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Closed Captioned Videos and Equipment Frequently Asked Questions by Instructors

 

What is closed captioning?

Closed captioning is television or video in which the audio portion of the programming is displayed as text superimposed over the video. Closed captioning information is encoded and transmitted within the television signal. The closed captioning text is not ordinarily visible. In order to view closed captioning, viewers must use either a set-top decoder or a television receiver with integrated decoder circuitry.

Why is closed captioning necessary?

Captioned videos give deaf and hard-of-hearing persons (as well as those with auditory processing disabilities) access to auditory presentation of information.

How can I tell if a video is closed-captioned?

Check the video's jacket cover for these icons:

generic CC symbol

 

 

You will often see an icon in the corner of the screen at the beginning of a captioned program, but not all shows use the same one for trademark reasons. The "CC" (with or without the rounded rectangle surrounding it) is a generic icon, which can be used by any company.

NCI's CC symbol

 

 

This icon, which looks like a comic strip's speech balloon (a rounded rectangle with a small "tail" protruding below) is a registered service mark of the National Captioning Institute (NCI), and is only used for productions that are captioned by NCI.

Do all departments on campus have a TV monitor that is closed caption-capable?

No. However, there is at least one monitor in every academic building.

How do I know if a TV monitor is caption-capable?

All newer models over 13" diameter (post-1993) are caption-capable. Look on the back of the set to find the manufactured year.

What if I need to use a television without the closed captioning option?

Both the Office of Disability Services and the Multimedia Center have MYCAP decoders that can adapt any monitor so that it shows the closed captions. The Multimedia Center can assist with installing the decoder.

How do I operate the closed captioned feature?

Use the remote to get to the menu that has this feature and then select "closed captioning."

How do I know that I need to show closed-captioned videos?

When a student requests this through the Office of Disability Services, you will receive a letter from the office.

What if I want to show an instructional video that is not available in closed-captioned format?

Contact the Office of Disability Services (preferably at the beginning of the semester) and notify us of the name of the video with the date and production company. We will attempt to find the video in closed caption format. If it is not available, we will ask that you send us the video to be transcribed. Please allow at least 2 weeks for a 30-minute video.