Cobalt Digital and SineSix Media partner to enhance accessibility at nab show 2026

Cobalt Digital announced a partnership with SineSix Media to integrate SineSix’s vocalVision audio description solution with Cobalt’s 9922 frame synchronizer family. The combined system provides real-time audio descriptions of on-screen graphics to support visually impaired viewers.

The integration aims to help broadcasters comply with the 21st Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (21CVAA) by delivering automated narration of graphical content such as lower-third headlines, weather radar maps, election data, and sports graphics. The solution merges visual and audio accessibility tools into a single broadcast workflow.

Broadcasters can trigger audio description events using SineSix’s Watchman API or a browser-based interface. The system offers manual, scheduled, or automated control options. Shared watch folders allow for seamless ingestion of text and image assets. Cobalt’s +TTS feature converts text to speech and inserts audio into the program stream in real time. Additional options include +EAS for emergency alerts and +LOGO for on-screen graphic insertion.

Other features include AI-assisted image description, customizable pronunciation dictionaries, and multilingual support to reach a broader audience.

“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, senior vice president of worldwide sales and marketing for Cobalt Digital.

“vocalVision was designed to make accessibility seamless and meaningful,” said Taylor Hightower, chief technology officer 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.”

The integrated solution will be demonstrated at NAB Show 2026 on Cobalt Digital’s booth, N1340.