Mediaworks Closed Captioning
Closed captioning consists of a process of electronically encoding narrative text onto line 21 of the vertical blanking interval of a time code master videotape. When duplicated, this closed-captioned information is transferred onto the VHS tape where it can be read and displayed using an external decoder built into or purchased for a monitor or projection system.
Closed captioning for DVD's usually involves placing text/information onto a subtitle track of the DVD, or burning open caption text onto the video image.
Captioning for internet based streaming media again involves adding open caption text to the media stream or providing a synchronous text/media stream window.
University Policy
UC Policy is to provide closed captioning and/or reasonable accommodations in accordance with our legal requirements.
The legal requirements include:
- Purchasing films, videos and DVD's with open or closed captioning where available
- Providing closed or open captioning for internally produced videos, DVD's or films that are shown to students
- Adding open or closed captioning of pre-existing media materials, if possible.
Provide a "reasonable alternative" when captioned material is not available or cannot be added.
Programmatic Services
Captioning Services (Video, DVD, Internet Streaming) Mediaworks 752-2133
Information about captioning vendors can be provided by Mediaworks or Purchasing. Costs will vary depending on the program length, media format and delivery schedule. Clients may contact Mediaworks at 752-5818, or e-mail mediaworks@ucdavis.edu to request captioning information or a captioning estimate. For quality and tracking purposes, each request will be assigned a project number and producer/director. A vendor quote and project scope will be provided to each client for approval.
Captioning Vendors:
Caption Colorado www.captioncolorado.com
Mike Lyons VP Offline Operations 7935 East Prentice Ave. Suite 310 Greenwood Village, Co 80111 720-489-5662
Captioneering www.captioneering.com
Douglas Roberts, COO 704 South Victory Blvd. Suite 204 Burbank, CA 91502 888-418-4782
Automatic Sync Technologies www.automaticsync.com
Kevin Erler 510-582-3437
Real-Time Captioning/Alternative Communication Services
Student Disability Center 752-3184
Playback of copyrighted videotapes or DVD's in classrooms or in the Media Distribution labs, that are not available with Closed Captioning encryption, will be subject to an alternative communication service such as real-time captioning provided by the Student Disability Center. Current stenography/captioning equipment can be adapted to work with classroom projection systems or playback monitors in the Media Distribution lab.
Closed Captioning in the Classroom
Classroom Technology Services (CTS) 752-9056
Closed-captioning (CC) capability is currently available in 116 general-assignment Classrooms outfitted with DVD players. Each of these units is controlled with a remote device that allows the CC to be turned on or off. The DVDs are the only equipment currently installed in the classrooms that provide for CC viewing through the data projector. CC capability is not available with any of the other installed equipment. This is because manufacturers are not required to have CC decoders built into data projectors or VCRs. As a result, the 9 TV monitors, 107 data projectors, and 116 VCRs installed in the general-assignment classrooms do not have CC capability. Our investigations with vendors to locate VCRs that have built-in CC decoders have led to two manufacturers, but their equipment is not marketed in the United States. Our vendor sources are attempting to obtain a unit or two to evaluate so we can determine if this equipment might meet our needs.
As a measure to provide closed captioning for non-DVD media, the Classroom Technology Support unit has acquired six in-line decoder devices called MyCapJunior, which provide closed captioning. These devices can be installed in a classroom media cabinet upon request to provide closed captioning for videotape playback. They are ideal for large screen data projection with closed captioning. The device can be provided for a single class period or entire quarter and then be removed after the class is completed.
IET's Multimedia Equipment Services unit also has capability for viewing closed-captioned videotapes. They have several 27-inch TV receivers equipped with the decoders. These can be used in small group environments where closed captioning viewing of a video is required.
Policy & Procedures for Purchasing Videotapes/DVD's
Purchasing 757-8717
Teaching Resources Center 752-6050
The Teaching Resources Center (TRC) Purchasing and the Student Disability Center have policies and procedures for informing faculty, staff, Colleges and about the new policy of purchasing films, videos, or DVD's with open or closed captioning.
Purchasing has provided the following information on their website:
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT (ADA)
The University is proud to participate, encourage and promote the enrichment of Americans with disabilities. When purchasing products, it is imperative to consider options that would accommodate the needs of individuals with disabilities. For example, videotapes, CD's, DVD's, or any other visual aid for classroom instruction that provides "closed captioning" for the deaf or hearing impaired should be purchased over those that do not have this option. This also applies to many other types of products. Your actions may go unnoticed, but would make someone's life a little easier. So remember, buy with ADA in mind. Your understanding and support of the University's commitment to purchase ADA-friendly products are truly appreciated. For additional purchase information, please contact the Purchasing Department at 530-757-8711.
As a part of the information/education process, the Teaching Resources Center:
- Includes information on their web and printed materials that relate to grants for films.
- Contacts department staff who regularly do the actual purchasing of such films, and councils them to purchase captioned versions.
- In consultation, advises instructors that prior planning may be involved if they have a deaf student enrolled and has received a Student Disability Center letter. That planning may include obtaining captioned versions, and if not possible, making other reasonable accommodations through the Student Disability Center.
Mediaworks will also provide information about campus policies for purchasing videotapes and DVD's on their website and provides TRC related materials at the Hart Hall Media Distribution Lab.
Contacts:
- Paul Verwey, IET: Mediaworks
- Alex Martin, Purchasing
- Janet Chambers, Teaching Resources Center
- Keltie Jones, Student Disability Center
- Rick Sprunger, Classroom Technology Services (CTS)
- Rick Hayes, School of Veterinary Medicine
- John Drummer, School of Medicine
- Laurie Loving, Law School
- Claire Daughtry, Engineering ITV