Closed-Captioning Available On This Post

[pendragon]

Since I've been working out at Peak Fitness last week and this weekend (NC State is on Spring Break), I have noticed one glaring problem: Networks need to fire their closed-caption writers and hire ones that can spell. Well, at least on ESPN, they're horrific! I run on the treadmill or use the elliptical machine for the past 7 days, and every

Comments

[skreidle]

To be fair, I think closed-captioners use what amounts to digital shorthand--phonetic chunks that are computer interpreted into complete words. 'Course, I could be wrong, and maybe they just suck. :)

[skreidle]

Ooh, I was right--check out the "Television and Video" section of the "Closed Captioning" wiki article. :)

(So, that system needs work.)

[pendragon]

Quit trying to pick apart my rant! :P

Okay, I understand if I'm watching live sports, but pre-recorded shows like Pardon the Interruption and Sportscenter have to be scripted, and their translations suck too, especially when they're trying to spell baseball player's names :)

[skreidle]

Yeah, no excuse for pre-recorded. :)

[chasman]

I've noticed the same thing for years and have concluded that they pay blind (possibly deaf) 12 year old to do their close captioning.

Just yesterday I saw the word treaty spelled as "Tree Tee" on CNN.

[pendragon]

Yeah, that's just awful. I mean, I understand that it's mostly computerized when it's live, but still, how do we expect deaf people to understand it?

My membership at Peak Fitness is done, but do you normally work out in the morning? I have been going there late afternoon and evenings - it's always packed unless I go after 8 PM.

[chasman]

I am normally there in the mornings from 6 to 7:30 or so because it is too crowded any other time. I think a lot of members are moving to the new gym (The Rush?).