Donate SIGN UP

Tv And Subtitles

Avatar Image
taichiperson | 18:36 Fri 26th May 2017 | Technology
16 Answers
What are the options for the hard of hearing re subtitles on TV? My mother plays her TV at full blast which is challenging if I'm helping her with housework etc. I don't think she'd be able to cope with Sky or a smart TV, and she does like to have 'the words' as she puts it. I know a lot of channels have subtitles if you have the right model of TV and remote control, but what might offer the best range across the Freeview channels?
Gravatar

Answers

1 to 16 of 16rss feed

Best Answer

No best answer has yet been selected by taichiperson. Once a best answer has been selected, it will be shown here.

For more on marking an answer as the "Best Answer", please visit our FAQ.
Look at the remote for the tv.

It may have a button marked SUB, STL or it might be a symbol.

Alternatively look up the manual for the tv, or if you look up the model number of the remote you might find a picture of it and put the link here - then we can look at the picture and guide you to the relevant button.
Question Author
Thanks Tuvok, but no subtitle button that I have seen (I don't have it to hand) and it was sold without a manual. She was thinking of a new TV anyway, so if anyone knows of a good model that would be useful.
Would wireless headphones be an idea for her?
Does your mum have a hearing aid, if not, it could it be worthwhile to find out an aid could help her.
I have a fairly modest tv set but it does include a subtitle option on the remote. I must agree that subtitles are not ideal if the programme includes any print at the bottom of the screen, one cancels out the other.
You might be able to download a manual for the tv if you have the make and model reference.
The subtitles are provided by the broadcaster, so it depends if that particular channel is subtitling the programme you want to watch.
Any new TV that you buy now has Freeview/Freeview Plus or Freeview Play....so will have subtitles available, if they are being provided by the broadcaster. Best TVs available at present are by Samsung and LG.
Question Author
Thanks for your answers. No choux, she is pretty stubborn about giving in to old age and would not entertain a hearing aid. Half of the problem is chronic catarrh that means her hearing ability varies. Headphones might work, I'll look in to that.

Thanks gingebee, that's very clear about the various channels and broadcasters, it was niggling away in the back of my mind but I could not put it into words.
Just to add...I buy a copy of Radio Times and each and every programme that is subtitled is clearly labelled with an "s". This info may well be available on the Radio Times website, buy you may find it easier to see in the actual magazine...worth buying just one copy!
Definitely go for wireless headphones. My OH is hard of hearing, and we would not still be together if he didn't have the headphones. I can't stand loud TVs and he doesn't want to sit and read subtitles.
I don't really know what your actual question is. Most of the channels today in Freeview, Sky or any others have all got subtitling features. Of course there are a few that don't.

Also why some people here tell you to look for the "S" button which is correct - the main feature of subtitling is 888.

When subtitles came into my life they have been the most life enhancing thing to happen to me as now I can "hear" programmes and also have learnt the correct way of pronounciation.

Anyone who comes into my house cannot believe my TV is so low for a deaf person - I couldn't stand that loudness and it is so unnecessary.

Good luck with your mother.
The TV broadcasters are very annoying in regards to sub-titles.
They say its very expensive, and even the bbc dont have them on Iplayer or catch-up.
I cant see why, as if you record a programme, to watch later, the sub-titles are still there.

I also dont see the point in having somebody at the right of the screen, giving sign language, on some repeats.

Have you thought about a soundbar, with headphones, as you have a good choice of sound-mixers, to suit different peoples hearing?
Trt, there are subtitles available on iPlayer.
trt, bottom right hand corner there should be an S - click on that for subtitles.
my wife is deaf, our local social work installed a loop system she now slides a control on her hearing aid and can hear well you can buy them, but make sure mum has the proper hearing aid, hope this helps
even if your tv is loud to hear it,it's not as good as wearing headphones i can recommend using them, so much clearer than having the sound bounce all over the room
also reading subs you miss the picture

1 to 16 of 16rss feed

Do you know the answer?

Tv And Subtitles

Answer Question >>