Abstract: User customizable advanced closed caption capbilities are provided using existing closed caption information contained in a television signal. The invention allows the user to override the closed caption presentation format as selected by the originator (e.g., programmer or broadcaster), in order to select alternate presentation attributes based on the user's preference. Closed caption information is extracted (e.g., by a closed caption processor from a television signal, which television signal also contains corresponding audiovisual programming. The processor determines whether one or more user selected attributes have been set. At least one user selected attribute is applied to at least a portion of the closed caption information via a closed caption driver. The closed caption information is displayed via a display driver and graphics processor on a display device in accordance with the user selected attributes via a graphical overlay on top of the audiovisual programming.

Abstract: User customizable advanced closed caption capabilities are provided using closed caption information, such as that described in the Electronic Industries Association (EIA) Television Data Systems Subcommittee standards, EIA-608 or EIA-708. The invention allows the user to override the closed caption presentation format as selected by the originator (e.g., programmer or broadcaster), in order to select alternate presentation attributes based on the user's preference. The invention may also be implemented to customize other forms of text information (e.g., subtitles.). The invention also allows for storage and subsequent retrieval and review of text included within the closed caption information, which text serves as a transcript of the program. The methods and apparatus provided are independent of the type of delivery network, content format, and receiver type. In an example embodiment, closed caption information is extracted (e.g.