CLOSED CAPTIONING TERMS

Below is an introductory glossary of the most common terms associated with the closed captioning industry:

• Captioning – The process of converting into text the spoken words and sound effects of video material. The text is displayed on a television screen.
• Offline Captioning – Preparation of captions for pre-recorded programs or videos (post-production captioning). Captions become part of the videotape.
• Live captioning – Captioning that is provided at the time of airing of a program.
• Closed captions – Captions that can only be displayed with the use of a caption decoder.
• Open Captions – Captions that are displayed without use of a decoder. They are a permanent part of the picture.
• Closed Caption Decoder – An electronic device that decodes the captioning signal, allowing captions to be displayed on the screen.
• Caption File – A computer file that stores programs’ caption information (text, timing and screen placement).
• Encoder – Device that electronically inserts caption data into television signal on line 21.
• Time Code – An electronic signal embedded in a videotape to identify each video frame.
• Subtitles – Permanent on-screen text representing the dialogue.