Post-Production Captioning

Live Captioning

Subtitling

Specifications

Digital Video Specifications
Master Tape Specifications

Digital Video Specifications (working video) for CLOSED CAPTIONING (NLEdirect, file insert, tapeless, etc)

VIDEO FORMAT:  Windows Media Player (preferred) …QuickTime .mov or .mp4 are acceptable
SD VIDEO SIZE: 320 x 240
HD 16:9 VIDEO SIZE: 352 x 240 (must maintain aspect ratio for proper caption placement)
TIME CODE: Window burn in upper 1/3 of video or around graphics (not needed for NLEdirect workflow)
FRAME RATE: 15 fps
AUDIO FORMAT: 44 kHz, Mono
TOTAL BIT RATE: less than 180 Kbps (video approx 120 Kbps)
FILE SIZE FOR 30 MIN VIDEO: less than 50 megabytes
QUALITY: Must be able to clearly hear spoken word and read graphics on screen. Please adjust above settings as necessary for your video.

Digital Video Specifications (working video) for SUBTITLING (English subtitles or Multi-language Subtitles)

VIDEO FORMAT: QuickTime .mov
VIDEO SIZE: Must be exact same size video that you are outputting (typically for SD video 720 x480 for 4:3), if it is 16:9, then I need the wide screen picture.
TIME CODE: Window burn in upper 1/3 of video or around graphics.  Be sure this is the same time code as the time code that you will be using in your DVD Authoring system.
FRAME RATE: 30 fps
AUDIO FORMAT: 44 khz, Mono
TOTAL BIT RATE: around 500 kbps is okay.  It does NOT need to be full resolution.
SAFE ZONE (OPTIONAL): Overlay of your video’s title safe. This will ensure proper placement of subtitles.  If you are using Final Cut Pro, go to the effects tab within your browser window.  Expand the video folder.  Find View Finder Effect.  Apply it to your timeline.  You may need to re-render your timeline before you export the video.

FILE CONVERSION SOFTWARE:

For PCs
http://www.avsmedia.com/VideoTools/VideoConverter.aspx
Simple and easy to use with many conversion settings ($30)
For Macs
http://www.techspansion.com/visualhub/
Simple and around $23

Master Tape Specifications

  • Bars and tone that match program video and audio
  • Locked picture, audio, and supers
  • Free of drops and distortion
  • SMPTE drop frame timecode if for broadcast
  • If your master is NTSC non-drop frame, please indicate on label.
  • Continuous LTC (longitudinal time code) on the timecode (address) track

SUGGESTED MIX

Mono audio mix:
Track 1 = primary program audio
Track 2 = duplicate mono audio, silence, or music and effects
Stereo audio mix:
Track 1 = left channel stereo
Track 2 = right channel stereo

ADDITIONALLY:

  • Check tape specifications provided by the airing station/network.
  • Understand that Aberdeen clones/dubs your master straight across (Analog stays in component video and Digital stays in SDI) and is not responsible for off-spec masters.
  • Aberdeen does not provide technical evaluations. We will gladly pass on any information you include to the airing station.
  • Do not send us the only copy of your original master; send us a clone or dub. We are not responsible for damage or loss during shipping.

From Our Clients

“Aberdeen handles our live and post production captioning needs on time and within budget every time.  The company’s integrity shows and professionalism is unmatched in the captioning industry.”
    Bob Fopma
    VP of Production
    TBN