BeamTitling for Movie Captions

You are probably aware of the ongoing discussion in the US about captioning movies. There are a couple of lawsuits that attempting to require fulltime access to movies by people with hearing loss. One method of doing this is the Rear Window system. Using a special device at their seat, the person with hearing loss has the "personal" captions projected to their device. This system has the huge advantage of not requiring captions to be part of the film print. This means that the hearing audience is not inconvenienced by the presence of the captions, and that a person with hearing loss has access to movies without requiring that the captions be placed on the film print.

There are a couple of disadvantages to the Rear Window system. One is that many people with hearing loss don't like it, because it's hard to see both the movie screen and the Rear Window screen at the same time. Another disadvantage is that it calls attention to the person with hearing loss, because they have a highly visible device at their seat.

A captioning system from Germany promises to provide many of the advantages of the Rear Window system without some of the disadvantages. The BeamTitling system enables the projection of captions or subtitles onto a screen in real time. The technology uses a timecode system to ensure that the text is projected in synchronization with the film. The standard use is to project the captions onto the movie screen, but there appears to be no requirement to project them there. They could just as easily be projected onto a special screen adjacent to the movie screen.

This system seems to provide better access to movies for people with hearing loss, without imposing on the hearing population. It may well provide the kind of compromise in which everyone wins. 

BeamTitling Offers Captioning Alternative

January 2001

Editor: A German company called Titelbild has developed an alternative captioning system called Beam Titling. The system is unique in that the captions are projected onto the screen by a special projector, instead of being included on the video print. Special software ensures that the captioning remains synchronized with the video. The projected text can be in any language, and the film print is not modified.

The following information includes prices quoted in Euros, which are currently worth about $0.90 US.

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Characteristics of BeamTitling:

* User Friendly
The BeamTitling system is very easy to handle. Installation in the cinema takes only minutes. Then it's just a matter of switching it on, and everything else happens automatically. All you have to do is sit back, and enjoy your film and your subtitles.

* Portable and Compact
All components are contained in a single robust, wheeled transport case. If your film is being shown in different cinemas or even different countries in quick succession, there's no need to organize a team of technicians to be present at each screening. Just you, and one case. Of course, if you prefer, we can send someone to do the job for you. Any time, anywhere in the world.

* All Languages
The BeamTitling system can project subtitles in any language. Be it Mandarin, Arabic or Hindi, there is no limit to the language possibilities. You can even beam subtitles in several different languages at once! In addition, the user's display is offered in many different languages.

* Non-Invasive Subtitling
BeamTitling leaves your film material unscathed. Unlike laser engraving, optical printing, or other permanent subtitling processes, BeamTitling leaves your film print text-free, so you can screen your film in French today and Swahili tomorrow, without needing more than a single print. This makes BeamTitling ideal for festivals, where there may be no print available with subtitles in the local language. Also for precious archive films, where perhaps only one print exists. Student film-makers, cultural centres, and film societies will also appreciate the cost-saving factor of needing only a single print.

* Time Code Controlled
Unlike earlier systems, where subtitles were manually cued, BeamTitling controls the exact in and out times for each subtitle by use of a time code. The timings which the subtitler has determined while preparing the translation will be exactly those used in the cinema.

* Reliable and Robust
It's a rough world out there, and the BeamTitling system is designed to handle a few knocks. Tested under extreme conditions, every component is military grade and won't let you down when the pressure's on. Every unit comes with a one-year warranty.

* Preparation of Subtitles
Subtitles prepared anywhere can be stored on CD-ROM and imported into the BeamTitling system. Of course we can prepare the right language subtitles for you as well. Just ask!

* Versatile
The BeamTitling system can operate with any film format, and any projection strategy. In twin-projector cinemas, for instance, where the projectionist switches from one projector to the other several times during the film, the BeamTitling unit keeps up with the play automatically, without missing a beat.

* Low Cost
A complete, ready to run BeamTitling system sells for less than 10,000 Euro excluding VAT (where applicable) and a suitable video projector.

* Also Available for Hire
Hiring a BeamTitling system is an option any festival can afford. Drop us a line with the dates and venues of your screenings and we'll ensure you receive a fast reply with all the information you require.

* Rental price
Euro 920.00 plus VAT per day
Euro 500.00 plus VAT for the second day
Euro 400.00 plus VAT for further days

The prices exclude transport to and from the cinema or screening venue, a suitable video projector (approx. Euro 100.00 to 200.00 per day, depending on the system), and installation of the system by a Titelbild technician (Euro 270.00 per day plus travel expenses). The technician will operate the system or provide a technical introduction to the system's functions to enable clients to conduct their own screenings.

* Sales price
Complete ready-to-use BeamTitling system for 35 mm and 16 mm dual projection, in a stable transport box on wheels: Euro 9,600.00 plus VAT

BeamTitling system with subtitling preparation station (includes all functions of the above system, plus a unit to prepare/edit and simulate subtitles):
Euro 17,000.00 plus VAT