lcstamper

A federal judge has taken a step toward requiring Netflix to provide closed-captioning for the deaf on its video-streaming website, ruling that federal disability laws cover businesses that serve their customers online

Netflix may have to provide closed captions online

Deafness

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VacationGuy234

I do watch a lot of show with CC on Netflixs. They are getting better at it.

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Foxrac

Look at mulldizzle's comment from article that OP posted.

Wow, what's ignorant person.

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VacationGuy234

It's true that any time you put in place regulation you are going to affect cost. However, in this case, you get the revenue from a new market and possibly a tax cut. I don't see this as sending jobs anywhere. In fact, it probably creates them.

Look at the Dog poop scoop laws which, while I have no firm data, I believe discourages dog ownership. Still, there is a lot of benefit to the regulation in city areas. Current dog owners are all for it, but I can see perspective owners being discouraged.

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CrazyPaul

This thread should be in Captioning & Sign Language Interpreter category because it will get people's attention (whoever are interested to read about captioning).

Anyway it says that Netflix could appeal. WTF? If they plan to do so, that means this company disagrees with the ruling. I hope not.

VacationGuy234

You don't pay lawyers to accept defeat, right?

Long term, they will be in accordence, IMO.

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CrazyPaul

If the company doesn't agree with the ruling, then it should offer a discount rate to its deaf customers. Very simple and common sense.

DeafBadger

A discount won't help caption the videos.

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Chevy57

Watch Howard Rosenblum, the CEO of the National Association of the Deaf, explain the recent developments in the NAD vs. Netflix case.

dae

Hopefully this affects all services -- not just Netflix.

iTunes
Amazon
Hulu
etc.

CrazyPaul

No, that's not what I meant. So far there are about 40-60% of movies/TV shows captioned by Netflix so we shouldn't pay a full price. If Netflix will caption ALL of them by court order, then it's fair for us to pay a full price. Therefore, if Netflix disagrees with the ruling, it should offer us a discount rate. That's FAIR.

DeafBadger

I see what you mean now. That makes sense.

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CrazyPaul

Thanks for the update. I have been wondering what's going on. Now this thread is related to NAD's lawsuit. However he said that it's not over yet. It always takes time. Damnit!

CrazyPaul

Starting in 2014, they will be required to caption all shows as per FCC. I wish it'd start next year, not 2014. As for Netflix's 100% captioning, possibly it will be effective next year. NAD is working on it. It's not suing other companies yet.

deafdrummer

Well, he's right... Businesses literally get regulated out of existence. Problem is, people who run these companies DON'T GIVE A DAMN.

Why don't we cut to the chase and do this instead? Let's find a piece of land 50 miles from anything and form a CITY. Deaf people would break ground and start the city with deaf-owned businesses, who would hire deaf people, HOH people, and hearing people who can sign fluently. Let's try to have the full range of a modern society to the extent possible, like the deaf performing arts industry, from broadways to movies and everything else.

And I will not do Netflix, now that I know they wanted to put off captioning. F* them.

deafdrummer

That is crazy, Crazy. (hand across the opposite shoulder twice) Why in hell should I watch a video if I can't understand it?

deafdrummer

What if everyone says they're deaf? Do we then have to submit an audiogram when we sign up?

Lau2046

The Hell with discounts...Netflix should just do the right thing or risk losing even more customers. The company just has a talent for making really bad decisions, however, I agree they're getting better. This ruling, if they accept it, would be another step in the right direction.

CrazyPaul

Discounts just for a while, not forever. I am sure that it will caption everything it offers by 2014. Howard said that ADA laws apply to internet as well.

CrazyPaul

Good question but I think a medical document from your doctor should be sufficient. Same thing with a discount card for bus riders who are handicapped.

VacationGuy234

Not only will this not solve the problem, the company is not going to take a revenue cut for any particular group. Without good regulation which helps all parties you're just setting it up to fail.

Short term, the company isn't going to make money on captions, I believe it is too expensive in the beginning. I think long term they will eventually recoup and they know it.

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CrazyPaul

I guess you don't remember that long time ago we got the discounts to watch movies without captions at local theaters.

CrazyPaul

Or they may be going bankrupty because they owe alot of money to other businesses.

Why Netflix Could Be Bankrupt Within A Year - Seeking Alpha

GrayEagle

Saw this article re Netflix. Just like the rulings for other fare offered on the Internet, it's time to make things as accessible as possible. Theaters are now providing captioning with more technology becoming available. Etc. Each step along the way had it's legal battles to bring businesses into compliance. Not just for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing. Those in wheel chairs, etc. A compassionate and more advanced society would find these things automatic, not questionable or something to fight. We aren't getting there yet as a species, IMO. But we're working on it. Unfortunately it still takes lawsuits and laws to make it happen. Onward! JMO, of course.

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