Accessibility Rules for Video Devices Now in Effect, Says FCC Reminder Notice

Accessibility rules for TVs, set-top boxes and devices designed to receive or play back video took effect Tuesday, said the FCC Media Bureau in a reminder public notice included in Tuesday's Daily Digest. The rules require manufacturers of devices built beginning that and designed for watching video -- such as TVs, smartphones and tablets -- ensure the basic functions of such devices are accessible to the visually impaired and include a simple way to activate accessibility functions, the PN said. Set-top devices used for navigating pay-TV content built or leased after Tuesday must ensure that on-screen menus and guides have an audible version for the visually impaired and a simple way to display closed captioning, if the device is capable of doing so, the PN said. Smaller multichannel video programming distributors don't have to comply until Dec. 20, 2018, and manufacturers of display-only monitors and video projectors have until Dec. 20, 2021, the PN said.