Closed Captions Correction manual

Introduction

This manual is intended for people using Clevercast to edit closed captions which are either a result of speech-to-text conversion by AI or human transcription. This room allows for correction before the captions are shown in the video player or auto-translated into other languages. The interface is called a Corrector Room.

The room can be used to watch the incoming video stream and listen to the floor audio. In live streams with simultaneous audio translation, correctors can also use interpreter relay. The text chat on the bottom of the page allows for communication with event managers and other users.

The person using the room should receive a secure link from the event manager.

Important: make sure to read the requirements and best practices before you start using the correction room.

The Correction Room interface

This is the interface used for the editing of closed captions. If you are an editor, you will receive a secure link to your language’s Correction Room from the event’s manager. By using this link in Firefox (or a different browser), you automatically get access to the room. The user interface looks like this:

The interface consists of the following elements:

1. Connect/Disconnect button: before a user can start working, they have to connect to the correction room (in order to receive the incoming stream and send outgoing text).
2. Player: plays the video and floor audio as soon as it is being broadcast.
3. Connection status: displays the status of the incoming captions and the outgoing text.
4. Event status: the live event status. In order to make the room available for use, it is set to Preview (for testing in advance, viewers can not see or hear the live stream), Started (live) or Paused (viewers can not see or hear the live stream). If set to Inactive or Ended, the room is not available.
5. Captions: a separate box is shown for each closed caption. By editing the text in these boxes, you can correct the closed captions before they are shown in the video player.
6. Messages window: allows a user to communicate with other transcribers for the same language and with their event managers. It also contains system messages (e.g. when someone joins or leaves the room).
7. Participants window: names of other users for the same language.

Using the Correction Room

After receiving the link to the Correction Room, a user should follow these steps:

1) Copy the link to your browser (preferably Firefox) to go to your room.

2) Press the Connect button: Clevercast will ask you to fill in your name for the text chat. Other users and event managers will see your name in the ‘Other Participants’ dialog.

3) After filling out your name, you will be connected. You should now see green check marks for both captions and text. When the video broadcast is started, your video will automatically start playing.

The text chat can be used to communicate with other users for the same language or the managers of your event. On the right side, you can see other users of your transcription room.

The correction process

To begin correcting a caption, just click on a caption and start typing. The caption you clicked on will be visually highlighted.

Once a caption box appears, you have 30 seconds to make corrections. After 30 seconds, the box is grayed out and its text will be used as a closed caption. Each caption box has a 30-second timer to allow for correction.

The caption correction interface supports the same basic text editing techniques familiar to word processors. Double click to select a word, triple click to select a sentence. Basic visual formatting is also supported, with Ctrl + B for bold and Ctrl + I for italic, and Ctrl + U for underline.

Navigation between captions

Quickly editing words

Formatting

Requirements

Computer

We recommend a recent computer, preferably high-end or at least mid-range with a fast processor and sufficient memory (e.g. Intel i7 with 16GB RAM) and a dedicated sound card and graphic card.

Browser

The operating system doesn’t matter. It should only be able to run a recent version of the Mozilla Firefox browser (make sure to install the latest update).

We recommend using Firefox. Other browsers with WebRTC support, like Google Chrome, should also work, but we recommend using Firefox for a number of reasons:

• We use Firefox ourselves for testing.
• Google Chrome is more commonly used for everyday browsing. There is a higher chance of add-ons being installed that could affect performance.

If for some reason a translator can’t use Firefox, you could try using Google Chrome instead.

Headset

To listen to the incoming audio, we recommend using a professional headset.

Fast and stable connection to Clevercast servers

A wired internet connection is required for audio translation. A good wireless connection could suffice for transcription. But we still recommend using an ethernet connection if possible, since it will ensure that the connection will remain fast and stable during the entire event.

Users need a fast and stable internet connection to the Clevercast streaming servers located in the Netherlands.

To test this, you should receive a link to the Translate@Home Connection Test page from your project manager. This way, you can test the quality of your connection in advance.

After receiving the link, open your browser (close all unnecessary other applications) and paste the test link in the address bar. The test page will ask you to enter your name, email and location and press the Start button. The browser will establish a connection with Clevercast and start sending data packets for about 30 seconds.

After 30 seconds, the test ends and you will see a popup with the result. The details of your test will also be made available to your project manager.

Sufficient bandwidth

Users should have a bandwidth of at least 5 Mbps down. If you're not sure, make sure to test beforehand or check your available bandwidth by going to https://www.speedtest.net/. Click on the Change Server link and type ‘I3D’ in the popup dialog and select ‘Rotterdam – I3D.net’. Finally, press the GO button and wait until all tests are completed.

The Download Mbps value should be higher than 5 Mbps, otherwise you may experience difficulties in watching the original video + audio stream.

The PING and Upload Mbps value are less important (the Translate@Home Connection Test provides sufficient info).

Best practices

Make sure the latest Firefox version is installed

Do this before you start testing. Then go to the translator room and check if you can connect to video, audio and chat.

Notes:

• The OpenH264 video codec (offered by Cisco Systems, Inc) should be enabled in the Firefox plug-ins. This is the case by default. If you can’t see the video in Firefox (black screen) this plug-in is probably not enabled. Try enabling it or do a fresh install of Firefox.
• If you are unable to use Firefox and you have a high-end computer, you can also use Google Chrome (after testing).

Restart your computer and close all other applications

To make sure your computer is stable, restart it before translating. When you’re ready to start, close all unnecessary applications to prevent them from using your processor, memory or internet connection. Make sure the Operating System is not allowed to start or download automatic upgrades.

Don't use multiple browser tabs

Avoid opening rooms in multiple tabs. This can result in problems with your connections or audio quality.

Test extensively

Make sure to test beforehand with a stream that has comparable audio settings. While you’re testing, the event manager should listen and help you to set the volume of your microphone.

Reconnect if a connection problem persists

If a problem (e.g. local network issue) occurs during the event, the audio of your translation will restore itself in most cases. If it doesn’t, you should quickly reconnect (press the disconnect button and then connect again).