Frequently Asked Questions
We have tried to answer some frequently ask questions to serve you better and help you make an informed decision about the services that you need.
Q: [What is closed captioning?]
A: [The process of converting narration, dialogue, music and sound
effects of a video production into text that is displayed on a
television screen. The captions are typically white upper-case
letters against a black background. ]
Q: [What is prerecorded (off-line)
captioning?]
A: [The preparation of captions for recorded programming so that, at
the time of air or tape playback, the captions are a part of the
videotape. This is very important if you ever plan to show reruns.]
Q: [What is open captioning?]
A: [Captions that are visible without using a set-top decoder or a
TV with a built-in decoder chip. When a video is open captioned, the
captions are permanently part of the picture. This option is great
for museum and exhibit displays.]
Q: [What is a caption file?]
A: [A computer file that stores a program's caption information,
including the text, timing and placement information. The caption
file is used in conjunction with an encoder to create the captioned
sub-master.]
Q: [What is encoding?]
A: [The process of inserting the caption data into the television
signal on Line 21. ]
Q: [What are the benefits of closed
captioning?]
A: [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 captioning of home videos, DVDs, or video
games. ]
Q: [Do my TV programs need to be closed
captioned?]
A: [Yes. As of January 1, 2008 all existing
prerecorded English programming must be closed captioned.
FCC Consumer Facts: Closed captioning allows persons with hearing disabilities to have access to television programming by displaying the audio portion of a television program as text on the television screen. Beginning in July 1993, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) required all analog television receivers with screens 13 inches or larger sold or manufactured in the United States to contain built-in decoder circuitry to display closed captioning. Beginning July 1, 2002, the FCC also required that digital television (DTV) receivers include closed captioning display capability. In 1996, Congress required video program distributors (cable operators, broadcasters, satellite distributors, and other multi-channel video programming distributors) to close caption their television programs. Today the FCC requires that all programming be closed captioned.]
Q: [How long does it take to get my TV
program captioned?]
A: [Our average turn-around time is about 4 days. We do offer rush
services at no additional charge. We can work with you to ensure
that your tape arrives closed captioned to the station on time. We
offer next day services and sometimes same day services. If you need
rush services, we ask that you send us an audio file of your program
a head of time using our drop box. This way when your tape arrives
we have your transcript typed and ready for our file check before we
encode your file.]