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July 14, 2004

Report: New DTS-Access Captioning and Low Fares Across the USA

From: HLO/WRAD - Jul 14, 2004


News of Interest

1.DTS-Access Captioning
2. Low Fares on Some Airlines- Take Advantage of It.

DTS-Access Captioning

I had the opportunity to go and see " The Spiderman 2" with OPEN captions using the DTS-Access system at the Mann Theatre in Glendale yesterday . Boy, it was great and the captions were very good. Many Mann Theatres in Southern California have trials using the DTS-Access Captioning System and I highly recommend for the deaf and hard of hearing people to go and see it. Many Mann Theatres in Southern California are showing DTS-Access Captioning now twice a week on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Just go to www.manntheatres.com then click on Tickets then finally click on DTS Access. You will see a list first run films and their time schedules like Spiderman 2 and The Terminal among others with DTS-Access captioning.
The captions are fully visible on the movie screens and you do not need to have Rear-Window reflectors to see the captions.
This new projection-based digital technology is probably the easiest system for theaters today and in the future to show captioning for the deaf and hard of hearing audience. See below for more information about the DTS-Access Captioning.
--- Bruce Gross, CEO, Hearing Loss Outreach ( A project of WRAD, Inc.)

Info about DTS-CSS Open Captioning

(From the DTS-Access Website)
As a leader in digital surround sound technology for cinemas and home entertainment, DTS is also dedicated to bringing the moviegoing experience to all audiences. In the past several years, DTS has taken on a leading role in providing access to first-run films. In response to the large number of requests by the deaf community for increased availability of open caption screenings and the desire to assist film distributors and cinemas to make the provision of captioned screenings more economical and flexible, DTS introduced the DTS-CSS Cinema Subtitling System.

The DTS-CSS provides access in two distinct ways: First is captioning. In the past, cinemas have traditionally waited until a specially captioned (also called “hard” captioned) print– in which the captions are etched or overlaid onto the film– was available; these special prints have historically been produced in limited numbers. With the DTS-CSS, captions are projected onto the screen, which enables the cinema to use a standard release print for captioned shows. The DTS-CSS is also very easy to use. The theatre operator can simply insert the appropriate CD-ROM disc (which includes the caption information) and turn the system on. This flexibility allows exhibitors to schedule more open-captioned screenings at more convenient times.

The second solution, audio description, has been developed for blind and visually impaired moviegoers. The audio description is received on infrared headphones and does not disturb other patrons. The way it works is during the gaps between dialogue, a narrator describes the scene and the action. Characters are described, visual jokes explained, and body language outlined in the narrative.

Whether it’s open captions, closed captions or audio description, DTS is proud to be able to provide an enjoyable and fulfilling moviegoing experience to all audiences. We encourage you to visit this site for updated information about access issues, accessible theatre locations, and upcoming films available with DTS-CSS open captions.

What is the DTS-CSS Cinema Subtitling System and what does it have to do with movie captioning?

The DTS-CSS Cinema Subtitling System is a way for cinemas to provide captioned and audio described showings of movies for deaf, hard-of-hearing, blind and visually impaired audiences. The system also has the ability to provide alternate language subtitles.

How does the DTS-CSS Cinema Subtitling System work?

The DTS-CSS provides two vital access solutions for deaf and hard-of-hearing audiences: First, is captioning. In the past, cinemas had to wait until “hard” captioned prints were available. Hard captions are captions that are etched or over-layed onto the film. These special prints have historically been produced in limited numbers.

With the DTS-CSS system, the captions are projected onto the screen, which enables the cinema to use a standard release print for captioned shows. Projectionists no longer have to rebuild or re-platter a hard captioned print for access showings. With the DTS-CSS system, the theatre operator can simply insert the appropriate CD-ROM disc (which includes the caption information) and turn the system on.


The second solution, audio description, has been developed for blind and visually impaired audiences. The audio description is received on infrared headphones and does not disturb other moviegoers. The way it works is by having a narrator describe the scene and action that takes place between the gaps in dialogue. Characters are described, visual jokes explained, and body language outlined in the narrative.

 
My local theatre already shows captioned prints. Why do they need the DTS-CSS system?

Captioned prints are just that – prints with captions permanently etched onto them, so they typically are not used for general audience showings. With the DTS-CSS, regular release prints can be used for open-captioned showings, at any scheduled time the theatre operator may choose. The only thing a projectionist needs to do is turn on the system, insert the disc, and the subtitles appear on command.
 
How are the captions and audio descriptions delivered?

Captions and audio description are delivered exactly the same way as the DTS Digital Sound audio track – on CD-ROMs. The data is loaded into the player, which then synchronizes it with the timecode on the film. Just as the soundtrack is completely linked to the film through DTS timecode, so too are the captions and audio description. The discs containing the captions are linked by a serial number to an individual print, just as the DTS soundtrack discs are. Therefore, there is no way you can play the wrong disc.


How can I get DTS-CSS captions and descriptions at my local theatre?

To help spread the word about captioning and audio description in your area, speak to your local theatre manager and let them know about the DTS-CSS system. You can also refer them to the DTS website for more information at www.dtsonline.com.


What is the difference between DTS-CSS open captions and the Rear Window® Captioning System?

While both the DTS-CSS open captions and the Rear Window Captioning System closed captions are played back using the DTS-CSS Cinema Subtitling System, the DTS-CSS open captions are projected onto the screen – visible to the entire audience. Rear Window closed captions are fed to an LED display on the rear wall of the theatre and patrons use portable reflectors at their seats to view the captions. Therefore, only those patrons wishing to view the captions through the use of the reflector can see them.

Do I need to use any special equipment to see the DTS-CSS captions?

No. DTS-CSS captions are open and visible to the entire audience. Patrons do not have to use any special equipment to view the captions and can sit anywhere in a theatre to read the text.
 
Where can I get additional information about DTS-CSS?

For more information about DTS-CSS, accessible theatres, and upcoming accessible releases, visit the DTS website at www.dtsonline.com.

Please remember that some Mann Theatres in Southern California are showing DTS-Access Captioning TOMORROW ( Thursday July 15) so go to www.manntheatres.com and click TICKETS THEN CLICK DTS ACCESS and you will see a list of theatres that are OPEN CAPTIONED tomorrow and again every Tuesday and Thursday. Go to www.dtsonline.com if you want to see listings that are outside of the Los Angeles area.
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