These instructions explain how to automatically generate live captions in your web browser for any audio that is playing on your computer, including people speaking in a live Collaborate session. These instructions are currently for Windows only, and you must have administrator permissions. If you're using a computer that doesn't allow you to install software these instructions will not work (sorry!).
Overview of the Process
The first step is to install a program called VB-Cable, which allows programs to listen to system audio (any audio produced by your computer) as a microphone while also allowing you to hear the audio through your speakers or headphones. Once VB-Cable is installed and configured, the website webcaptioner.com will be used to listen to the system audio (as a microphone) and automatically generate and display the captions.
Steps
Download the VB-CABLE Driver. (if you want more info on what this is you can find it here).
...
Web Captioner will display the captions of any voice audio that is playing on your computer, including a live Collaborate session.
Other Things You'll Want to Know
How to switch audio devices but keep your computer ready to run Web Captioner
You want to be able to keep using Web Captioner simply by opening it and pressing the Start Captioning button twice but you also want to switch between audio output devices (e.g. between headphones and speakers).
Steps: Return to the Windows Sound Control Panel. Select the Recording tab, select CABLE Output, and select the Properties button. Under Playback through this device, select the device you would like to switch to. Select the OK button twice to exit the Sound Control Panel.
How to change the volume of your speakers or headset when you're using Web Captioner
Leave the Windows volume and the volume in your application (Collaborate, etc.) at 100%. To change the volume of your speakers or headset, return to the Sound Control Panel, select the Playback tab, select the device you want to change the volume on, select the Properties button, select the Levels tab, change the volume level to your preference and click OK twice to close the Sound Control Panel.
How to stop using Web Captioner and return your audio settings to how they were
If you probably don't want to use Web Captioner again and simply want to return your audio settings to how they were.
Steps: Return to the Windows Sound Control Panel. Under the Playback tab set your preferred speakers or headset to the default. Under the Recording tab select CABLE Output, select the Properties button, select the Listen tab, disable Listen to this device, and select the OK button. While you're still on the Recording tab, set your preferred microphone to the default. Select the OK button to exit the Sound Control Panel.
Troubleshooting
Captioning is working but captioning quality is poor
Although Web Captioner works well in general, it will not be able to accurately caption all voice audio. Captioning works best if
- People speak at a regular pace or slower (not too quickly)
- People speak clearly
- People speak with a good quality microphone. And if they're transmitting their audio live over the internet then they should also have a good quality internet connection and avoid using wireless.
- There is no background music or noise or it's as quiet as possible.
- Volume in Windows and the application (e.g., Collaborate) is set to 100%. You can change the volume of your speakers or microphone to anything you'd like, as explained above under the "how to change the volume of your speakers or headset..." heading.
Web Captioner isn't working at all (nothing is being captioned)
- Reboot the computer and try it again.
- Ensure Windows Volume is not muted
- More suggestions coming...
...