Currently, we have numerous clients, mainly broadcasts clients, who are taking advantage of this new technology for the NLE systems. In addition, many clients are using the digital format opportunity along with the ftp site advantages and having DVD subtitles/captions produced. The latest caption/subtitle technology allows us to work with our client’s projects in a digital domain without physically shipping anything from any location. As a result, the turnaround time is quicker and the costs are less expensive.

Once a client has his program in a digital video format, such as QuickTime or Windows Media Video, they upload that to our ftp site. The compression rate can be minimal since we do not need to have 30 frames a second of video since we are using this file for reference only for the caption placement and sync. In addition, a digital audio file, such as a .wav or MP3 is uploaded simultaneously. Once we get the digital files, we can start the process of transcription and caption/subtitle file production.

Upon completion of producing a caption/subtitle file with time code numbers (taken from the digital video file) we would then export what could be an .avi or .mov file for an NLE system and upload it to the ftp site for the editor’s taking. This .avi or .mov file is black video with the caption signal embedded at the top of the signal. This file was produced using the client’s digital files. Most importantly, the exported black video file has the same codecs as the client’s NLE system is using. This allows compatibility and assures ease of operation. Please note that it is highly recommended that a ‘test’ project be prepared so that the editor can work with the final caption export to confirm logistics and ease of importing into the NLE system being used for the project. Most of our clients work very efficiently with the AVID systems as well as the Final Cut Pro systems.

Furthermore, if you use firewire for your system, we can take your digital file (sent on a DVD or CD) and merge the CC file and send it back already captioned to be imported into the NLE system. As a result, your first generation master is captioned.

And for those who are working more with DVD, the same process allows us to export files to accommodate the DVD authoring system for both captions and subtitles files for your project. For example, we can export .scc or .cc files in addition to .son or .stl files. Upon completion of these files, they are emailed to the client for DVD production. Again, many clients take advantage of the ftp site and save time and money in this new process. It is the age of DVD without any tape needed in the process of production.

It is new technology that can be beneficial to you and the project you are involved with. Of course, as always, we are ready to stand by and encode a new caption master from your video master until this new procedure is working for you and with your systems. I can guarantee that the process just got a bit simpler for you.