What does open caption mean Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ˈoʊpən ˈkæpʃən/

Part of Speech

Noun phrase

Definition

A display of text, typically at the bottom of a screen or stage, that transcribes the spoken words and sounds of a performance, presentation, or video in real-time, often used to provide accessibility for the deaf or hard of hearing.

Examples

The play provided open captions for audience members with hearing impairments.
Open captions are available on the video platform for viewers who need them.

Synonyms

Subtitles
Closed captions

Antonyms

No captions
Auditory description only

Additional Information

Open captions are different from closed captions, which are usually optional and can be turned on or off by the viewer. Open captions are typically used in live performances, such as theater or concerts, to provide real-time transcriptions for the audience. They can also be used in video productions, such as films or TV shows, to provide accessibility for viewers with hearing impairments.

In addition to providing accessibility, open captions can also be useful for viewers who prefer to watch videos in a noisy environment or for those who are not fluent in the language being spoken. Some viewers also prefer to watch videos with open captions to improve their focus or comprehension.

The use of open captions is becoming increasingly popular, especially in the context of social media and online video platforms. Many platforms now provide automatic captioning options, making it easier for creators to provide accessibility for their viewers.

Eymology

The term “open caption” comes from the concept of “captions” in the context of film and video production. Captions refer to the text that appears on screen to transcribe the spoken words and sounds of a performance or presentation. “Open” refers to the fact that these captions are always visible on the screen, rather than being optional like closed captions.

Usage Notes

When using the term “open caption,” it is essential to consider the context in which it is being used. In some cases, the term may be used interchangeably with “closed captions,” but it is crucial to understand the difference between the two. Open captions are always visible on the screen, while closed captions are optional and can be turned on or off by the viewer.

Cultural References

Open captions have been featured in various cultural references, including films and TV shows. For example, the TV show “The L Word” featured a character who used open captions to communicate with her deaf girlfriend. In the film “The Silence,” open captions were used to provide accessibility for the deaf protagonist.

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

“Open captioning” refers to the process of providing open captions for a performance or presentation.
“Captioning live” refers to the process of providing real-time captions for a live event.

Related Words or Phrases

Closed captions
Subtitles
Audio description

Collocations

Open captioning system
Open caption display
Open caption software

Frequency of Use

The term “open caption” is commonly used in the context of accessibility and video production. Its frequency of use is increasing, especially in the context of social media and online video platforms.

Common Misspellings

Open captian
Open captioning system (correct spelling)
Open captioned (correct spelling)