About this factsheet

This factsheet is part of RNID's equipment range. You will find it useful if you are deaf and want to know how to get subtitles on television, DVDs and pre-recorded videotapes. We use the term 'deaf' throughout to refer to all types of hearing loss.

Read this factsheet to find out:

How much television is subtitled?

Most television programmes are subtitled. By the end of 2007:

The BBC is committed to subtitling 100% of all programmes by April 2008. This commitment covers the folllowing channels:

BBC Parliament is also increasing its subtitling. The 2003 Communication Act has set a legal framework for subtitling requirements and the regulator Ofcom stipulates what each channel must do. For example, ITV1 and Channel 4 must subtitle 90% of programmes by 2010.

How is television (analogue and digital) changing?

Digital television is replacing the existing analogue system. The Digital Switchover will mean:

Digital television is already available in most areas of the UK through Freeview, Sky and cable services. Subtitles are available on all three services. You can probably get at least two of the three digital TV services in your area. Which option you choose depends on availability and the TV channels you want to watch. By spring / summer 2008 the BBC and ITV will launch Freesat a new digital satellite TV service. Subtitles will be available from Freesat.

Digital Switchover

The analogue system on the UK mainland will be switched off, region by region so that by 2012 all areas will have switched off their analogue signals (2013 for the Channel Islands). To find out when this will happen in your area, contact your local retailer or visit the government's digital television website (external link, opens new browser window) and the Digital UK website (external link, opens new browser window) where you can also find more information about digital TV and the digital switchover.

Retailers will display a 'digital tick' sign on all equipment (TVs, set-top boxes, DVD recorders and Personal Video Recorders [PVRs]) that will work during and after switchover. This sign means subtitles are available.  
 
Teletext subtitles on page 888 are still available on analogue until the switch off.

Can I get help with switching to digital television?

Some people can get help through the Digital Switchover Help Scheme Limited (DSHS). You are eligible for the scheme if:

The scheme will provide practical support to help people select, install and use digital TV equipment. DSHS will provide eligible households with equipment to convert one set.

If you are eligible you will pay £40 for the basic equipment and help. However, it's free if you are receiving Pension Credit, Income Support or income-based Jobseeker's Allowance.

For further information, contact Digital Switchover Help Scheme Ltd on:
Telephone: 0845 234 0388
Textphone: 0845 234 0380

How can I receive digital television?

Through a TV aerial

You can receive digital terrestrial television (called Freeview) through your rooftop aerial. Freeview offers more than 40 television and 30 radio channels but the number of channels varies according to where you live. You can pay to receive further channels from Top Up TV. You can check if Freeview is available in your area on the Freeview website (external link, opens new browser window). 

Equipment

You will need to buy a set-top box or a new digital television (see What are the latest developments in television technology?) to watch Freeview but there is no additional cost to receive the channels. Most set-top boxes receive and display subtitles. For more information, visit the Ricability website (external link, opens new browser window).

Set-top box

The set-top box plugs into the television and your existing TV aerial. Some set-top boxes can record Freeview channels as well as receive them. A box costs from £25, and boxes that record cost from around £50. Your equipment should come with clear set-up instructions. But, if you don't want to install the set-top box yourself, ask your retailer, as some will install it for you. Many new television sets can receive Freeview – those that do will display the digital tick sign. See How is television (analogue and digital) changing?

Through a satellite dish

Sky Digital has many more channels than Freeview – how many you can watch depends on your subscription package. Sky Digital is available in 98% of homes across the UK.

Freesat from BBC and ITV

From spring/summer 2008 a new digital satellite TV service is going to start called Freesat. The BBC and ITV venture will offer some of the channels that are available on Freeview plus additional channels, such as channels in High Definition (HD). Subtitles will be available from Freesat.

Freesat from Sky

Freesat (also called free-to-view) is a non-subscription option from Sky. You just pay for the digibox, dish and installation. Visit the Sky website (external link, opens new browser window) for further information.

What is a Sky+ box?

A Sky+ box is a set-top box combined with an advanced PVR (Personal Video Recorder). You can set this to record programmes, including the subtitles, automatically, using the Sky electronic programme guide (EPG), which appears on the TV screen when selected from the Sky+ remote control. The Sky+ box will also let you 'pause' and 'rewind' live television and record up to 20 hours of programmes on its built-in hard drive.

Equipment

Prices vary but include the cost of a small satellite dish that is fitted to a wall outside your home and the Sky digibox that plugs into the television.

Set-up

A Sky engineer will set up the service and installation is usually included in the cost.

Through a cable TV company

Contact a local cable TV company for details of their subscription packages. The main cable providers are: Virgin Media, WightCable (Isle of Wight), Smallworld (West of Scotland).

Equipment

You will need a cable set-top box to use with your existing television (this is normally supplied as part of the subscription package).

Set-up

The box plugs into the SCART socket on your television. Your cable company will supply a box as part of a subscription package. You'll find details of local cable TV operators in the "Yellow Pages".

Virgin Media
PO Box 333, Matrix Court, Swansea SA7 9BB
Telephone: 0845 454 1111 (from a BT or other provider lines)
Freephone: 150 (from Virgin Media landlines (cable customers only)
Website: Virgin Media (external link, opens new browser window)

WightCable (Isle of Wight)
56 Love Lane, Cowes, Isle of Wight PO31 7EU
Freephone: 0800 785 1000
Telephone: 01983 295 050
Fax: 01983 242 486  
Website: WightCable (external link, opens new browser window)

Smallworld Media
Provide cable services in Scotland, Lancaster, Morecombe and Carlisle.
3 Chalmers Place, Riverside Business Park, Irvine Ayrshire KA11 5DH
Telephone 08000 70 60 50
Website: Smallworld Media (external link, opens new browser window)

How do I get subtitles with Freeview?

You can get subtitles in two ways:

You should be able to choose whether subtitles come on automatically or only when you select them from the remote control.

How do I record subtitles from Freeview?

Make sure your set-top box or idTV is connected to a VHS video cassette recorder (VCR) or DVD recorder (via the SCART connecting lead). Subtitles are recorded in open format. This means when you playback the recording, you will not be able to turn the subtitles off.

How do I record subtitles when I’m not at home?

Most set-top boxes have a timer feature. This means you can programme the set-top box to switch itself on, so you can record a programme while you are out. You will need to make sure that your VCR or DVD recorder is programmed to come on at the same time and is set to the AV channel that the set-top box is plugged into.

Freeview set-top boxes that can record

Many set-top boxes are combined with Digital Video Recorders (DVRs) (Also known as PVRs – Personal Video Recorders). Instead of tapes, DVRs record onto a non-removable disk inside the player. Some are combined with DVD recorders. Prices range from £50 to £350, depending on the make and features it has, so it's a good idea to shop around. Not all PVRs record subtitles. For more information on products that record subtitles, see the Ricability website (external link, opens new browser window).

One example is the Humax PVR 9200TB, which lets you record Freeview channels with subtitles. Subtitles are recorded in closed format, so when you play the recording back, you can choose whether or not to watch with subtitles. If you want to keep some programmes you've recorded, you can transfer them to a normal (VHS tape) video recorder or DVD recorder connected to the DVR through a SCART lead.

Alternatively, there is the Panasonic HDD/DVD recorder. This also has a built in hard disk drive but it records in open format so it will record and playback with subtitles. Daewoo also manufacture a standard DVD recorder that allows you to record digital subtitles onto DVD discs.

Reception problems on Freeview

Sometimes, the picture may freeze or go into tiny blocks. You may need to replace your TV aerial with a new wideband one to improve reception. Your television retailer or the Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI) should be able to put you in touch with a reputable television aerial installer. (See I'm having problems receiving subtitles. What can I do?)

For more information on Freeview services, contact:

Freeview
DTV Services Ltd, Broadcast Centre (BC3 D5), 201 Wood Lane, London W12 7TP
Telephone: 08701 111 270
Website: Freeview (external link, opens new browser window)

Top Up TV
PO Box 801, Kirkcaldy, Fife KY2 6WW
Telephone: 08712 712 712
Email: enquiries@topuptv.com  
Website: Top Up TV  (external link, opens new browser window)

How do I get subtitles with digital satellite television?

To access subtitles on Sky:

If you have a Sky+ box, you can record programmes with subtitles while watching another programme with subtitles at the same time.

Sky Digital
Telephone 08702 404040
Email: skydigital@sky.com     
Website: Sky Digital (external link, opens new browser window) 

Sky accessibility service team
Telephone 08705 663333
Textphone 08702 401910
Fax 01383 815312
Email: accessibility@bskyb.com     
Website: Sky accessibility (external link, opens new browser window)

How do I get subtitles with cable television?

Subtitles are available on most cable services – contact your cable operator for more information.

How to access subtitles on Virgin Media cable TV

A number of channels offer digital (DVB) subtitles which can be activated by opening the Mini Guide and pressing the blue button, or through the main settings menu setting on the V+ set-top box. Please check with Virgin Media for details.

Most channels supply "Teletext" subtitles. These are activated by pressing the text button on your TV remote control and entering 888. If you have V+ in an ex-NTL area, these channels will also have digital subtitles. If you are in an ex-Telewest area you will have previously received some of the channels listed below as digital (DVB) subtitles. Please check with your Virgin Media provider.

I’m having problems receiving subtitles. What can I do?

Not all programmes have subtitles, so check your television guide first. If you have problems with poor reception on analogue or Freeview contact:

The Confederation of Aerial Industries (CAI)
Fulton House Business Centre, Fulton Road, Wembley Park, Middlesex HA9 0TF
Telephone: 020 8902 8998
Fax: 020 8903 8719
Website: CAI  (external link, opens new browser window)

If subtitles do not appear at all, or disappear during a programme, this is probably due to a problem with the broadcaster, so make a note of the channel, time and programme and contact the relevant channel. You can take your complaint further by contacting the regulator for commercial television, Ofcom. Ofcom sets and maintains standards for programmes, advertising and technical quality. Ofcom does not regulate any of the BBC channels so you should take any complaints about these directly to the BBC.

Ofcom
Ofcom Contact Centre, Riverside House, 2a Southwark Bridge Road, London SE1 9HA
Telephone: 020 7981 3040
Textphone: 020 7981 3043
Fax: 020 7981 3334
For more information, visit the Ofcom website (external link, opens new browser window)
To complain about subtitling to Ofcom, visit the Ofcom subtitles website
 (external link, opens new browser window) 
BBC channels
BBC Access Services, Room 430a, Design Building, Television Centre, Wood Lane, London W12 7RJ
Telephone: 020 8225 6521
Textphone: 0208 743 9419
Fax: 020 8752 7059
Email: subtitling@bbc.co.uk
Website: BBC subtitling (external link, opens new browser window)

ITV companies
For information about ITV programmes and details for each office, contact:

ITV Duty Office, Gas Street, Birmingham B1 2JT
Telephone: 0870 600 6766
Textphone: 0870 241 6346
Fax: 0121 634 4898
Monday to Friday 8am to 11pm, Saturdays and Sundays 10am to 10pm, closed on bank holidays.
Email: dutyoffice@itv.com  
Website: ITV (external link, opens new browser window)
 
Channel 4
Viewer Enquiries, Channel 4 Enquiries, PO Box 1058, Belfast BT1 9DU
Telephone: 0207 306 8333 or 0845 076 0191 (lo-call number)
Opening times are from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday and from 10am to 7pm on weekends and public holidays.

To email visit the Channel 4 website (external link, opens new browser window) and go to the link "Contact us" at the bottom of the page. In the contacts section you will find a webform, which you can use to send a message. You can also tell Channel 4 about any problems with their subtitles by contacting the viewer programme "The TV Show (external link, opens new browser window)".

Channel 5
Customer Services, Channel 5, 22 Long Acre, London WC2E 9LY
Telephone: 08457 050505
Textphone: 08457 413787
Fax: 0207 836 1286
Monday to Fridays 9am to 9pm, Saturdays and bank holidays 10.30am to 7pm, closed on Sundays.
Email: customerservices@five.tv 
Website: Channel 5 (external link, opens new browser window)

Sky
Sky Accessibility Team, British Sky Broadcasting Limited of Grant Way, Isleworth, Middlesex TW7 5QD
Telephone: 08705 663333
Textphone: 08702 401910
Fax: 01383 815312
Email: accessibility@bskyb.com 
Website: Sky (external link, opens new browser window)

Virgin Media
PO Box 333, Matrix Court, Swansea SA7 9BB
If calling from a BT or other provider lines: 0845 454 1111
If calling from a Virgin Media landline (cable customers only): 150 (free)
Website: Virgin Media (external link, opens new browser window)

Can I get subtitles on DVDs?

Many films released on DVD have subtitles. Some DVDs have subtitles especially for deaf people. These describe a particular noise or the type of music playing, so it is easier for you to follow the film. Check at the back of the DVD box to see what subtitles are available.

How to access subtitles on DVDs

When we play a DVD, an introduction menu will usually appear on screen, showing the film's title. If subtitles are available, select the "subtitles" or "languages" option before you play the film. Another menu may appear if there are subtitles in more than one language. However, bonus material is often not subtitled.

You may also find the dvd-subtitles website (external link, opens new browser window) useful. It gives detailed subtitling information for many popular DVD releases.

Subtitles on Blu-ray and HD DVD (High Definition)

Blu-ray and HD DVD are two new DVD formats for high definition. If you buy a Blu-ray disc it will work only on a Blu-ray DVD player. Likewise, an HD DVD disc will only work with an HD DVD player. Both formats will play standard DVDs. Both players need to be connected to an HD-ready TV to get the high definition pictures.

An increasing number of films are being released in the Blu-ray format, many of which have subtitles. Subtitle access is through the menu setting on the remote control.

Can I get subtitles on pre-recorded videotapes?

Many pre-recorded videos have subtitles for deaf people. These are specially coded subtitles called "closed-caption subtitles". To find out if the pre-recorded video tapes you want to rent or buy have closed caption subtitles, make sure it has the closed caption symbol on the video storage box.

To display the subtitles, you will need a closed caption decoder. This is sometimes called a video caption reader or video reader. Closed caption decoders are easy to install. They have cables that plug into your television and video recorder. People who do not have a closed caption decoder can watch the same video but will not see the subtitles.

What if the DVD doesn’t have subtitles?

If you're unhappy that the DVD or pre-recorded video you are watching doesn't have subtitles, it is worth complaining. Contact the British Video Association:

British Video Association
167 Great Portland Street, London W1N 5FD
Telephone: 0207 436 0041
Fax: 0207 436 0043
Email: general@bva.org.uk  
Website: British Video Association  (external link, opens new browser window) 

What are the latest developments in television technology?

Many television programmes are now available online (normally after they are broadcast). You can watch these programmes on your computer at anytime you choose – this is called video or TV on demand.

The BBC offers a number of programmes to watch this way from their website. You need to download the BBC iPlayer from the BBC website onto your computer. Then you can catch up with the programmes you've missed during the previous seven days – or that you want to watch again. The BBC iPlayer can show subtitles, and much of the content available to watch on it from the BBC website is subtitled.

For more information visit the BBC website (external link, opens new browser window).   

ITV and Channel 4 have something similar (but currently without subtitles).

Integrated digital televisions (idTV)

Many new televisions can receive Freeview without the need for a separate set-top box. These cost between £250 and £2,000. These are flat-screen TVs with either LCD or plasma screens. Most new TVs with screens over 20" in size are HD-ready, so can show high-definition pictures. A TV that can receive Freeview (as well as any set-top box) should have the DVB sign on it and the digital tick sign in the shop. See the Ricability website (external link) for more information.

High-definition television (HDTV)

High-definition TV gives more detailed pictures than standard television and better sound. HDTV is available on Sky and on Virgin Media cable TV. Sky has a number of HD channels including Sky One HD and Sky Box Office. The BBC also has an HD channel. These channels have subtitles.

HDTV is optional, though an HD-ready TV is fully equipped to display high definition pictures when connected to an HD set-top box or Blu-ray / HD DVD player, it will still also work with standard definition in the near future, although more programmes will be made in the HD format.

HDTV is currently not available on Freeview.

To watch HD channels from Sky or Virgin Media V+ you need a television that is HD-ready and access to Sky HD or Virgin Media V+ services. Most new flat-screen LCD and plasma TV sets over 20" screen size are HD-ready.
 
Even if you don't want HD now, an HD-ready set will ensure you can watch HD channels in the future when you subscribe to Sky or Virgin Media.

How do I receive high-definition television on Sky Digital?

You can do this by subscribing to the Sky HD package. Check with Sky for the latest prices. A Sky HD box is required, which is an additional cost. 

How do I get subtitles on HDTV?

Subtitles are available on most Sky HD channels. Virgin Media say that subtitles are available on their TV-on-demand service.

Sky HD

Subtitles are available by pressing the SERVICES button and then scrolling down the on-screen menu to the "languages" option - selecting this takes you to the "subtitles" option. The Sky HD box has an electronic programme guide (EPG). This can be set up to show which programmes have subtitles. 
For more information, visit the Sky website (external link, opens new browser window). 

HD on cable

Contact Virgin Media for more information.

Where can I get further information?

Our Information Line offers a wide range of information on many aspects of deafness and hearing loss. Contact us for further copies of this factsheet and our full range of information factsheets and leaflets.

RNID Information Line

19-23 Featherstone Street, London EC1Y 8SL
Telephone: 0808 808 0123
Textphone: 0808 808 9000
Fax: 020 7296 8199
Email: informationline@rnid.org.uk  

Buying equipment from RNID

Visit the RNID online shop (external link, opens new browser window) or contact the RNID Information Line for a copy of our Solutions catalogue, full of products for deaf and hard of hearing people.