Nongran,
Thank you very much for your considered response - I appreciate it.
In spite of what I have said I really am happy with the quality of subtitling. And it has much improved over recent years. (Not that I am suggesting that it has improved since you left .....)
PatM
Yes, the american programmes are very difficult - though I always have problems with accents. I am terrified of offending someone who is from Scotland or N Ireland, I just can not understand them - so US TV is very difficult. Also my hearing problem is one of quality not quantity. I hear SOUNDS within certain pitches quite well - I just can't seperate them, so any background music for instance or material taped in a pub of cafe and it is all over for me!
Joan
That is so even on the BBC! I often notice that 'sexually offensive' comments are deleted. If they are ok for hearing people why not for us HI people?
Now.
May I thank everyone who has contributed to this thread.
And finally I would like to attach an email I have received from the BBC complaints department. I have to say I just don't believe that, as they say, "...from the feedback we have received on such issues the majority of our audiences are more than satisfied with the service provided"
Yes, I am happy with the subtitles - but I cannot believe that anyone would want the dreaded Black Box, when foreign language films and DVDs are provided with white see-through letters.
Dear Mr Ward
Reference CAS-753423-3XSTF3
Thanks for contacting the BBC.
I understand that you're unhappy with format in which the subtitles are delivered as you feel that they can obstruct viewing in some programmes.
We generally place our subtitles near the bottom of the screen because they are less obtrusive there and it is at this level that they are most comfortably read. We try to make the subtitles as visible as possible without distracting the viewer from what is happening on the screen.
Obviously decisions such as this will not please everyone, however from the feedback we have received on such issues the majority of our audiences are more than satisfied with the service provided.
We regret that on this occasion you felt the need to complain and hope this will not cause too much inconvenience in the future.
Were guided by the feedback that we receive and to that end I'd like to assure you that I've registered your complaint on our audience log. This is a daily report of audience feedback that's made available to all BBC staff, including members of the BBC Executive Board, programme makers, channel controllers and other senior managers.
The audience logs are seen as important documents that can help shape decisions about future programming and content.
Thanks again for taking the time to contact us.
Kind Regards
Tanya McKee
BBC Complaints
www.bbc.co.uk/complaints
NB This is sent from an outgoing account only which is not monitored. You cannot reply to this email address but if necessary please contact us via our webform quoting any case number we provided.