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How To Audio and Video Topics: Accessible File Types | Transcripts | Captions | Audio Descriptions

Students Affected:

Principles: Provide Meaningful Alternatives, Degrade Gracefully

What It Means

Whenever you include audio or video on a Web page, you have to decide what file type to use. You may choose based on the smallest file size, highest image resolution, and/or best sound quality. You should also consider whether the file plays in an accessible media player.

According to Web Accessibility in Mind (WebAIM), Windows Media Player is the most accessible media player available. RealOne Player is a close second, while QuickTime Player lags behind. For more information, read WebAIM's To Embed or Not To Embed—A Comparison of Media Player Technologies.

If You Do It Wrong: Students who use the keyboard to navigate may not be able to control the audio/video through the media player. For example, they may not be able to play or pause the clip, close the file, or control the volume.

If You Do It Right: Students can play the audio/video in the media player that best suits their needs.

How It Works

1. Offer multiple versions of the audio or video and allow users to select the file type and/or player that works best for them. For example, a combination of Windows Media file (.wmf), Real video (.rm) and QuickTime video (.mov) formats cover the three major media players.
   
   
   --OR--
   
   
   Select a file type that can be viewed in most media players. For example, MPEG video and MP3 audio play in QuickTime, RealOne, and Windows Media Player.
   
   

   Program specific file types (such as .rm, .mov, and .wmf) play only in their respective media players. Visit the Windows Media, RealOne, and QuickTime Web sites for a list of supported file formats.

   
   
   
2. Whenever you include a link to an audio or video file:
   
   
   • Indicate that the link opens a media file.
     
   • Note that a media player (for example, Windows Media Player) is required to view the content.
     
   • Provide a link so the student can download the most recent version of the appropriate media player application.
     
   
   

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