The Accessible Channel, also known as TACtv, is a national, English-language, descriptive-video, closed-captioned, basic HD digital TV specialty service.
On Tuesday, 24 July 2007 the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) approved and supported an application from The National Broadcast Reading Service Inc. (NBRS) for a license to set up a unique English-language TV service — The Accessible Channel-TACtv.
By regulation, TACtv is part of the basic digital package of TV programming offered by all Class 1 & 2 cable systems and satellite direct-to-home services.
TACtv broadcasts popular TV programs from conventional and specialty TV services and foreign-rights holders in “open format” for persons who are blind, vision-impaired, deaf or hard of hearing — a world first. All TACtv programs are described and closed-captioned and can be accessed provided you have a basic digital package.
NBRS was set up almost two decades ago. Its first licensed service was VoicePrint — Canada’s 24/7 audio newsstand. Just prior to going on air in late 1990, NBRS was granted charitable status by Revenue Canada.
In the years since, NBRS launched its second service, a leading supplier of described video serives, setting the industry standard. Its unique approach to describing cinematographic works makes it suitable for open broadcast — and that’s why with the support of broadcasters across Canada sighted and non-sighted viewers can watch the programming together without any loss of enjoyment.
tactv.ca • phone 905 667 7999 • toll-free 1 866 509 4545
1090 Don Mills Road
Suite 303
Toronto, ON M3C 3R6
416.422.4222
1.800.567.6755
Fax: 416.422.1633
info@nbrscanada.com