Captioning
COAT Position Statement: Expand Closed Captioning Obligations to Internet-based Video Programming
COAT recommendation: Extend closed captioning obligations contained in Section 713 of the Communications Act to previously captioned video programming that is re-distributed over the Internet; extend captioning obligations to certain other web-based video programming.
Expand the Scope of the Television Decoder Circuitry Act
COAT recommendation: Expand the scope of devices that must display closed captions under the Television Decoder Circuitry Act from the present requirement of television sets with screens that are 13 inches or larger, to include video devices of all sizes, including recording and playback devices, that are designed to receive or display analog, digital and Internet programming.
PBS TV Program "Digital Nation" is Captioned in Online Web Replay
COAT is very glad to see that PBS-TV's "Digital Nation" program, that aired February 2, 2010, includes the captioning option in the online replay version. While the program did not address accessibility & usability for people with disabilities, it does raise some of the social impact concerns that affect us all.
COAT Australian International Friend Targets Online News Websites for Accessibility
COAT applauds International Friend, Media Access Australia, for moving in a new direction with its Web Accessibility campaign in January 2010. They are now targeting online news websites for accessibility review.
Judge Calls Attorneys "Jerks" For Not Making Movies Accessible
On January 13, 2010, in a San Francisco court room, a judge told a movie theater chain "why don't you start doing the right thing instead of being jerks" during oral arguments in an appeal to the 9th federal circuit. The case, Arizona vs. Harkins Amusement Enterprises, is about captioning and audio description of movies in theaters.
COAT Members Report Netflix Still not Captioning Online Products
It's January 5, 2010 and despite many emails, letters and complaints to Netflix, it appears there is still lack of captioning on many of their video products. For example, the "Instant Viewing" selections (except for foreign language movies!) and many DVDs lack captioning. COAT affiliate NAD called out to Netflix about this in 2009 but lack of captioning persists and some in the deaf community are calling for a boycott of the company.
Hulu Creates Captioned Video Text Search Feature
December 21, 2009: COAT is pleased to learn that Hulu, an online provider of on-demand TV and video programming, has released a search facility allowing viewers to search for words contained within captioning text. The feature, called Captions Search, lets users locate a particular segment of a show, since captioning provides almost a transcript of a program or show. This feature demonstrates how a form of accessibility for people with disabilities can be used by mainstream users as well.
Digital TV Transition Drives Review of Accessibility in Australia
COAT's International Friend, Media Access of Australia, reports, in October 2009, that the government has released a new report on "Access to Electronic Media for the Hearing and Vision Impaired; Approaches for Consideration--Discussion Report 2009." With Australia transitioning to all-digital television in 2013 and other media regulatory changes occurring, it's an opportunity to review accessibility.
Closed Caption button on remote.