Today’s caption and subtitle fonts

This section’s contents (updated 2006.11.29) include:

The basics: All you need to know to get started
What’s wrong with using Web screenfonts for captions and subtitles?: Examples using Verdana for captioning. (Added 2005.03.07)
What’s the difference between regular screenfonts and caption and subtitle fonts?: An easy comparison table for people familiar with “classic” screenfonts. (Added 2005.08.02)
Small update on EyeTV Line 21 captions translated into high definition: Now with Vin Diesel and Ellen DeGeneres! (Added 2005.03.21)
What fonts should we use in the meantime?: While we’re waiting for substantially better fonts, what typefaces should you use instead of Arial, and why? (Added 2005.04.14)
Ancient BBC “subtitling” font revealed: Richard Southall, codesigner of the classic BBC slabserif typeface, writes in with a history and some illustrations. A 15-year mystery solved! (Added 2005.04.26)
What’s wrong with Tiresias?: Debunking the font that nonexperts think is the only one you need for captions and subtitles. (Added 2005.07.11)

Fonts for HDTV

Other people’s fonts: A critique of existing typefaces for HDTV (EIA-708) captioning: Typefoundries already offer font sets for high-definition TV, and there’s a great deal wrong with them. (Added 2005.10.03)
What does the HDTV captioning spec say about typography?: We have a legitimate copy of the CEA-708-C standard and have reviewed its sections on typography