Closed Captioning Blog

A tapeless workflow for captioning is relatively new and is not used by the majority of captioning companies.  But companies like Aberdeen call this tapeless workflow, NLEdirect, which uses a patented technology that can save you money and time through closed captioning directly onto your editing system.

HOW IT WORKS:

• You create a small digital video file and post it to your captioning company’s FTP site. Captioning company then uses the digital video to do all the captioning work (transcript, placing text on screen around graphics, synching text to spoken word, etc.) Then they create a black CC video file and e-mail the file to you. You add the black CC video file to your project in your NLE system just like any other video.

• You crop the black CC video so only the top few lines of video are present (captioning data) allowing your video to be seen.  In some systems, the black video can also be an alpha channel overlay with no cropping needed.

• You lay the program to tape with closed captions included.

WHAT MAKES IT WORK:

The black CC video file contains captioning data in row zero or one. When editing in standard definition (486 lines), the first six lines are for video data. When dumping the video to tape, your video must go through a video card or box–YOU CANNOT USE THIS TAPELESS WORKFLOW IF YOU ARE USING FIREWIRE as it only contains 480 lines. This video card or box takes the information from row 0 or 1 and places it into line 21 for closed captions. Your video card or box acts as an encoder. You will need to let your captioning company know your specific card or box (AJA Kona, BlackMagic, Matrox, etc.) in order to determine the correct settings for the black CC video file we create. Each card handles the data in row 0 or 1 differently.  You should be able to call your captioning company for some test files.

Some of the benefits of using a tapeless workflow are:

• No generation loss…first generation CC master tape

• No shipping tapes…saves money and time

• Reduced turnaround time…more control

Some questions to ask yourself to determine if you are a candidate for a tapeless workflow:

 

• Are you editing in standard definition?  If yes, consider using a tapeless workflow. If you are editing in HD you need to consult various captioning companies for your options.
• Do you have a video card or box and a tape deck?  If yes, consider tapeless workflow.
• Do you like to be the last quality check of your master tape before it goes to the station? If yes, choose tapeless workflow.
• Do you have quick production turnaround times?  If yes, choose tapeless workflow. 
• Do you like to be in control of the entire production process?  If yes, choose tapeless workflow.
• Do you mind shipping the master tape(s) to the stations yourself or would you like the captioning company to provide that service for you?  If you want the captioning company to ship the tapes for you, choose the standard workflow.
• Do you dub out to multiple stations or only one or two stations? Multiple stations=standard tape workflow. One or two stations=tapeless workflow
• Are you too busy to worry about dubbing your own tapes and shipping them out?  If yes, choose the standard tape work flow.