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• For MPEG-2 elementary stream output: Compressor embeds CEA-608 closed captioning
data in an elementary MPEG-2 video stream so that it can be used for authoring in
DVD Studio Pro. DVD Studio Pro retains this closed captioning data when the video
stream is added to a track of a standard definition NTSC DVD project. You can use Apple
DVD Player to play the resulting DVD Studio Pro build files to verify that the closed
captioning data is present.
• For MPEG-2 program and transport stream output: Compressor embeds the closed
captioning data in program and transport MPEG-2 streams using the CEA-708 standard.
The timecode values used to synchronize the text with the video must be based on those
of the source media file being encoded. Scenarist files contain timecode-delineated lines
of closed captioning data in two-byte hexadecimal format. These files are not easily
readable and are typically created using specialized third-party applications.
Adding Closed Captioning Using Third-Party Utilities and Hardware
There are third-party applications, such as MacCaption from CPC, that provide the means
to import transcripts, edit them with timing information, encode closed captioning data
in the necessary format, and insert the closed captioning data into a QuickTime file in
preparation for tape output or DVD encoding.
Having Someone Else Do It
It’s very common to have another post-production facility take care of your closed
captioning needs. Some facilities do all the transcribing, whereas others request a transcript
prepared in advance. Some facilities do the insertion while outputting the program to
tape, and others can insert closed captioning onto a previously recorded videotape.
Handling Subtitles
Subtitling is usually done for the purpose of translating either particular scenes or an
entire program. It may be done because the dialogue is in another language or because
the dialogue is simply unintelligible to the intended audience. If you need to add subtitles
to your program, there are two primary methods using Final Cut Studio.
Adding Subtitles Using Text Generators in Final Cut Pro
The easiest way to add permanent subtitles (sometimes called open captioning) to your
program is also the most time-consuming: editing superimposed text generators into
your sequence one at a time. If you follow this workflow, it’s best to add one or two
dedicated video tracks to contain every subtitle you create. You can then easily turn them
all off and on at once using the Track Visibility controls.
Tip: If you’re adding subtitles manually, consider using a master template created in
Motion. This way, you can easily change the look or formatting of all your subtitles at
once, if necessary. For more information, see “Using Master Templates in Final Cut Pro.”
103Chapter 6 Mastering