IP Captioning Recon Order Doesn’t Require Captions for Online-Only Videos
An FCC reconsideration of IP closed captioning rules released Friday encourages captions for video clips but wouldn’t require them. As expected (CD May 17 p3), it would delay implementing caption rules for DVD or Blu-Ray players. The order was approved by all three commissioners, though Commissioner Ajit Pai approved in part and concurred in part. Pai said the commission should not impose IP closed captioning rules on “removable media.”
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"The statute applies such requirements on ‘apparatus designed to receive or play back video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound,'” said Pai. “The word ’transmitted’ is most logically read to refer to the transmission of programming to the device ... rather than from the device to the end user."
The reconsideration denies TVGuardian’s request that the commission require video programming providers and distributors to pass through closed captioning data to consumer equipment, according to the order. The reconsideration also delays a decision and seeks comment on caption rules for “removable media” devices because of technology questions for how such a system would work. CEA had requested that the rules not apply to “removable media” devices. The trade association’s request for waivers for devices that aren’t primarily intended to display video, such as baby monitors and camcorders, is granted in the reconsideration. CEA didn’t comment.
Telecommunications for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Inc. (TDI) and several other consumer groups had submitted a petition for reconsideration and a report highlighting widespread captioning deficiencies for online clips (http://bit.ly/10TqlT5), which they said are sometimes the only way breaking news is made available online. “The consumers are disappointed that video clips are not required to be captioned at this time,” said TDI spokesman Jim House. “However, we are pleased that the Commission is encouraging newscasters and other producers to caption their video clips, and that the FCC will continue to monitor the situation.”
The reconsideration puts off a decision on the issue for six months, when the commission will issue a request for comment on the matter, to see if captioning for short clips has improved. The reconsideration also asked for further comment on methods to improve the synchronization between captions and online video, which was another focus of the TDI report.