Open captioning translates the audio portion of a video or film program into visible subtitles. Viewing does not require special equipment; the captions are present on the screen at all times. Closed captioning requires a decoder for display on a standard television receiver and can be switched on and off by the visitor on demand. See Appendix for closed captioning symbol.

Like subtitles, captions display spoken dialogue as printed words on the television screen. Unlike subtitles, captions are specifically designed for deaf and hard-of-hearing viewers. Captions are carefully placed to identify speakers, on- and off-screen sound effects, music and laughter. A list of captioning services is provided courtesy of The Caption Center.

Written interpretations of both dialogue and scene that appear at the bottom of the television or video screen.