Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Broadcast with captions that are visible only to viewers using special decoding equipment: Describes a television program, video, or broadcast that includes a text transcript of the audio, which is encoded in the signal and can be displayed by a special decoder or a television with built-in captioning capability. This is primarily intended for viewers who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Usage

• The term "closed-captioned" is used to describe media content. It is typically placed before a noun or used after a linking verb like "is" or "was."
• It is a compound adjective formed from "closed" and "captioned." The "closed" part indicates that the captions are not visible unless the viewer actively chooses to display them.

Examples

• Adjective:
  • The network ensures that all its prime-time shows are closed-captioned.
  • I watched a closed-captioned version of the documentary.
  • Is this program closed-captioned? I need to turn on the captions for my grandfather.

Advanced Usage

• Legal and Regulatory Context: In many countries, broadcasting regulations require a certain amount of television content to be closed-captioned to ensure accessibility.

  • The new law mandates that 100% of all new English-language programming must be closed-captioned.

• Technical Distinction: "Closed-captioned" is distinct from "open captioned" or "subtitles." Open captions are always visible to all viewers and cannot be turned off, while closed captions are optional.

  • The DVD offers both subtitles for translation and closed-captioned tracks for the hearing-impaired.

Variants and Related Words

• Closed Captioning (n): The system or process of adding closed captions to a broadcast.

  • The station invested in new technology for live closed captioning.

• Caption (n/v): The text itself that appears on screen; or the act of adding such text.

• Decoder (n): A device or software that makes closed captions visible.

Synonyms

• Accessible (in the context of media for the deaf/hard of hearing).
• Captioned (a more general term; "closed-captioned" is a specific type).

Related Phrases

• Turn on the closed captions: The instruction to activate the caption display on a television or media player.

  • Please turn on the closed captions; I'm having trouble hearing the dialogue.

• CC icon/symbol: The on-screen logo (often "CC") that indicates a program is closed-captioned.

Adjective

1. broadcast with captions that are seen only on receivers having special equipment; can be provided for hard-of-hearing viewers