This post was originally made at my old blog. Posted 25th November 2007. I updated it for this blog.
Sarabec Closed Caption reader is no longer available. This blog serves to make people aware that they could view Region 1 DVDs with Closed Captions switched on via their European DVDs. If you wish to get your hands on Sarabec, try going through eBay or deaf communities.
The Sarabec Closed Caption reader is akin to a scart lead connection between your television and DVD player. It comes with a mains plug.
Using this set up, I can switch on Closed Captions (CC) for most Region 1 DVDs. CC is not available via the DVD menu. Attached to the scart lead is a small box. On that box, it is a button where you push it to enable closed captions.
The Sarabec Closed Caption Reader seems to work well with Pioneer DVD players. Make sure your DVD player can play multi regions.
The reason I buy Region 1 DVDs is because the DVDs I want to see does not have subtitles. The following Region 2 DVDs do not have subtitles are:
- House (TV series)
- Quantum Leap (TV series)
- Richard Pryor
- Donnie Darko
- The Shield
- MacGyver
and many more.
The majority of music DVDs do not have subtitles available. I have ‘Roxy Music’ and it was great reading the lyrics while Bryan Ferry sang. Yes, I am deaf but I can hear music to a degree.
The most annoying thing is not all Region 1 DVDs are closed captioned. I always wanted to see ‘Dungeons and Dragons’ (animated TV series) but without subtitles nor closed captions, I cannot watch it without understanding anything. Bastard.
A wee point about the difference between DVD subtitles and closed captions. DVD subtitles tend to be mostly white text overlaying the main picture. Sometimes it does get blend into the picture making it unreadable. It’s worse when you have all white background scene. Sometimes, subtitles are positioned in the bottom of widescreen bars. This is better.
Closed Captions are similar to subtitles expect they have a black background. Usually, they are in upper text and often denotes the speaker. For example, from House M.D.:
[CAMERON]: MEN SHOULD GROW UP.
[HOUSE]: YEAH. AND DOGS SHOULD STOP LICKING THEMSELVES. IT’S NOT GONNA HAPPEN.
The reason not all Region 2 DVDs are subtitled is because they ‘need’ to cut down on costs. It also has been said the director doesn’t want the subtitles to spoil the cinematic of the movie. Do they realise subtitles can be switched off if they don’t like the feature?
DVD distributors forget that deaf people do have spending power. If a Region 2 DVD is not subtitled, they lost a sale because I’m more than likely to seek a Region 1 DVD. My money would go to a different DVD distributor.
Visit this DVD Subtitles website to check if a Region 2 DVD has any subtitles.