SyncWords has partnered with Signapse to bring near real-time automatic American Sign Language (ASL) to the SyncWords platform.
If you already send SyncWords an SRT stream for live captions or subtitles, you can now add a photorealistic ASL signer to that same workflow without adding another encoder, specialized hardware, or a separate production chain.
Adding ASL to the live accessibility workflow
Captions provide an important accessibility service for viewers who read the spoken language. For many Deaf viewers, however, ASL is their primary language, making sign language an important part of the viewing experience.
Providing ASL for a live program has traditionally required an interpreter, a separate video feed and a way to incorporate the signer into the production. That works well for many events, but it can become difficult when programming runs for long periods or around the clock.
Automated ASL gives broadcasters another option for those situations. It can help provide coverage during overnight programming, unexpected live events, or other times when a human interpreter isn't available.
The technology is not intended to replace human interpreters. Rather, it can help extend ASL access to more programming and more hours than can reasonably be staffed.
How it works
The workflow begins with the SRT stream already being sent to SyncWords.
SyncWords performs live speech recognition on the incoming audio, and the resulting transcript is used by the Signapse Digital Signer to generate an ASL translation in real time. The signer can then be composited into the video and delivered back over SRT.
For organizations already using SyncWords, adding ASL doesn't require a second contribution workflow or a new piece of production hardware.
Designed to fit the production
The ASL signer can be incorporated into the program in a number of ways depending on the needs of the production. It can be placed in a corner of the screen, used in a lower-third style layout, positioned on the left or right side, shown in picture-in-picture, or given a larger area of the screen.
The size and position can also be adjusted to work with an existing graphics package and overall look of the program.
ASL alongside other accessibility services
ASL joins the other live accessibility capabilities available through SyncWords, including closed captions, translated subtitles in more than 40 languages and AI voice dubbing with Vocalics.
This can be particularly useful for broadcasters and organizations managing a range of live programming, from news and sports to government meetings, universities, corporate events, houses of worship and 24/7 channels.
The result is a more flexible approach to live accessibility, where ASL can be added to programming even when a human interpreter cannot be scheduled for every hour.
Built for existing live workflows
The Signapse integration works with SRT-based contribution workflows and supports cloud and remote production, master control and OTT delivery environments.
For organizations already using SyncWords, adding ASL can be a relatively straightforward extension of the accessibility workflow they have in place today.
If you'd like to see how the Signapse Digital Signer works with your live stream, contact the SyncWords team to arrange a demonstration.
