CC
Closed Captions
Closed Captions (CC) are a type of subtitling used to display text on a video screen to provide additional or interpretive information. Primarily intended for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences, closed captions not only transcribe the dialogue and non-speech elements of a video but also include relevant non-dialogue information such as speaker identification, sound effects, and musical cues. Unlike open captions, which are permanently visible on the screen, closed captions can be turned on or off by the viewer, offering flexibility in how the content is consumed.
The term "closed" in closed captions refers to the fact that not all viewers see the captions unless they choose to enable them. This is achieved through the use of a decoder, which is now built into most modern televisions and digital platforms. Closed captions are widely used in various mediums, including broadcast television, streaming services, educational videos, and public presentations. In many countries, there are regulations in place that mandate the provision of closed captions for certain types of programming, recognizing their importance in making audiovisual content accessible to a broader audience.
Beyond accessibility, closed captions also serve a variety of other purposes. They are useful in noisy environments where audio cannot be heard clearly or in settings where silence is required. Additionally, closed captions aid in language learning and comprehension, helping viewers who are not native speakers of the language or who have difficulties in auditory processing. As media consumption increasingly shifts to digital and online platforms, the presence and quality of closed captions continue to be a critical aspect of content creation and distribution, ensuring inclusivity and a better viewing experience for all audiences.
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