Real-time captioning (RTC) is performed when a stenocaptioner is able to write down the spoken language word for word using a steno writer while simultaneously the translation is able to be viewed instantly through television or other devices. What is the difference between onsite, offline and remote captioning? When the stenocaptioner is providing real-time captioning and is physically in the same room as the client, onsite captioning is being performed. Remote captioning, you do not have be in the same room to perform real-time captioning. This service can be provided through the Internet as long as there is access to a computer with a modem. Offline captioning is not live captioning. This type of captioning is performed when there is access to a pre-recorded show. Through special equipment you are able to type captions onto the DVD. This type of captioning can take several hours compared to real-time captioning.

Closed captions provide a critical link to news, entertainment, and information for individuals who are deaf and hard of hearing, enabling these individuals to be part of the cultural mainstream of our society. For individuals whose native language is not English, English language captions have also been used to improve comprehension and fluency in this language. In addition, studies have shown that captions have helped children learn to read, and have improved literacy skills. Real-time captioning reduces confusion in the classroom. Teachers will not have to repeat material as much since the student is reviewing lectures simultaneously. Real-time cuts down on one-on-one time with an individual allowing more information to be covered. Students can express their opinions and comments through the use of the laptop providing by the captioning agency.

Notes can be used for study and review. Students can have the option to have the notes emailed to their computer, print out a hard copy, or saved to a diskette. Notes are verbatem and very detailed allowing for easy review. Reduce anxiety with real-time captioning.

Real-time captioning is not better than using sign interpreting. The two services would depend on each individual. It is simply a preference. Many students are what is a called “late deafness”. The loss of hearing occurred later in life due to an accident or illness. In this case they would not know sign language and may need some assistance to get through college. Captioning would be perfect for this situation. Someone who was born deaf, and signing is his first language, may prefer a sign interpreter. There are situations when both a sign interpreter and stenocaptioner may be used.

The FCC does not regulate captioning of home videos, DVDs, or video games. Different closed captioning schedules apply to new, pre-rule, and Spanish language programming. "New" Programming As of January 1, 2006, all “new” English language programming, defined as analog programming first published or exhibited on or after January 1, 1998, and digital programming first aired on or after July 1, 2002, must be captioned, with some exceptions. "Pre-Rule" Programming Analog programming first shown before January 1, 1998, and digital programming first shown before July 1, 2002, are called “Pre-Rule Programming.” Pre-Rule Programming that is not exempt from the closed captioning rules must be captioned as follows: · January 1, 2003, to December 31, 2007: 30 percent of programming per channel per quarter. · January 1, 2008, and thereafter: 75 percent of programming per channel per quarter. Spanish Language Programming Because captioning is fairly new to Spanish language program providers, the FCC allows them a longer time to provide captioned programming. All Spanish language programming that was first shown after January 1, 1998, must be captioned by 2010 with some exemptions. The following schedule applies to Spanish language “new” and non-exempt programming, or programming shown after January 1, 1998: · January 1, 2004, to December 31, 2006: 900 hours of programming per channel per quarter or all of the new, non-exempt Spanish language programming on that channel, whichever is less. · January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2009: 1350 hours of programming per channel per quarter or all of the new, non-exempt Spanish language programming on that channel, whichever is less. · January 1, 2010, and thereafter: 100 percent of all programming, with some exceptions. For Spanish language “Pre-Rule Programming” (first shown before January 1, 1998) that is not exempt from the closed captioning rules, the following schedule applies: · January 1, 2005, to December 31, 2011: 30 percent of programming per channel per quarter. · January 1, 2012, and thereafter: 75 percent of programming per channel per quarter. For more information on the FCC’s closed captioning rules and requirements, go to www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/caption.html.