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How to tell captions, translation subtitles and alternate audio apart

Check the exact track labels and confirm them in a dialogue-heavy scene before choosing a film or series.

A large projection screen and speakers in a home theater
Photo by Avinash Kumar Source · Pexels License

Open the player’s audio and subtitles menu during the actual film or episode. An alternate audio track changes what you hear. Translation subtitles display dialogue in another language, while captions may also identify speakers and important sounds.

Compare one scene with sound and dialogue

Choose a short moment where speakers change or a door closes. Switch from the translation subtitle track to the caption track if both are listed. If your goal is hearing the original voices, return to the audio menu and confirm the original track before choosing a subtitle language.

Check a second episode before generalising

One title or episode can offer different language choices from another. If the required track disappears, write down the exact episode, profile language and device. Test the same title in the same profile on a second supported device before deciding that the whole catalogue lacks the track.

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