The Basics of Closed Captioning
Reasons for Closed Captioning
Benefits of Closed Captioning
ESL and Literacy
Closed Captioning FCC Requirements
Closed Captions vs Sign Language
Day in the Life of a Closed Caption Editor
Closed Captioning for Ministries
Opening up Services with Captions

Closed Captioning

(CC) (commonly known as subtitles, and also called subtitles for the hearing impaired) allows people who are deaf or hard of hearing, learning a new language, beginning to read, in a noisy environment, or otherwise disadvantaged to read a transcript or dialog of the audio portion of a video, film, or other presentation. As the video plays, text captions are displayed that transcribe (although not always verbatim) speech and often other relevant sounds. Source www.wikipedia.com

Closed captions are the text of the audio placed into a hidden area of the video - line 21 of standard definition video. A decoding device is required to open these captions for viewing. All televisions, 13 inches or larger, built after 1993 are required to have a built-in decoder. Closed Captions can be produced in 6 different languages - English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, German and Dutch.

Closed Captioning and It's Benefits

Closed captioning provides a critical link to news, entertainment, and information for individuals who are deaf or hard-of-hearing. For individuals whose native language is not English, English language captions improve comprehension and fluency. Captions also help improve literacy skills. You can turn on closed captions through your remote control or on-screen menu. The FCC does not regulate closed captioning of home videos, DVDs, or video games.

With our closed captioning services, Aberdeen ensures proper phrasing, placement and timing that communicate the program content fully and effectively. Proper names, industry jargon and technical terms are researched to ensure proper spelling. Our attention to detail assures closed captions enhance the program, rather than detract from it.

The FCC law requires all television programming (20 hours per day) to be closed captioned, and for good reason: Over 31% of the US Population use closed captions when viewing TV shows.

In 1996, Closed Captioning was required by Congress for all video programming distributors (cable operators, broadcasters, satellite distributors, and other multi-channel video programming distributors). In 1997, the FCC set a transition schedule requiring distributors to provide an increasing amount of closed captioned programming.

The Different Closed Captioning Styles - Pop-on & Roll-up

Pop-On Closed Captioning: The program text pops onto the screen in blocks of one to three lines. The captions are carefully placed onto the screen so they do not interfere with on-screen text or graphics. Captions are synched to the spoken word, moved around the screen to identify speakers and sound effects are described. Pop-on closed captions are the preferred viewing style of the hearing impaired.

Roll-Up Closed Captioning: Program text rolls onto the screen one line at a time. In most instances, a maximum of three lines are shown on the screen at a time. The captions are carefully synched to the spoken word and are placed onto the screen so they do not interfere with on-screen text or graphics. Roll-up closed captions are typically used for single speaker videos such as training or preaching programs.