CPC & Manzanita Deliver File-Based HD Closed Captioning

ROCKVILLE, Md.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--CPC (Computer Prompting & Captioning Co.) and Manzanita Systems, Inc. have partnered to deliver a complete file-based closed captioning workflow that saves broadcasters time and money. Using CPC’s award-winning closed captioning software, content providers can now work directly with the CEA-708 data and additional VANC data necessary to meet HD broadcast requirements. CPC leverages Manzanita’s new transport stream multiplexer software (MP2TSME 6.0) to insert the HD VANC data into MPEG-2 and H.264 video files.

Now HD closed captioning VANC data can be inserted into MPEG-2 & H.264 files for broadcast & VOD delivery.

CPC’s MacCaption closed captioning software is the only closed captioning software that can work with CEA-708 VANC data natively to prepare closed captions. HD transport stream files must have both CEA-608 and CEA-708 closed captions according to FCC regulations. Previously, closed caption data had to be translated into CEA-708 format from a SCC file which only contains NTSC CEA-608 data. MacCaption software can now export the next-generation VANC data in a file format called MCC. The MCC file contains both HD captioning protocols and supports a variety of video frame rates, aspect ratios, and HD font styles. Manzanita, the industry-leader in offline multiplexing, recently released MP2TSME 6.0 that can insert MCC files into MPEG-2 and H.264 elementary stream files for VOD and broadcast applications.

Having the ability to work with HD closed caption data is one of the last hurdles that broadcasters must clear in order to fully migrate to a time and money saving tapeless HD delivery solution. With MacCaption, tape masters such as HDCAM containing VANC data can be digitized, down-converted, edited, time stretched, and compressed to VOD MPEG-2 and H.264 transport streams without losing any of the closed captioning data. Furthermore, MacCaption software can help post production facilities recalculate closed caption timecode alongside video for multiple delivery options.

e-Captioning Workflow for HD Broadcast

Up until now, the only way to add CEA-708 closed captions to HD video was to use expensive HD real-time hardware encoders, each costing about $10,000. CPC partnered with Manzanita and has developed an easy, cost-effective workflow called e-Captioning to reliably add CEA-708 VANC closed captions to HD transport stream files exclusively using software. This new e-Captioning workflow enables captioners, video editors, and IT engineers to work together with small HD closed caption files over the internet.

How Tapeless Workflow Saves Time and Money

With both MacCaption and Manzanita’s MP2TSME 6.0 software installed, the end user has the power to add CEA-708 VANC captions to HD MPEG-2 and H.264 video and create transport stream files. Using MacCaption, the user would edit and manipulate VANC data parameters and then export that data as an MCC file. The user would select either the CableLabs® VOD profile or a user-defined profile in the multiplexer. MP2TSME quickly and efficiently multiplexes the transport stream file several times faster than real-time.

Once the captioned transport stream is created, it is uploaded to the server of a TV broadcast facility or a service provider for VOD distribution. This e-Captioning solution paves the way for completely tapeless video workflow, and saves production facilities thousands of dollars in HD tape stock, equipment, and shipping costs.

Caption Creation Process

MacCaption is a full-featured authoring suite that creates closed captions from scratch using a transcript and video file. The captioning software also imports and edits many industry-standard file formats such as SCC, CAP, ULT, STL, CIN, etc. MacCaption can retrieve caption information directly from HD videotape, DVD video, QuickTime® files as well as decode existing captioned MPEG-2 HD video. MacCaption can also manipulate caption timecode to ensure proper sync and support for multiple video frame rates including 29.97 NTSC, 25 PAL, 23.976 HD, 59.94 HD, etc.

About CPC – The Closed Captioning Software Leader

The e-Captioning workflow solution that utilizes MacCaption and Manzanita’s MP2TSME 6.0, is the latest addition to CPC’s industry-leading line of closed captioning and subtitling software for Mac OS® X and Microsoft® Windows® operating systems. Since releasing the first simultaneous closed captioning/teleprompting software in 1986, CPC has been the captioning and subtitling industry leader. CPC also operates an award-winning captioning and subtitling service. For more information, please visit www.cpcweb.com/hdtv/mpeg.htm.

About Manzanita Systems, Inc.

Manzanita Systems is a leading provider of essential MPEG software solutions for digital television, VOD, and digital ad insertion. Renowned for adherence to standards, Manzanita’s transport stream analyzers and multiplexers are indispensable tools that enable service providers, broadcasters, post-production houses, and manufacturers of digital video technologies to produce better MPEG content, workflows, and solutions. Manzanita’s products are available as standalone applications and SDKs. Learn more about Manzanita’s proven solutions at http://www.manzanitasystems.com.