Open Captioning
Captions permanently burned into or overlaid on the video/display output, visible to all viewers at all times without the option to toggle off.
Understanding Open Captioning
Open captioning is the opposite of closed captioning — the text is always visible to all viewers. In live events, open captions are typically displayed on a dedicated screen or overlaid on the main projection. Open captioning is preferred in settings where accessibility must be guaranteed without requiring viewer interaction, such as public events, churches, and conference keynotes. Tools like OBS and ProPresenter can display open captions using browser source overlays.
How Selah Translate Uses Open Captioning
Selah Translate's display links function as open captions when loaded on venue screens. Add the lower-third or full-screen display URL as a browser source in OBS or ProPresenter, and captions are visible to everyone in the room without any viewer action required.
Related Terms
Closed Captioning
Text display of speech and sound effects that can be toggled on or off by the viewer, typically used for accessibility compliance in broadcast and live events.
Real-Time Captioning
The process of displaying text on screen in real time as someone speaks, providing visual access to spoken content for hearing-impaired audiences or multilingual settings.
Broadcast Translation
The technology enabling a single translation session to be shared with an unlimited number of viewers in real time via a web link or QR code.