Thread Subject: Re: Definition of captions

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From: Sean Hayes
Date: Wed, Feb 20 2008 3:10 AM

The proposal below (yours with one minor tweak removing the word text in NOTE 1) meets my needs for captions if adopted both in TEITAC and WCAG:
<proposed - REVISED>
Captions
Synchronized visual or text equivalents for audio information including both dialog and important non-dialog audio information
NOTE: Captions are similar to dialog-only subtitles except captions convey not only the content of spoken dialog, but also equivalents for other (non-spoken) audio information important for understanding including important sound effects, music, laughter, speaker identification and location.
NOTE: Captions can be supplemental visual or text equivalents that can be turned on and off (closed captions) or images of text and embedded in video (open captions).
NOTE: Captions should not obscure or obstruct relevant or key information.
NOTE: In some countries captions are called subtitles.
<end proposed>

I believe that is a technical change to WCAG; as the previous definition did not allow images - but no matter if this new language is adopted.

That still leaves the issue of whether we need a formal definition of text in TEITAC to match that in WCAG - I believe we do in order to ensure other provisions in the draft have the same meaning as in WCAG.


Sean Hayes
Incubation Lab
Accessibility Business Unit
Microsoft

Office: +44 118 909 5867,
Mobile: +44 7875 091385

From: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = [mailto: = EMAIL ADDRESS REMOVED = ] On Behalf Of Gregg Vanderheiden
Sent: 20 February 2008 00:16
To: 'TEITAC Committee'
Subject: Re: [teitac-committee] Definition of captions

Sean,

WCAG DOES allow images of text as captions. By allowing open captioning we are by definition allowing images of text as captions.

There is some confusion because of the definition of TEXT in WCAG. So if you look at the new proposed definition of captions you will see that it already includes your 'image' language.


So look again and then comment back if you still have a concern. This language is being proposed both in TEITAC and WCAG

In face since WCAG is next (this Thursday ) take a crack at that copy (its on the survey) and see if it doesn't address your issues.


Gregg
-- ------------------------------
Gregg C Vanderheiden Ph.D.

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