Hopefully eVU can add closed captioning feature into the device.

June 2, 2008 – CALIFORNIAN IFE service provider the IMS Company has helped to develop a way of adding closed captions to content on handheld devices. Closed captioning is a method of superimposing text renderings of audio tracks on top of video images for the benefit of the hard of hearing, while making it possible for other users to switch off the text for unobstructed viewing.

IMS developed the solution in co-operation with the Media Access Group of Boston-based public service radio station WGBH. The Media Access Group is a WGBH non-profit service that has worked since 1972 to make electronic information and entertainment more accessible to people with sight and hearing problems.

The first of its kind for handheld IFE, the initiative was prompted by increased airline interest in closed captioning as a result of US Transportation Department moves to mandate the capability for airliners flying in and out of the United States. “Closed captioning on portable media players is now available cost-effectively in the near-term,” says IMS sales and marketing VP Harry Gray. IMS plans to offer closed captions on its PAV-704 and PAV-705 handhelds from October.

The captions will be created by the Media Access Group, which performs the service for most major-studio film releases in the USA, and then converted into a format compatible with IMS’ players. The original captions will also be edited to meet airline requirements under the direction of IMS.

Each IMS player will store the formatted text on its hard disc. If the passenger wants to see the captions he can activate them via the GUI. The text will then be synchronised to the video using timecode and displayed on the screen. In contrast with abbreviated subtitles, the captions will reflect all of a programme’s audio, as well as adding indications of sound effects and music and speaker identifications to support more complete understanding of the content.