MediaSpace: Captions Editor

Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Captions Editor in MediaSpace

Using the captions editor in MediaSpace allows you to edit and improve the accuracy of your video's captions. Here's a detailed step-by-step guide on how to use the captions editor, along with best practices:

Access Your Video

1. Log in to MediaSpace:
   • Open your web browser and log into my.mines.edu with your Mines credentials.
   • Navigate to the MediaSpace tile within my.mines.edu or use the url, mediaspace.mines.edu.
     
2. Go to My Media:
   • Click on My Media from your Profile Image to access your My Media library.
     
3. Select Your Video:
   • Find the video you want to edit captions for and click on its title to open it.

Open the Captions Editor

4. Access the Actions Menu:
   • Below the video player, click on the Actions drop-down menu.
5. Edit Captions:
   • From the “Actions” menu, select Caption & Enrich. This will take you to the caption management page.
     
6. Open the Captions Editor:
   • On the caption management page, find the caption file you want to edit and click on the Edit (Pencil icon) button next to it. This will open the captions editor interface.
     

Edit Captions

7. Review and Edit Text:
   • In the Closed Captions Editor, you will see a timeline with text blocks corresponding to each caption segment.
   • Click on a text block to edit the text directly. Make necessary corrections to spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
     
8. Adjust Timing:
   • To adjust the timing of a caption, click on the start and end time fields of the caption block to extend or shorten its duration.
     
9. Add or Delete Captions:
   • To add a new caption, click on the + Add Caption button and enter the text and timing.
     
   • To delete a caption, click on the trash can icon next to the caption block you want to remove.
10. Save Your Changes:
    • After making all necessary edits, click the Save button to save your changes. Ensure that you have reviewed all captions for accuracy before saving.
      

Finalize and Review

11. Preview Your Captions:
    • Return to the video player and play the video to review the edited captions. Ensure that the text aligns correctly with the spoken words and that timing is accurate.
12. Publish Your Changes:
    • Once you are satisfied with the edits, the captions will be automatically updated in the video. Ensure that the captions are enabled for viewers by checking the captions icon in the video player.

Best Practices for Using the Captions Editor

1. Ensure Accuracy:
   • Review the auto-generated captions thoroughly to correct any errors in spelling, grammar, and punctuation. Accurate captions improve comprehension and accessibility.
2. Maintain Synchronization:
   • Make sure the captions are perfectly synchronized with the audio. Proper timing helps viewers follow along without confusion.
3. Use Clear and Concise Language:
   • Keep captions clear and concise. Avoid unnecessary words and ensure that the text is easy to read and understand.
4. Include Speaker Identification:
   • If there are multiple speakers, include speaker identification when necessary to clarify who is speaking. This is particularly useful in dialogue-heavy videos.
5. Add Non-Speech Information:
   • Include non-speech sounds that are important to the context, such as [music], [applause], or [laughter]. This provides a fuller experience for viewers who rely on captions.
6. Consistent Style:
   • Use a consistent style for capitalization, punctuation, and formatting throughout the captions. This helps maintain readability and professionalism.
7. Regular Updates:
   • Periodically review and update captions, especially if the video content changes or if new information becomes available that affects the accuracy of the captions.
8. Engage Viewers:
   • Encourage feedback from viewers regarding the quality and accuracy of the captions. Use this feedback to make necessary improvements.