Closed captioning technology is one of the most important items of software that you could include in your business – especially if you have a lot of presentations to make. This is not a new software in any way, but it is one that is very important. Let’s take a closer look at closed captions now.
A Brief History
Closed captions were first used in 1976. They were added to a recording of the PBS show The French Chef starring Julia Child. This was a big move as it meant that hard-of-hearing audience members at home would not be excluded from enjoying this type of show. Everyone deserves to learn more about something like cooking and, up until this point, there was a section of the population that would have been missing out.
In the following years, the Federal Communications Commission – also called the FCC – has introduced many rules and regulations to further improve closed captioning. The latest batch of these has arrived in response to the rise of online streaming services. Since 2014, under FCC rules all digital services must provide closed captioning. Therefore, if you provide online digital services or content, you will need to make sure it includes closed captioning.
How They Work
There are currently two ways to add closed captions to a video file. Firstly, you can use closed captioning software to create a separate file from that of the video, but that will be used in conjunction with the main file. This will require knowledge of binary or XML to be able to create an accurate file.
The other option is to embed the closed captions into the video itself. You may even find that some video platforms such as YouTube automatically embed closed captions into any uploads you make. However, these captions might not be the most accurate, so you might want to go back into the videos again to edit the closed captions to be correct.
Why Use Closed Captioning
Beyond the legal requirement to do so, there are several reasons why you should use closed captioning technology. First, it really helps to promote inclusivity. Those who are deaf or hard-of-hearing can sometimes struggle to access many programs that hearing folk take for granted. From news to educational content, closed captioning allows them to access the same information.
What’s more, closed captioning can help with reading and comprehension skills. If you want to practice your reading and learn how to become a more fluid reader, watching programs with the closed captions turned on can be a great way to do so.
They are now a requirement and a standard that digital content makers need to hold themselves to. If you are working in any field that requires you to manage videos, then you will also be handling closed captions. Find the right software to help you out to make everything a little bit easier to manage. By doing so, you will be able to produce high-quality content that many different people can enjoy.
