Captioning

Captioning

Captioning refers to the process of displaying text on a screen or monitor to provide additional or interpretive information. This text is often a transcription of the audio portion of a program as it occurs, and it is used to aid individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. Captioning can also be used in noisy environments or to assist language learners.

Types of Captioning

There are several types of captioning, each serving different purposes and audiences:

Closed Captioning

Closed captioning (CC) is a type of captioning that can be turned on or off by the viewer. It is encoded into the video signal and can be displayed on demand. Closed captions are typically used in television broadcasts, DVDs, and online streaming services. They provide a verbatim transcript of the spoken dialogue, as well as non-speech elements such as sound effects and speaker identification.

Open Captioning

Open captioning is always visible and cannot be turned off. It is "burned" into the video and is part of the picture itself. Open captions are often used in public spaces where multiple viewers may benefit from the captions, such as in airports or sports bars.

Real-time Captioning

Real-time captioning is used for live broadcasts and events. A stenographer or voice recognition software transcribes the spoken words as they are being spoken, allowing viewers to read the captions with minimal delay. This type of captioning is crucial for live news broadcasts, sports events, and conferences.

Subtitles

While similar to captions, subtitles are primarily intended for translating spoken dialogue into another language. Subtitles do not typically include non-speech elements and are used to make content accessible to speakers of different languages.

History of Captioning

The development of captioning technology began in the 1970s, with the first closed captioning system being developed for television broadcasts. The Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) in the United States was a pioneer in this field, launching the first closed captioned television program in 1972. The technology has since evolved, with digital broadcasting and online streaming services offering more advanced and customizable captioning options.

Importance of Captioning

Captioning is essential for accessibility, providing equal access to media content for individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing. It also benefits:

• Language Learners: Captions can help individuals learning a new language by providing a visual representation of spoken words.
• Children: Captions can aid in literacy development by reinforcing the connection between spoken and written language.
• General Audience: In noisy environments or situations where audio cannot be played, captions allow viewers to follow along with the content.

Captioning Standards and Regulations

In many countries, there are regulations and standards governing the use of captioning in media. In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) mandates that all television programs must include closed captions. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) also requires that public accommodations provide accessible communication, which includes captioning.

Also see

• Subtitles
• Sign language
• Television accessibility
• Americans with Disabilities Act