Frequently Asked Questions

*We listen to our clients.

Our goal is to accurately transcribe sound to text, in a way that meets our clients’ requirements and is fit for purpose. English subtitles for translation are written and styled very differently to closed captions for the deaf and hard of hearing.

* We are honest with our clients.

Our turnaround times can be expedited on request. However, our priority is to create and deliver top quality captions and documents which stand the test of time. We are reliable and always complete work within client deadlines. Similarly, will come to a solution if a timescale is unrealistic or may compromise quality.

*Our ethos is first and foremost to respect and consider the end users of the content we create.

Capital Captions take pride in producing highly accurate, well written subtitles and closed captions. We work using our initiative and are willing to spend extra time making sure nothing is missed. This ensures we deliver the best possible closed captions and subtitles for video content across ALL audiences.

For ongoing work, we carry out regular and randomised proofreading checks on typists’ and subtitlers’ work to ensure that quality is kept high. We give both constructive criticism and praise to our subcontractors based on our quality checks and even more importantly, feedback from our clients.

Turnaround times can depend on the length of video/audio files as well as the complexity of the work required. For instance, it takes longer to create closed captions from scratch as opposed to having a standard intelligent verbatim transcript to work with.

Our super urgent transcription service is not always available so it’s important to get a quote with us beforehand to check we have staff capacity for urgent transcription work.

* Closed captions consist of text that appears onscreen during video, film or television footage. Also known as Subtitles for the Deaf (SDH), closed captions are aimed at deaf or hard of hearing audiences to enable full access to sound within a video. They aim to put speech and audio into context, improving understanding, resulting in a better viewing experience. Unlike subtitles, they include sound effects, speaker identification, vocalisations and forced narrative. Closed captions are typically provided in a format that is either broadcast separately or encoded onto video at a viewer’s request.

* Subtitles consist of text that appears onscreen during a video, film, television footage or animated presentation, such as a PowerPoint video. They are aimed mostly at foreign audiences and can also be used by companies to help enhance search engine optimisation (SEO), making online video content searchable in text form. Subtitles are burned onto video, and are activated by viewers.

* Transcription is the process of listening to audio or video and accurately typing what is said. Transcripts are often used for reference or research purposes. Different types of transcription are available including intelligent verbatim (where repetitions and um’s are excluded); verbatim (where repetition and um’s are excluded); discourse analysis (including nuances of speech, e.g. pauses, laughter, coughs, etc) or time coded where time is noted at intervals as requested.

We are happy to accept files by other means which include YouSendIt, WeTransfer, direct via email, or via web links. Whatever your preferred closed caption or transcription file sharing method, we’re happy to work with you.

For individuals, we typically require 100% payment in advance, prior to commencing work.

* We are registered with the Data Protection Act.

* All freelancers are required to complete Confidentiality agreement prior to commencing work with us.

* File transfer is via our secure FTP DropBox. DropBox uses Secure Sockets Layer (SSL)/Transport Layer Security (TLS) during file transfer. It also uses 256-bit Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) for files during storage. A login password is used by Capital Captions and on receipt of files, a link code is sent to the client which allows them to view ONLY their own files and information.

* Completed documents in the following formats can be password protected on client request: .docx, .pdf, .pptx, .xlsx and more…