ITV confirms subtitles will be missing from ITVX’s live channels on four devices until a fix can be applied in the first half of 2023.
Viewers accessing ITVX through Freeview Play, YouView, Freesat and Chromecast won’t be able to see subtitles when watching live TV channels. However, subtitles will be available on over 90% of on-demand content, including catch-up, on these and all other devices.
But live TV subtitles across ITV’s six ‘traditional’ channels, plus the 20 online-only channels will still be available to around 80% of viewers at launch. ITV says live TV subtitles will be available through ITVX on mobile, web and most connected TV devices.
Freeview Play, YouView, Freesat and Chromecast will follow when an update is applied in the first half of 2023.
▶ Workaround
If you need subtitles and use a Freeview Play, YouView and Freesat device, you can access subtitles as normal by accessing the versions of ITV1-4, ITV Be and CITV on your main TV guide. These versions are received through an aerial or satellite dish, and not through the ITVX app.
Once the ITVX app has been updated in 2023, you’ll be able to choose between watching ITV channels through your aerial or dish or watching ITV live channels through the ITVX app. But you can also already access subtitles on ITVX live channels if you use an alternative device, such as mobile, web or tablet.
Catch-up TV isn’t affected. You’ll be able to access subtitles on over 90% of on-demand programmes on ITVX, regardless of your device.
Audio Description
Audio Description (AD) is available for around 20% of programmes on the platform at launch, including all new ITV drama, with platforms prioritised in consultation with the RNIB.
At launch audio description works on the mobile apps, Amazon Fire, Apple TV, Samsung TVs, Chromecast (iOS only) and Sky Glass. ITV teams are still working on browsers and the remaining connected TV platforms.
ITV says it hopes to make AD available on these in the first half of 2023.