SineSix vocalVision integration with Cobalt’s frame-synchronisers brings audio descriptions of on-air graphics to broadcast workflows, informing visually impaired viewers in real-time.
Cobalt Digital and SineSix Media have formed a partnership that will integrate SineSix’s vocalVision audio description solution into Cobalt’s 9922 frame synchronizer lineup. The combined solution brings real-time audio descriptions of on-screen graphics directly into the broadcast workflow, making sure that visually impaired viewers receive critical information. Demonstrations of the collaborative solution were held at NAB Show 2026.
Designed to help broadcasters comply with the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21CVAA), vocalVision allows visually impaired audiences to fully access critical information that is often conveyed only visually during live and recorded broadcasts. In contrast to traditional compliance tools, the combined system delivers automated, real-time narration of graphical content such as lower-third headlines, weather radar maps, election data, sports graphics and other features.
The advantage of integration with Cobalt Digital’s 9922 is that the visual and audio accessibility tools are combined into a unified workflow, ensuring that critical visual information is both seen and heard, improving accessibility for visually impaired audiences while enhancing overall viewer engagement.
The integrated workflow allows broadcasters to trigger audio description events either directly from existing graphics systems via SineSix’s Watchman API, or through a straightforward browser-based interface. The system also has flexible control options that operators can use to manage alerts and descriptions manually, on scheduled intervals or via automated triggers.
Similarly, keeping manual intervention to a minimum, text and image assets can be ingested via shared watch folders, while Cobalt’s +TTS functionality converts text to speech and inserts audio into the program stream in real time. +TTS is a 21CVAA-compliant option Cobalt has developed as a text-to-speech generation / audio insertion tool for embedded or discrete audio systems, and can be integrated into many Cobalt card models using the 20-slot openGear frame architecture.
Cobalt’s +EAS option supports emergency alert delivery by keying Emergency Alert System (EAS) text crawls in the active video and inserting station identification logos. Serial crawl data from an EAS generator is transmitted to a Cobalt Digital openGear card or stand-alone unit, and held until called. Digital or analogue emergency audio can also be routed to the embedded video output
+LOGO enables on-screen graphic insertion, uploading users’ graphics files such as bugs to the card or device, from where the graphics can be called using automated insertion
All together, these features create a unified, efficient accessibility set-up. Other capabilities include AI-assisted image description for elements such as weather radar maps, customisable pronunciation dictionaries for accurate text-to-speech output, and multilingual support for broader audience reach.
“By integrating vocalVision with our 9922 family, we’re enabling broadcasters to meet regulatory requirements while delivering a richer, more inclusive viewing experience,” said Suzana Brady, SVP of worldwide sales and marketing for Cobalt Digital. “This collaboration goes beyond regulatory compliance to provide an environment that supports greater audience engagement and promotes safety.”
“vocalVision was designed to make accessibility simple and meaningful,” said Taylor Hightower, CTO for SineSix Media. “Working with Cobalt allows us to bring this capability directly into the broadcast signal chain, making it easier than ever for broadcasters to serve all audiences effectively.” www.cobaltdigital.com
