Audio expert designs inclusive surround sound prototype

An alternative to traditional audio description for visually impaired audiences to follow TV and film has been designed by an audio expert.

Dr Mariana Lopez (pictured), a researcher at Anglia Ruskin’s Cultures of the Digital Economy research institute, has removed the need for visual elements or an audio description track.

The research focuses on new sound design techniques and the creative use of surround sound.

Dr Lopez hoped the format – called audio film – would become a standard part of the film-making process, and eventually both sighted and visually impaired audiences will enjoy the same soundtrack.