Video transcription can be used for a variety of purposes and transcribed in a number of different formats. Subtitles and video captions are a form of time coded video transcription requiring very accurate and specific time codes, which indicate the exact in-time and out-time of the spoken word.
Transcription and Subtitles
Subtitles can serve a number of different purposes, which include speech to text for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing, search engine optimization (for web videos and websites), a learning aid for speakers of a foreign language, as well as a handy option for viewers who would rather watch videos without the sound.
Translation and Subtitles
Subtitles are most commonly used for translating one language to another. This allows viewers who don’t speak the source language to understand and enjoy the full content of your videos. One alternative to subtitles is video dubbing, which is popular in some countries.
Transcription and Captions
Captions are often confused with subtitles; the difference is that while subtitles only include dialogue, captions can include both dialogue and other important information. For this reason captions are often used for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing and they can provide information about both dialogue and other important off screen sounds. For example [phone rings], [loud bang at the door] or [sound of explosion]. These are all things that people may take for granted, but can impair the enjoyment of a film or video to a viewer with hearing difficulties. It is law that all broadcast video offers the option of closed captions (which are captions that can be turned on or off, depending on the viewer’s needs).
Translation and Captions
Captions can also be used for translated video in the format described above. However, they are most commonly used in translation when displaying open captions (burnt on captions) such as introductions [Homer Simpson – The Simpsons], information integral to the plot, [Paris – 3rd May – 12.30pm] or product information [The New iPad]. Translation for captions is generally used in both dubbed and subtitled foreign films and generally replaces the original source language text.
If you would like more information about subtitle or caption transcription or foreign subtitle translation, why not get in touch? We offer a variety of transcription services and translation services to meet your specific needs and requirements.
