Closed Captioning and Video Description

Closed captioning is an assistive technology designed to provide access to television for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Closed captioning is similar to subtitles in that it displays the audio portion of a television signal as printed words on the television screen. To assist deaf and heard-of-hearing viewers, captions may also identify speakers, sound effects, music and laughter. Unlike subtitles, however, closed captioning is hidden as encoded data transmitted within the television signal. To view the closed captioning, a viewer must use a set-top decoder or a television receiver with built in decoder circuitry.

The cable industry has devoted significant resources to serving its deaf and hard-of-hearing customers with thousands of hours daily of captioned entertainment and informational programming.

In comments to the FCC about expanding government regulation of the existing captioning process, NCTA indicated that cable prefers the existing structure and new rules are not necessary.

Filings

Recent Filings

4/20/2006
NCTA Letter 04/20/06Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Letter re: Closed Captioning of Video Programming, Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc., Petition for Rulemaking, explaining how the cable industry is complying with the captioning rules and urged the FCC to refrain from imposing new closed captioning rules and reporting requirements; CG Docket No. 05-231 Attachment: 042006 05-231 exparte.pdf (28 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

12/16/2005
NCTA Reply Comments 12/16/05Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Reply Comments re: Closed Captioning of Video Programming, Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. Petition for Rulemaking, urging the FCC to refrain from adopting burdensome new captioning obligations while agreeing to shortened deadlines for responding to complaints; CG Docket No. 05-231Attachment: 121605_05-231_replies.pdf (305 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

11/10/2005
NCTA Comments 11/10/05Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Closed Captioning of Video Programming, Telecommunications for the Deaf, Inc. Petition for Rulemaking, opposing TDI's proposed regulations that would needlessly increase captioning expenses and impose significant burdens on cable operators and programmers; CG Docket No. 05-231.Attachment: 111005_05-231_comments.pdf (711 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

10/4/2004
NCTA Opposition 10/04/04Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Opposition re: Closed Captioning and Video Description of Video Programming, opposing the Petition filed by TDI, et al., that the FCC revise the carefully balanced captioning rules; RM-11065Attachment: 100404_RM11065.pdf (937 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

11/13/2000
NCTA Comments 11/13/00Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, urging the FCC to refrain from adopting additional rules addressed to the accessibility of textual information and instead to rely on voluntary efforts to address NFB's concerns; MM Docket No. 99-339Attachment: 111300 99-339 comments.pdf (15 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

10/11/2000
NCTA Petition 10/11/00Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Petition for Reconsideration re: Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, arguing that the language and legislative history of the 1996 Act make clear that the FCC lacks authority to impose video description mandates; MM Docket No. 99-339Attachment: 101100 99-339 petition.pdf (78 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

3/24/2000
NCTA Reply Comments 03/24/00Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Reply Comments re: Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, urging the FCC to refrain from imposing rules due to the considerable technical and practical obstacles remaining to provide video description; MM Docket No. 99-339Attachment: 032400 99-339 replies.pdf (714 KB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing

2/23/2000
NCTA Comments 02/23/00Email this Document
Abstract: NCTA Comments re: Implementation of Video Description of Video Programming, arguing that the FCC has no jurisdiction to impose video description on cable operators or cable networks; MM Docket No. 99-339Attachment: 022300 99-339 comments.pdf (1 MB)Publication Type: Regulatory Filing