closed captioning lost and little or no help from Directv

Posted by lindamce @lindamce, Feb 28, 2019

Have messaged and called Directv due to loss of CC. Works for Netflix etc. and some commercials so I know my TV works. I get a run around every time. Do we have an actual right to CC as people with disabilities or are we at the mercy of Directv?

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You have an absolute right under law for captions. Here is the link to file a complaint. Very easy process and trust me, DirectTv will respond. https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/signin?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumercomplaints.fcc.gov%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F202958260-Closed-Captioning-on-TV

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But with what results? I complained a year ago about CBS captions being missing during the lengthy opening credits of various shows. It was frustrating to have to document each occurrence. Now it appear randomly for various programs and channels and I have given up trying.

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Hi,

I know of some who have complained to the individual channels and it has to be documented...what show, time of show etc. some have had responses. I notice that almost all channels do not provide captions on opening credits or recaps of last weeks shows...seems to be consistent on that aspect. I lose captions occasionally and go out of that channel and then back in and that sometimes works. Other times I have turned off CC and then turned it back on. We have Spectrum and have had Dish and FIOS and all are about the same. Some stations are better than others...depends on who is doing the captioning service. I hate the delays and then the quick catchup you can hardly read. Wrong words are a given, especially on news channels. But all in all I am satisfied but know it can be frustrating which is why I watch more “on demand” programs than the live show.

What’s frustrating is this forum wouldn’t accept my password or a few updated ones so I had to change from ImAllEars. Had this problem with goggle alsonot accepting old or new passwords.

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I have Direct TV, and reset my system when the captions disappear or become hard to follow. My TV and Direct TV are plugged in the same extension and I turn the power off to both for about a minute. When they come back Direct TV checks for updates and checks my system-takes a few minutes. The captions reappear and all is well for a while until it starts to do it again. My receiver has not been replaced in at least 5 years, and it may be the reason I have this problem.

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@debbiefili

I have Direct TV, and reset my system when the captions disappear or become hard to follow. My TV and Direct TV are plugged in the same extension and I turn the power off to both for about a minute. When they come back Direct TV checks for updates and checks my system-takes a few minutes. The captions reappear and all is well for a while until it starts to do it again. My receiver has not been replaced in at least 5 years, and it may be the reason I have this problem.

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Funny - after much messaging and a lengthy phone call with Directv with no results, my neighbor said did you reboot your system? Duh. Did that and CC came back. So why didn't any of the experts at Directv tell me to reboot?! We have Directv only so my husband can watch the Cleveland Browns struggle; otherwise I would cancel their service.

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You should post this message at CCACAPTIONING@gmail.com You also should jouin the group. There is a need for advocates and there is a huge crew that will help you with your question. I don't use direct TV but others on board will be able to answer you.

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@linkeellis

You have an absolute right under law for captions. Here is the link to file a complaint. Very easy process and trust me, DirectTv will respond. https://consumercomplaints.fcc.gov/hc/en-us/signin?return_to=https%3A%2F%2Fconsumercomplaints.fcc.gov%2Fhc%2Fen-us%2Farticles%2F202958260-Closed-Captioning-on-TV

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I tried to file a complaint to the FCC and the only questions they ask is what day, what time and what channel did you experience problems. Every minute...every day....every channel. Is the FCC being paid off by directv to not comply. Millions of deaf and hard of hearing are frustrated and we are all forced to put up with closed captioning that as far as I'm concerened is nonexistent. Directv just blames others for the horrible closed captioning, but they sure make sure that you pay that$130.00 bill every month. Best bet for the deaf and hard of hearing is cancel all tv and might as well just start reading books.

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@lindamce

Funny - after much messaging and a lengthy phone call with Directv with no results, my neighbor said did you reboot your system? Duh. Did that and CC came back. So why didn't any of the experts at Directv tell me to reboot?! We have Directv only so my husband can watch the Cleveland Browns struggle; otherwise I would cancel their service.

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Why did the "experts" at directv not tell you that it will never work properly and they don't care and I don't think the FCC really cares either or something would be done about it.

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Your at the mercy of directv and the FCC. Neither one will do anything for you. The FCC complaint website asks you what time you experienced the problem. It's every minute...every day....every channel, so good luck with the FCC helping you. I've said it before and will say it again. If your deaf or hard of hearing just sell your tv and start reading books.

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