Content area
Abstract
Under the rules, video programming owners must include caption files for programming previously displayed with captions on TV when providing programming to distributors for IP (Internet protocol)-based delivery and programming distributors must enable rendering or pass-through of such captions to end users, "including through the hardware or software that a distributor or provider makes available for this purpose."
In a report and order released Jan. 13 in Media Bureau docket 11-154, the FCC also required programming owners and distributors to agree on a mechanism for sharing information on an ongoing basis about which programming is subject to the mandates. The caption file provided by programming owners must be of "at least the same quality as the television captions for the same programming, and requiring distributors and providers to maintain the quality of the captions provided by the video programming owner."
"Further, I am concerned that the caption performance and display standards, which will be complicated due to the diversity of devices and screen sizes covered, may be unworkable in many instances and burdensome to manufacturers. I also wonder whether we may be raising undue expectations regarding the availability of IP closed captioning. Although we require new content to be captioned on a rolling basis over the next year and a half, devices are not required to be compliant until January 1, 2014," Commissioner [Robert M. McDowell] added.
Rep. Edward J. Markey (D., Mass.) applauded the FCCs action, saying the ruling "appropriately recognizes that uncaptioned, archival online programming must be captioned to ensure greater access to this programming for Americans who are deaf or hard of hearing." He said the deadlines included in the order "should provide adequate time for compliance."