Converting subtitles into closed captions is a common requirement when video distribution ramps up and a film grows in popularity. If you currently have a standard subtitle file and have had a request to convert into English closed captions, the first question on your mind may be around what that involves and what is truly the difference? Additionally, where you may have worked with AI to create your initial subtitles. 

Working from a base subtitle file with dialogue only, there are a number of checks and changes that need to be run through in order to make a caption file suitable for use as English CC for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. These are outlined as below: 

With the rise of AI, creating subtitles for dialogue seems simple. Within a certain degree of accuracy, AI tools can automatically generate accurate subtitles, reducing manual effort and improving accessibility for a wider audience. For many, this technological advancement would seem to streamline the process of captioning, making it easier to ensure that content is both inclusive and professionally presented.

While this may seem to be the case for standard subtitles, English closed captions take things a step further, requiring carefully thought out sound descriptions, well considered choices around what should or shouldn’t be included, and knowledge of context in order to correctly identify speakers as required. These requirements go a long way beyond transcribing speech word for word and sticking timings on it. 

Despite impressive strides in automated transcription, AI still struggles to describe sound effectively. Unlike spoken dialogue, sounds such as footsteps, doors creaking, or laughter require contextual understanding and interpretation that AI just doesn’t have. The subtleties of background noise, musical cues, and emotional undertones are difficult for algorithms to identify and convey with the same clarity as a human captioner. Even where an AI system could effectively describe a sound, without having an adequate contextual understanding, it’s unable to make choices as to what is necessary to describe. A dialogue – only caption file which then relied on AI to add in sound effects may then be littered with unnecessary descriptions of every single noise. Similarly, AI may leave out too much or oversimplify, leaving captions that are too vague. 

At Capital Captions, we consistently get requests to take a standard SRT file which has been created in – house by a film maker, and convert it into an all singing, all dancing English CC file, fit for use by broadcasters and industry professionals. The typical scenario is that on first producing a film, standard subtitles are created. As the video is distributed to film festivals, online streaming channels and broadcast service providers, it becomes clear that more is required. Dialogue only subtitles may be adequate for amateurs posting video shorts on YouTube but for professional videos, professional closed captioning services will be required.

We provide professional English CC closed captioning and subtitle conversion at competitive prices with incredibly fast turnaround times. Our ethos has always been around providing the best quality closed captions in our industry, by recognising human value and refusing to work with AI. We care about our customers and have a highly bespoke caption service, where every captioning project involves subsequent feedback and collaborative discussions with our clients in order to ensure the best possible end products. 

So there you have it, a guide to English closed captions. If you have a project you’re ready to add professional CC subtitles too, then why not contact us today to get your free quote and see what we can offer you.