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers who would rather watch with signing than read subtitles.

Being Heumann goes first

Being Heumann is the first new release with the interpretation. The film tells the story of the US disability rights activist Judith Heumann and arrives on Apple TV this Friday. Daniel Durant directed the sign language interpretation of the film. He said: "Bringing this experience to life required a lot of care to ensure every translation captured the emotion and meaning of the story."

F1: The Movie is also getting BSL and ASL interpretation. Apple says Way Of The Warrior Kid, which is still to be released, and the 2020 war film Greyhound will get the same later this year, with more Apple Original titles planned.

Finding and switching on the signing

A Sign Language icon marks the films that have an interpretation. To use it, switch the feature on in the Apple TV app settings, then press the Sign Language button while a film plays. Search is a second route: Apple says simple phrases such as "with ASL" make it easier to find titles that include signing.

A small catalogue, and a rival still waiting

Sign languages are separate languages, each with its own grammar, structure and visual cues, which is why some viewers prefer them to subtitles. The list of films offered with BSL and ASL is fairly small for now.

HBO Max has said it plans to add BSL interpretation to some of its offerings since arriving in the UK. That addition has yet to appear.

Source: What Hi-Fi?