It’s easy to take communication for granted—until the day that comprehension eludes you. For those who have a hearing impairment or don’t understand the language being spoken, that can be every day. Fortunately, captioning services can convert speech into text and even translate it in the process, so deaf and multilingual audiences can still engage.
With communication access realtime translation (CART) and closed captioning, organizations, educators, legal professionals, healthcare providers, and religious leaders can bridge the communication gap. Whether you need CART or closed captioning depends on the kind of event or meeting you’re hosting. Read on to learn about the biggest differences between the two, so you can choose the services best suited for your unique needs.
Understanding CART Captioning Services
CART is a cutting-edge process that converts live speech into text instantaneously. It allows individuals with hearing impairments to follow conversations, lectures, presentations, and other spoken content in real time.
CART captioning services are available on mobile devices, tablets, laptops, television monitors, and large screens. This flexibility ensures that CART can be used across a wide range of environments in a host of different settings.
The Features of Communication Access Realtime Translation
1. Instantaneous
CART captioning provides real-time text display, allowing individuals with hearing impairments to read conversations as they are happening. This instant access to spoken content enables seamless communication and participation in various events and activities.
2. Accurate
CART captioning is known for its high level of accuracy. Skilled caption writers capture the spoken words verbatim, ensuring the text representation is reliable and consistent.
3. Customizable
CART captioning services can be tailored to meet different needs. Whether it’s adjusting the font size and color or displaying captions on specific devices, CART offers a customizable experience for enhanced accessibility.
4. Remote Availability
With advancements in technology, CART captioning services can now be provided remotely. This feature allows individuals to access real-time captions from anywhere in the world, expanding opportunities for participation and inclusivity.
What Is Closed Captioning?
In closed captioning, text that corresponds to the spoken words and audible sounds in a video or presentation is displayed on the screen. Unlike CART, however, closed captioning is typically pre-scripted or prepared in advance, allowing for editing and formatting. Closed captioning can be permanently embedded into a video or accessed through a separate display option.
Differentiating CART from Closed Captioning
1. Real-Time vs. Pre-Scripted
The most significant distinction between CART and closed captioning lies in their real-time nature. CART captioning provides immediate access to spoken content, while closed captioning is typically created before the event or presentation.
2. Customization Options
CART captioning offers more flexibility in terms of customization. Closed captioning is often limited to predetermined styles and formats.
3. Event Versatility
CART captioning is especially valuable at live events, such as conferences, meetings, and lectures. Closed captioning, on the other hand, is commonly used in pre-recorded videos, television programs, or movies.
4. Verbatim Capture
CART captioning aims to capture spoken language verbatim, ensuring a high level of accuracy. Closed captioning, although accurate, may undergo some editing and formatting to enhance readability or timing. Consequently, it’s not always verbatim.
Choosing Between CART & Closed Captioning
Both CART captioning services and closed captioning can bridge the communication gap for individuals who have hearing impairments or don’t understand the language being spoken. While CART offers real-time access to spoken content with high accuracy and customization options, closed captioning provides a solution for pre-recorded videos and allows for editing and formatting.
Whether CART or closed captioning will meet your needs depends on the situation and the preferences of the individuals involved. Either way, though, you can leverage these technologies to create a more inclusive and accessible world where effective communication knows no barriers.
Need CART Captioning Services? Turn to Geneva Worldwide
If you need communication access realtime translation for an upcoming event, you can count on Geneva Worldwide. We deliver accurate and reliable interpretation, translation, and transcription services globally. To request a quote for CART transcription or captioning services, reach out on our website or call 1-877-GO-GENEVA.
