What is captioning?

Captioning is the process of translating the audio portion of a program into written text that appears on the screen as part of the video image. Captions go beyond sub-titles, as they include, not only dialogue and narration, but also notations, musical accompaniment and sound effects.

Closed captioning implies that the captions are embedded within the video signal and can be viewed only with a decoder.

What does the captioning process entail?

Captioning starts when you contact us to establish a schedule and to describe the type of work you need done. Once we understand the parameters of the job, we will work with you to deliver captions in the chosen format, outputting closed captions and delivering to you via phone lines.

How does Online captioning work?

Online captioning refers to captions that are transcribed and encoded in realtime, as the program is being broadcast. These captions usually roll up on the screen in a continuous motion.

Why do captions look the way they do?

Most U.S. closed captions are done in uppercase letters on a black background because of the limitations of the resolution capabilities of decoders. New standards for DTV captioning are bringing about changes to give consumers with digital TVs broader text and color options.

What skills should I look for when hiring a realtime captioner?

A realtime captioner should be able to write in excess of 225 words per minute. The captioners of Riverside Captioning Company write well above that, and we guarantee an accuracy rate of at least 98.5%.

Captioning is a work of endurance: A captioner should be able to concentrate for long periods of time, demonstrate expansive knowledge of the English language, and have the ability to develop an encyclopedic dictionary containing terms specific to the specialties she covers.

The captioners of Riverside Captioning Company have built elaborate dictionaries, including a sizeable Bible dictionary to support our religious captioning specialty.

Finally, reliability, flexibility and great work ethics are a must for successful captioning.

What credentials should a top-of-the-line captioner have?

Captioning is not regulated by a specialty governing body. The most prestigious credentials for stenographic writers come from the National Court Reporters Association (NCRA).

One of the top national certifications is NCRA’s Certified Broadcast CaptionerSM. All Riverside Captioning Company professionals have passed that level of certification and continuously strive for excellence in their captions.

What type of equipment is needed for realtime captioning?

It depends on the scope of the job, the number of locations that will receive the feed, and the number of captioners needed. At a minimum, you will need to provide dedicated phone line access and supporting software, as agreed upon with your captioning company.

Riverside Captioning Company can help you determine how much equipment you will need, and how much the captioner will need in the most cost-effective manner.

What is the cost of realtime captioning?

Rates are based on various factors, including preparation time and time spent on the actual captioning, equipment, experience, and whether your project is a rush job. Experience may appear more expensive on the surface, but it is a good investment to make sure your project goes smoothly.

Riverside Captioning Company is one of the most respected captioning companies in the country. Our long list of clients who come back to us time and time again attests to the quality and professionalism of our captioning.

Does the FCC require captioning of all TV programs?

Yes. On January 1st, 2006, the FCC mandated that all new television programming be captioned.  Seventy-five percent of pre-rule programming (programming shown before January 1st, 2006) had to be captioned by 2008. A hundred per cent of new Spanish language programming must be captioned by 2010.

For a complete set of deadlines, visit the FCC Consumer Facts on closed captioning at www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/closedcaption.html.

Why should I hire Riverside Captioning Company for all my captioning needs?

Riverside Captioning Company employs the best professionals available and strives to make sure each captioner delivers the highest quality service. We caption enthusiastically and flawlessly, and will work side by side with you to ensure that your programs reach their audiences on time, every time.

Finally, Riverside Captioning Company is a business with a conscience. We caption because we know how much of a difference it makes in the lives of millions of individuals.