Subtitles
(The following applies to Sky digital only)What are subtitles?
Subtitling for the deaf and hard of hearing is the synchronised written representation of all elements of a film or television programme soundtrack, including dialogue, music and other sound effects.
Sky has been providing subtitling since 1993. Sky channels are regulated under the 2003 Communications Act, for the provision of subtitles.
Sky's Programme Services Department already provides over 45,000 hours of subtitling a year for Sky channels.
What does Sky do?
Sky provides subtitles on the following channels:-
How is it done?
Live:
The Department works with over 40 subtitlers who handle live programming. Operators tend to work in pairs, producing subtitles for Sky Sports, Sky News and Sky Sports News channels.
With the door firmly shut and earphones clamped on, operators listen to the commentary being spoken and then re-voice, whilst still listening to what is going on.
Sky moved over to Re-Speaking for live subtitles in January 2006 and no longer use qwerty.
Pre-recorded:
Copies of the programmes are sent to central London where skilled subtitlers work on the programmes. The final subtitle file (text) is sent back to Sky via a modem and to embed the subtitles onto our tapes ready for playout to your home.
How do you get it?
Programmes carrying subtitles can now be easily recognised by switching on the 'Highlighted Programmes' option.
Press the Services Button on the remote control:
When pressing the TV GUIDE button on the remote control, the listings that have subtitles can be identified by a white banner on the programme. When selecting the programme, the subtitles will automatically appear.
What to do now?
So now just click through to our TV Guide, to see which Sky programmes have subtitles over the next week.