Question

What is closed captioning?

Answer

Closed captioning provides deaf and hearing-impaired viewers with a text version of the dialogue, songs and sound effects included in television programs. The text is usually shown in a black box at the bottom of the picture. Current analog captioning is received on analog receivers with teletext capability. Captioning is normally closed to viewers but can be accessed by those who need it.

Closed captioning does not interfere with normal viewing. Some digital television set top boxes and integrated digital televisions include closed captioning decoding capability.

Consumers intending to purchase a digital television set top box or an integrated digital television and use closed captioning should, before purchase, check on the set top box or integrated digital televisions capabilities.

All digital television receivers carrying the Australian Government's digital TV ready labels for either standard definition or high definition are capable of displaying closed captioning.

Closed captioning of programming is incorporated in all English language news and current affairs programs as well as for all prime time programs (6.00pm to 10.30pm).