Sign language support requirements

The UMC Availability Data Interface Specification supports sign language metadata for video content. Use the <timedVideoLocale> element within Playable Properties to indicate that a content item includes a sign language translation. Adding this playable property prepares your content for sign language support as it becomes available on the Apple TV app.

<timedVideoLocale> is an optional, repeatable child of <playableProperties>. The value attribute is required and must contain the locale in BCP-47 format.

Supported locales

Apple supports American Sign Language (ASL) and British Sign Language (BSL):

Other sign language locales aren‘t supported at this time.

Supported types

There are two types of sign language translation, supplied in the <type> child element:

• sign_language is an overlay video of sign language translator that viewers can turn on or off.
• burned_in_sign_language is a sign language translator video that‘s permanently embedded in the content. It is always visible and can‘t be turned off, changed, or removed.

Supply one <timedVideoLocale> element for each type and locale combination that applies to the content item.

XML Example

<playableProperties>
    <timedVideoLocale value="ase">
        <type>sign_language</type>
    </timedVideoLocale>
</playableProperties>

For complete context on where this element sits in your feed, review the sample XML availability feeds in the specification. The sample VOD service feed and Apple Subscription Video service feed show full <playableProperties> blocks in place alongside locators, offers, and restrictions, so you can confirm element order and nesting before you validate your feed.