Level 3 - Formats

On-Screen Text

Page Contents

1. What is On-Screen Text?
2. When to Produce On-Screen Text
3. Questions for Suppliers
4. Linked References and Resources

1. What is On-Screen Text?

On-screen text converts the spoken word and other audio contained in videos, TV programs, Web-based multi-media and movies to text.

There are different types of on-screen text.

Subtitling: Subtitles are used to communicate the spoken word in a different language. They can also be used for audiences who are hard of hearing and to emphasize key points.

Closed Captioning: Closed captioning is the addition of text inserted into the video portion of the signal using an encoder and made visible through the use of a decoder. Television sets with screens larger than 14 inches since 1995 contain a caption decoder chip.

Open Captioning: Open captioning is the decoding of words visible on-screen without the use of a decoder or any assistive device.

Real-time Captioning: This refers to captioning provided at the time of program origination normally used for television broadcasts. On-screen text in the context of your video productions will involve pre-recorded captioning produced in a studio and not in real time.

Web Captioning: A text equivalent is needed for audio and video on the Internet.

Like most of the multiple formats profiled in this tutorial, technology is playing a key role in their development. On-Screen text is no exception with the emergence of Digital TV (DTV) which allows improved real-time captioning that is more detailed and accurate.

It's important to note that on-screen text is beneficial for all audiences. For people who can hear, captioning is a way to watch programming silently if someone in the room is sleeping such as a baby. Captioning is becoming popular on TV sets located in banks, retail outlets, restaurants and other public places so the public can watch without the sound creating a distraction.

2. When to Produce On-Screen Text

As with all multiple formats, produce on-screen text upon request. In the case of the Internet, a text equivalent to multi-media content on Web pages is mandatory. For video production, it's a good idea to consider closed captioning whenever a new video is produced since you can usually save money by incorporating captioning at the time of the original video production.

3. Questions for Suppliers

Here are questions you should ask suppliers who are submitting quotes.

1. Ask if they can do both open and closed captioning.
   
   
2. When obtaining quotes, ensure that each company is quoting with the same system. Captioning is typically priced per minute of video.
   
   
3. Request that they include "check dubs" in their pricing. A "check dub" means that your captioned video was done a second time due to possible errors found on the first dub. This ensures that your video is satisfactorily captioned before you make additional copies.
   
   
4. Ask that you be able to see the check dub so you have the opportunity to make any changes prior to copies being produced. You should watch the draft version with the audio turned off to ensure total comprehension via the captions only.

4. Linked References and Resources

• CRTC Broadcasting Services for the Hearing and Visually Impaired
• Web Accessibility Initiative — Synchronized Multi-Media

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