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HDMI cable doesn't carry closed caption. Need to add RCA & coaxial cable outlet to HD DVR cable box!
Since HDMI cable doesn't transmit the line 21 analog closed captioning signal, spectrum needs to add RCA & coaxial cable outlets back to its current HD DVR cable box! Because none of the current HD DVR cable box has RCA and/or coaxial cable outlets any more. As a matter of fact, it seems the ONLY video outlet on its HD DVR cable box is HDMI. And its digital subtitle is lagging behind the voice significantly, sometimes few seconds to tens of seconds and the digitally generated subtitle sucks. And this happens to the subtitle in Spectrum TV app too. Spectrum needs to check to see if its digital subtitle is FCC compliant or not.
We need the outlets on DVR cable box that can pass through Line 21 analog closed captioning signal for ADA purpose!
Answers
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Good Evening @nancy002 Welcome to the Community!
Being with cable since the mid 80's I remember the analog technology well and the issues that you describe on the older sets and boxes using the old coax cable. Even SD TV.
The issue you describe above is not just related to Spectrum. It is the changes in technology, particularly over the last decade that have forced consumers to have an HD set, HDMI interface cable and cable/streaming boxes that support HDMI integration, streaming services, and the power of the Internet, which is now an integrated part of a TV experience.
Due to these technological enhancements, it would be impossible to go back to a analog/coax boxes and systems, Such technology and things like SD TV's are a thing of the past. That may not be what some people want to hear, but there are forced compliance standards from the TV manufacturers, the circuitry designs of the new TV, the move to MPEG-4, changes in software, and hardware updates.
The best option that I recommend to customers is to purchase a new HDTV, and a new HDMI cable, especially if you still have an SD or a very old HD set that does not support HDMI output. (Sounds like your case.) The difference in clarity on these new sets is stunningly beautiful compared to the older models! I would go to Amazon or Best Buy's website and look at Samsung or Hisense TV's. Get a new HDMI cable for about $20 at Best Buy or Amazon as they do not come with new TV's. This will also solve your CC problem. I had the same issue with closed-captioning not working on my older boxes about 20 years ago, until I got a new HDTV and HDMI cable.
What cable box/guide do you have? To find out Google Search, "What guide do I have?", Spectrum. I think a modern TV and new HDMI cable will solve your issues. I have a "50 inch Samsung TV that I got two years ago and it is fantastic! My box is the Spectrum 210 DVR. I recommend traditional cable boxes and DVR's over XUMO boxes for most customers for familiarity, reliability, and ease of use."
Regards,
Satch
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The problem here is not about the picture, it's about the technical incompatibility of HDMI cable with the analog closed captioning and the digital subtitles spectrum provided is too small even in its largest font and significantly lagging behind voice.
I have a smart TV and HDMI cable but it cannot receive analog closed captioning because of the reasons above. The HD cable box can have both HDMI and RCA outlets and they do not exclude from each other is what I am suggesting here. However, spectrum decided to ONLY carry HDMI outlet and ignore customers request is why I want to make the suggestions here.
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Hi Nancy,
Thanks for this updated information! Spectrum has a complaint department to where you can address Closed Captioning issues. Note that Closed Captions are put out by the programmers and not Spectrum. You are absolutely correct! Closed captioning, on some of the analog channels can be a little behind the spoken dialogue. In the meantime, can you please provide your state, city, and zip code, along with a few examples of channels and programs on your analog stations where closed captioning is the least reliable? (2-3 should be sufficient.)
These resources should help:
Satch
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Dear Satch,
Thank you for your kind information. The analog closed captioning transmitted via spectrum cable box's RCA ports are working fine. However the DIGITAL subtitles provided by spectrum when using HDMI ports (because HDMI do not transmit analog cc) or its TV app have the similar problem that the subtitle is significantly lagging behind the voices few seconds sometimes tens of seconds and almost always incomplete or missing large amount of contents. The channels I have noticed this significant lags are: BBC news, Bloomberg, and other popular news channels.
I think I have posted this in the Suggestions & Feedback category of this discussion board but was removed due to duplicated post I guess? I will repost it then.
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Thank you for your kind information. The digital subtitles provided by spectrum via its HD cable box or its TV app have the similar problem that the subtitle is significantly lagging behind the voices few seconds sometimes tens of seconds and almost always incomplete or missing large amount of contents. The channels I noticed this significant lags are: BBC news, Bloomberg, and other popular news channels.
I think I have posted in the Suggestions & Feedback category of this discussion board but was removed due to duplicated post I guess? I will repost it then.
Hi Nancy,
I would not repost information that got deleted to the forum again. Could have been a duplicate topic. The information is here so it is not necessary to post it to another forum area. That is excellent that you gave channel examples! A moderator might inquire if they need more information.
I would reboot your box, just to see if that makes a difference. Than, wait for a couple of weeks to see if anything changes on those channels. If it does not, contract the resources I gave at the above link. This may also take some time to correct depending on the severity of the issue relating to the programing station, and how much they care about the problem.
Spectrum needs three people reporting the same issue in the same node to escalate a problem. Six or more people reporting an issue triggers immediate dispatch. Completely out of service also triggers immediate dispatch. Even if you contract the above resources at the link, this will take time to correct. Try rebooting your box first. That can often solve many issues. If it does not, or the problem comes back, contract the Spectrum Closed- Captioning Complaint people at the provided link.
Satch
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- Closed Captions are one thing and sub-titles are another.
- Nothing originates in analog anymore. HD boxes that had analog outputs were literally converting the digital HD or SD to NTSC analog.
- Unlike post-production programming, real-time live programming involves real-time transcription. Real-time production news programming is pretty much all talk and, thus, maximum real-time C.C. transcription lag for obvious reasons.
- Audio needs to be lip-synced; Closed Captions don't.
- Speaking of the A.D.A., how about some consideration for people who aren't speed-readers.
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Good Evening @HT_Greenfield!
You mentioned the ADA and it made me remember that Spectrum has a specific department for people who need accessibility accommodations:
Satch
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