PLAYDECK can record Closed Captions and SCTE-35 into files — but not every container supports both.
- Closed Captions can go into MKV or MPEG-TS (and related stream-style recordings).
- SCTE-35 only goes into MPEG-TS (
.ts), not into MKV.
Matrix and domains: Closed Captions & SCTE — Overview.
In this article:
→ What to enable
→ MKV vs MPEG-TS
→ Sidecar files (.scc / .anc)
→ Verify playback
→ Related
What to enable
In the recording Parameter / config string, set the flags you need:
embed_cc='true'
embed_scte35='true'
scc_capture='true'
anc_capture='true'
| Parameter | Purpose |
|---|---|
embed_cc='true' | Embed CC into the video elementary stream (e.g. H.264 / MPEG-2) |
scc_capture='true' | Write a parallel .scc file (CEA-608) |
anc_capture='true' | Write a parallel .anc file (CEA-708) |
embed_scte35='true' | Embed SCTE-35 into an MPEG-TS recording only |
Same idea as streaming: these flags are easy to miss — without them, pass-through CC / SCTE-35 will not be stored as expected.
While recording SCTE-35, fire markers from clips, blocks, overlays, or Action buttons (SCTE-35 type).
MKV vs MPEG-TS
| MKV | MPEG-TS (.ts) | |
|---|---|---|
Closed Captions (embed_cc) | Yes | Yes |
Sidecars .scc / .anc | Yes (if capture flags on) | Yes (if capture flags on) |
SCTE-35 (embed_scte35) | No | Yes |
| Typical check | PLAYDECK playlist shows CC | MediaInfo: EIA-608/708 in video; DVB Inspector: SCTE-35 cues; PLAYDECK: CC + << SCTE-35 |
Rule of thumb
- Need CC only (and optional sidecars) → MKV or TS.
- Need CC + SCTE-35 in one file → MPEG-TS.
Sidecar files (.scc / .anc)
With scc_capture / anc_capture, PLAYDECK can create:
yourfile.scc— CEA-608 (usable in many tools)yourfile.anc— CEA-708-style ANC (mainly Medialooks/PLAYDECK)
Same base name and folder as the video. On playback, PLAYDECK can use embedded CC and/or these sidecars (see also Closed Captions & Subtitles).
Verify playback
Closed Captions
- Add the recorded file to a playlist.
- Select the CC track if offered.
- Confirm CC in the channel preview (pass-through or burn-in as configured).
For TS, MediaInfo often lists Text tracks (EIA-608 / EIA-708) muxed into the video.
SCTE-35 (TS only)
- During record, send SCTE-35 from an Action (or clip command).
- Open the
.tsin DVB Inspector (or TSDuck) and confirm splice/SCTE-35 cues. - Play the same
.tsin PLAYDECK → SCTE Event Log should show<<SCTE-35.
Note: Playing an MKV recording will not show SCTE-35 in the log — the container does not carry it. MediaInfo also often omits SCTE-35 even when DVB Inspector shows cues; prefer DVB Inspector / PLAYDECK << for SCTE checks.
Related
| Article | Topic |
|---|---|
| Closed Captions & SCTE — Overview | Full matrix |
| Closed Captions & Subtitles | Tracks, burn-in / pass-through |
| SCTE on SDI (SCTE-104) | SDI VANC markers |
| Sending SCTE-35 to a stream server | Live streams, Nimble, HLS |