![]() ![]() Ultimately, SDH and CC positioning is dictated by the file type being used, or by the requested formatting specs from a platform or television network. According to FCC rules, captions must be positioned in such a way to avoid covering important lower third graphics. As a best practice, SDH are typically centered for readability and ease in the translation process.Ĭaption placement is usually implemented by a captioner and cannot be adjusted by the user unless the captions are formatted to 708 standards. SDH can theoretically be placed anywhere on the screen if they are burned-in. Some styles of CC may include horizontal placement to indicate speaker changes. Viewers often find SDH and CC are placed in the bottom center, with movement to the top to avoid lower thirds. SDH subtitles and closed captions are both capable of supporting placement. Customization options vary depending on the television, video player, or OTT platform capabilities. When customization options are available to users, they can choose from a variety of font, sizing, and color options for SDH or CC. SDH can also be translated into foreign languages to make content accessible to d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences who speak other languages. This has led to a demand for English SDH subtitles styled similarly to FCC-compliant closed captions instead. In recent years, many streaming platforms, like Netflix, have been unable to support standard broadcast Line 21 closed captions. SDH often emulates closed captions on media that does not support closed captions, such as digital connections like HDMI or OTT platforms. In the United States and Canada, SDH traditionally assumes the end user cannot understand the language being spoken, whereas traditional subtitles (also referred to as non-SDH) assume the viewer can hear the audio but doesn’t know the spoken language. These subtitles assume the end user cannot hear the dialogue and include important non-dialogue information such as sound effects, music, and speaker identification. SDH stands for subtitles for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing. The most frequently used types are known as: SDH, non-SDH, and forced narrative (FN). It’s important to note that there are a few different types of subtitles. What are Subtitles for the d/Deaf and Hard of Hearing (SDH)? They originated in the 1970s and are required by law for most video programming in the United States and Canada. They communicate all audio information, including sound effects, speaker IDs, and non-speech elements. They are often used to refer to translations (think: subtitles for a foreign film.) In places like the UK, the term “subtitles” is used to describe both subtitles and captions.Ĭlosed captions are designed for d/Deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences. Traditionally, subtitles show the spoken content but not the sound effects or other audio elements. ![]() In the United States and Canada, subtitles are intended for hearing viewers who do not understand the language. Captions and subtitles can be open or closed. Defining Subtitles and Captionsīefore fully understanding the difference between SDH and closed captions, it is helpful to first understand the basic differences between subtitles and captions.īoth subtitles and captions are timed text files synchronized to media content, allowing the text to be viewed at the same time the words are being spoken. We’ll review the key differences between subtitles and closed captions, closely examine SDH subtitles, cover each of their respective roles and use cases, and explain why some streaming services are moving towards offering both options to viewers. This widespread confusion is precisely why we’ve decided to tackle SDH vs. General misinformation on the purpose and function of SDH vs.Different interpretations of what makes a timed text file SDH or CC.Adding further confusion, there’s also the matters of: ![]() CC has been compounded by the availability of both options on certain streaming platforms. But between the rise of streaming content and global use of the term “subtitles” versus “captions,” the answer has become complicated.Īs the lines between subtitles and captions continue to blur, perhaps none has become more confusing than the difference between subtitles for the d/Deaf and hard of hearing (SDH) and closed captions (CC). When it comes to media accessibility, one of the most common questions from television viewers revolves around the differences between subtitles and closed captions. ![]()
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