JP2002247498A - Information reproducing device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information reproducing device that can effectively display caption information and a sub video image easily viewed by a user. SOLUTION: The information reproducing device controls closed caption indication and sub video image indication automatically or by the setting of the user so as to prevent duplicate indication of a closed caption video image character and a closed caption character decoded/displayed by a display device.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to at least a DV
The present invention relates to an information reproducing apparatus for decoding and displaying a sub video and a closed caption signal when reproducing D content.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the improvement of optical pickup technology using a laser having a short wavelength, the advancement of high-density recording technology and the development of data compression technology, the capacity of recording media such as optical disks has increased, and recording on recording media can be performed. The amount of information has increased dramatically.

For example, while the recording capacity of a CD (compact disk) having a wavelength of 780 nm is about 650 MB, the recording capacity of a
With a DVD of nm, the amount of digital information up to about 4.7 GB, which is about seven times that of a CD, can be recorded on a recording medium having the same size as a CD and a diameter of 120 mm.

According to the DVD video standard, about two hours of high-quality video data can be recorded on one sheet at an average transfer rate of 4 Mbps. In addition, it has become possible to provide a variety of contents that will not bore viewers, such as multi-angle reproduction and multi-story reproduction that take advantage of the large capacity.

[0005] Further, there is a letterbox display for reproducing an image having an aspect ratio of 16: 9 in consideration of viewing on a horizontally long television, and a vertically elongated image on a normal television, and a 16: 9 image. Pan-scan display in which only a specific portion is cut out and displayed can be realized, and the enjoyment has been further widened.

Incidentally, one of the features of the DVD is a function of displaying a sub-picture. This sub-picture can be displayed so as to be superimposed on the main picture. For example, in the case of a movie source, it is used for subtitle display. Sub-pictures can be up to 32
Channels can be recorded at the same time, and in such movie sources, subtitle data for multiple languages, such as English, French, Spanish, Japanese, and Chinese, are recorded in the content at the same time, There is an advantage that subtitles can be displayed in a preferred language by selection.

[0007] Closed caption information is often recorded simultaneously with the content in addition to the sub-picture. The closed caption signal is extracted from the DVD data in the DVD decoder and is superimposed in a predetermined format during the vertical blanking period of the video signal.
When the receiver with the built-in closed caption decoder receives the video signal, it takes out and decodes the closed caption signal sent using the vertical blanking period, and displays the closed caption characters superimposed on the display screen.

On the other hand, in an information reproducing apparatus, there is no method for knowing whether a receiver has a closed caption display function. For example, a sub-picture and closed caption data are superimposed on a receiver having a closed caption display function. When a video signal is sent, a sub-picture and a closed caption are displayed at the same time, and in some cases, the caption is displayed at the same place on the screen, making it very difficult to read the caption. Closed captions and sub-pictures are often used for the same purpose of displaying subtitles, especially in movie content, so if they are displayed simultaneously, two types of the same caption will be displayed on the screen, which can be a hindrance to viewing the main picture. It is.

Further, when a closed caption character is superimposed on an image in advance and output on a video signal transmitting side such as an information reproducing apparatus, a closed caption is output when an attempt is made to transmit a squeezed video signal to a 16: 9 wide television. The character is also enlarged and displayed in the horizontal direction on the television at the same time as the main image.

[0010]

In the above-mentioned conventional information reproducing apparatus, when a video signal in which a sub-picture and closed caption data are superimposed is sent, the sub-picture and closed caption are displayed at the same time, and the caption display is very difficult to read. There was a case. In addition, when trying to send a squeezed video signal to a 16: 9 wide TV, the closed captioned characters are also enlarged horizontally in the TV at the same time as the main video, and the characters become horizontally wide and difficult to read. Also occurs.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an information reproducing apparatus which displays subtitle information and sub-pictures which are easy for a user to see.

[0012]

According to an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided an information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video content recorded in accordance with a DVD standard. Means for superimposing and displaying the video content on the main video, means for decoding and displaying closed caption data of the video content, means for controlling display of the decoded sub video and the closed caption, and user setting It comprises means for recording information and means for automatically displaying only one of the sub-picture and the closed caption based on the user setting information.

By means of this means, the closed caption display and the sub-picture display are controlled automatically or by user setting, so that the subtitle picture and the sub-picture which are easy for the user to see can be displayed effectively.

[0014]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a system diagram for explaining a first embodiment of the present invention, and has a reproduction control function capable of setting an initial operation mode when a certain power supply is turned on.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes an optical disk 1 as a recording medium, and a disk drive unit 2
And reads out the recorded data recorded on the optical disk 1, performs demodulation and error correction, and supplies it to the system processor unit 3. When the data output from the disk drive unit 2 is DVD video, the system processor unit 3 includes a video pack composed of video data, a sub-video pack composed of sub-video data,
An audio pack composed of audio data and a control pack composed of control data are divided into four. The system processor unit 3 refers to the transfer time recorded in each data and the ID data indicating the type of data, and sends each data to each of the video decoder unit 4, the sub-picture decoder unit 5, and the audio decoder unit 8, A memory unit 1 that allows the system control unit 11 to refer to control data
Transfer to 4. The system processor unit 3 has a function of simultaneously transferring a data string of reproduction management information necessary for disk reproduction to a memory unit 14 to which the system control unit 11 can refer.

Also, a compact disc or MP3 (MPEG
In the case of Audio Layer-3) data, the audio data is transferred to the audio decoder unit 8. The video decoder unit 4 decodes the video data transferred from the system processor unit 3 and transfers the decoded data to the video processor unit 6. The sub-picture decoder 5 decodes the sub-picture data transferred from the system processor 3 and transfers the decoded data to the video processor 6.

Reference numeral 30 denotes a closed caption decoder. This closed caption decoder section 30
Receives the closed caption data from the video decoder unit 4, decodes the data, and sends the closed caption character string video to the video processor unit 6. The video processor section 6 multiplexes the respective signals output from the video decoder section 4, the sub-picture decoder section 5, and the closed caption decoder section 30, and
On-screen display information is displayed based on an instruction from the system control unit 11.

The digital video signal output from the video processor unit 6 is converted into an analog display signal via a video DAC 18 having a video encoder function, and displayed on a display 7 such as a TV. System processor 3
The audio data transferred from is transmitted to the D / A converter 9 and decoded by the audio decoder 8, and the decoded data is transferred to the D / A converter 9. The D / A converter 9 converts a digital signal output from the audio decoder 8 into an analog signal, and a speaker 10 reproduces data output from the D / A converter 9 as audio.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a system control unit for controlling the reproducing apparatus, 15 denotes a key input unit for receiving an instruction request from a user, 13 denotes a memory I / F unit for controlling memory input / output, and 14 denotes data temporarily. Memory part to save,
Reference numeral 16 denotes a panel display unit that displays disk information and reproduction information, and 17 denotes a frame memory unit that can temporarily hold reproduced image data.

In this example, the closed caption data is sent from the video decoder section 4 to the closed caption decoder section 30. However, the closed caption data may be sent from the system processor section 3 or via the system control section 11.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing only a part of the video processing shown in FIG. 201 is a display control unit. Actually, control is performed by the system control unit 11 or the like.
The display control unit 201 receives information from the system processor unit 202 and the video decoder unit 203, and controls each decoder unit, zoom processing circuit, and switch. DVD stream (data) sent from disk drive unit 2
Is input to the system processor unit 202. As described above, the system processor unit 202 refers to the ID data indicating the data type and distributes the data to the subsequent decoder units. The video data is stored in the video decoder unit 20
Sent to 3. MPEG video for DVD video data
The video decoder decodes the data in the MPEG2 format into a video signal, extracts the closed caption data stored in the user data area in the MPEG stream, and outputs the closed caption decoder 204. Send to The closed caption decoder decodes the closed caption data sent from the video decoder and uses the font information 205 to actually execute the TV.
Is converted into character string information to be displayed on a display, that is, a character image. The closed caption character string video signal is sent to the subsequent zoom processing circuit 207, where the zoom processing is performed in accordance with a user setting.

On the other hand, the sub-picture data is sent from the system processor section 202 to the sub-picture decoder section 206. The sub-picture decoder 206 decodes the sub-picture data,
Generate a sub video signal. The closed caption character string video signal enters the switch 209. The sub video signal enters the switch 210. The switches 209 and 210 are controlled by the display control unit 201. When the switches are turned on, the respective video signals are added by the adder 211. Further, the adder 212 performs an addition process on the main image and outputs the result as a video signal.

In this example, the zoom processing section for the closed caption image is placed before the switch 209. However, if the zoom processing is performed simultaneously with the sub-image, the adder 21 can be used.
It may be placed after 1.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for describing an example of a display screen of a user setting of the closed caption display. Reference numeral 301 denotes a setting display screen for closed caption display. Reference numeral 312 denotes an option display unit for selecting each item, and a list of options is described outside the frame of the setting display screen 301. An item 302 switches on / off of the closed caption display. 30
Reference numeral 3 denotes an item for setting how to display a closed caption and a sub-picture. Reference numeral 304 denotes an item for setting which is to be prioritized when reproducing a content including both closed caption and sub-picture data. 303 and 304 are related, and when the “display method” item is a single display, the data set in the “priority display” item is displayed. If the data set in the “priority display” item is not included in the playback content, the display need not be performed, and the other display may be performed. When the “display method” item is simultaneously displayed, both closed captions and sub-pictures are displayed. In this case, the items of the first sub-picture 306 and the second sub-picture 307 set in the sub-picture language setting 305 are referred to. Closed captions are in English, and the content and meaning of sub-pictures included in movie content are almost the same. Therefore, when the “first sub-picture” setting is English, the sub-picture The ID is switched to the language set in the “second sub-picture”.

Thus, simultaneous display in different languages can be performed. If an English sub-picture is to be displayed, the "second sub-picture" may be set to English, or a function for automatically switching on / off may be provided.
When the “display method” item is time-division display, closed captions and sub-pictures are exclusively displayed. The one set in the “priority display” item has priority, and the other is displayed only during the period when there is no display of the priority. For example, in the case where the setting is such that the sub-picture is prioritized, the sub-picture is displayed while the sub-picture is displayed, and the closed caption is displayed during the disappearance.

Reference numeral 308 denotes a closed caption character image zoom setting item. The display control unit 201 includes a system processor unit 202 or a video decoder unit 20.
3, it is possible to know whether the aspect ratio of the main video is 4: 3 or 16: 9. In the case of 16: 9, the video signal output from the playback device is displayed 9/8 times in the horizontal direction on the display side such as a TV. Therefore, the closed caption character superimposed on the main video is also multiplied by 9/8 at the same time to become a horizontally long character.

In order to correct this, only the closed caption character needs to be multiplied by 8/9 in advance on the reproducing apparatus side. When the “Closed Caption Zoom Setting” item is zoom, 8/9 by horizontal video signal filtering
Perform double processing. If the “closed caption zoom setting” item is font, 4: 3 o'clock font 309
And 16: 9 o'clock, a closed caption character image is generated using the font set in the font 310. In this example, “normal” and “portrait” are described as examples of options. By preparing a “normal” font and a “vertical” font in which the horizontal size is multiplied by 8/9 with respect to the normal font size, these may be selected and displayed as appropriate. Of course, it is possible to have completely different fonts. This function can be stopped by turning off the “closed caption zoom setting” item. In this case, the font set at 4: 3 o'clock may be used.

Reference numeral 311 denotes a "closed caption data output display" setting item. If the “Closed Caption Zoom Setting” item is set to “zoom” and “On” is selected in the “Closed Caption Zoom Setting” item, the NTSC
Closed caption data is superimposed on 21 lines in the vertical blanking period of the system video signal in a format based on the closed caption standard. The closed caption data is decoded by a closed caption decoder built in a display such as a TV that receives the video signal, and is displayed on a screen. When OFF is selected in the “closed caption zoom setting” item, the superimposition of the closed caption data on 21 lines is stopped only when the closed caption character image is displayed on the main image by the playback device.

As a result, the closed caption character image to be output is decoded and displayed on the display side such as a TV.
Multiple display of the closed caption character to be displayed can be prevented beforehand.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart showing settings for closed caption and sub-picture display in the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 4, when the setting is changed by an initialization routine for starting the reproduction of the content or a user operation, etc., the setting regarding the display of the closed caption and the sub-picture is started (S401). First, the setting of the “closed caption display” item is checked (S402), and if it is off, the process proceeds to S403. If the content to be reproduced includes closed caption data, the closed caption data is superimposed on 21 lines of the video signal based on a standard format (S
403). If there is further sub-picture data, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the "first sub-picture" item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S404). During playback, the sub-picture is displayed (S405).

The setting of the "closed caption display" item is checked (S402), and if it is on, the process proceeds to S406. It is checked whether the "display method" item is a simultaneous display (S40).
6) If applicable, set the simultaneous display mode (S4)
07). Next, it is checked whether the "display method" item is a time-division display (S408), and if so, the display mode is set to the time-division display mode (S409). If not applicable in S408,
The single display mode is set (S410).

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of the single display mode. In the sequence of FIG. 4, the reproduction of the content starts with the single display mode set (S501). Reproduction is transition from a state other than the reproduction state to the reproduction state.

First, it is checked in step S502 whether the content to be reproduced contains closed caption data.
If not, the process moves to S503. If the sub-picture data is included in the content to be reproduced, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the "first sub-picture" item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S503). If the closed caption data is included in S502, S50
Move to 4. It is checked whether the "priority display" item is a closed caption (S504), and if applicable, the closed caption data is decoded and superimposed on the main video (S505). If it does not correspond to S504, if the content to be reproduced contains sub-picture data, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the “first sub-picture” item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S506). While each of them is being displayed, the display control unit monitors whether or not the playback apparatus has stopped playback (S507).
8).

However, from playback → stop to continuous playback, playback →
In the case where the immediately preceding playback state can be determined, such as playback from pause, playback → fast forward to playback, it is possible to omit this sequence and follow the previous setting.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing an example of the simultaneous display mode. In the sequence of FIG. 4, the reproduction of the content starts with the simultaneous display mode set (S601).

First, it is checked whether the content to be reproduced contains closed caption data (S602).
If not, the process moves to S603. If the sub-picture data is included in the content to be reproduced, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the "first sub-picture" item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S603).

If it is determined in step S602 that closed caption data is included, the flow advances to step S604. It is checked whether or not the language set in the “first sub-picture” item of the sub-picture language setting is set to English (S604). If not, the process proceeds to S605. If the sub-picture data is included in the content to be reproduced, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the “first sub-picture” item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S605), and the process proceeds to S607. S604
If the content to be reproduced includes sub-picture data, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the “second sub-picture” item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed, and the process proceeds to (S606). I do. In S606, the closed caption data is decoded and superimposed and displayed on the main video (S607). During each display, the display control unit monitors whether or not the playback device has stopped playback (S60).
8) When the reproduction is stopped, the reproduction is ended and the respective displays are erased (S609).

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of the time division display mode. In the sequence of FIG. 4, the reproduction of the content starts with the time-division display mode set (S701).

First, it is checked whether the content to be reproduced contains closed caption data (S702).
If not, the process moves to S703. If the sub-picture data is included in the content to be reproduced, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the "first sub-picture" item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S703). During the display of the sub-picture (S703), the display control unit monitors whether or not the reproduction device has stopped the reproduction (S704). If the reproduction has stopped, the reproduction ends and the display of the sub-picture is erased (S705).

If it is determined in step S702 that closed caption data is included, the flow advances to step S706. It is checked whether the “priority display” item of the user setting is a closed caption (S706), and if so, S7.
Shift to 07. In S707, the closed caption data is decoded, and it is determined whether or not it is the display period of the closed caption (S707). If it is the display period, the closed caption text image is displayed so as to be superimposed on the main image (S708), and the process proceeds to S710. S70
If it is not the display period in step 7 and the sub-picture data is included in the content to be reproduced, the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the "first sub-picture" item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded and displayed (S709). ), And proceeds to S710. S710
Then, during each display, the display control unit monitors whether or not the playback device has stopped playback (S710), and returns to S707 if playback is continued. When the reproduction is stopped, the reproduction is terminated and the respective displays are erased (S705).

If the "priority display" item of the user setting is not a closed caption in S706, that is, if it is a sub-picture, the flow shifts to S715. In S715,
It is determined whether or not sub-picture data is included in the content to be reproduced (S715). If the sub-picture data is included in S715, the process proceeds to S711, where the sub-picture corresponding to the language set in the “first sub-picture” item of the sub-picture language setting is decoded, and it is determined whether or not it is during the display period ( S71
1). If it is the display period in S711, the decoded sub-video is superimposed on the main video (S712), and S714
Move to. If it is not the display period in S711, or if the content to be reproduced does not include sub-picture data in S715, the closed caption data is decoded, and the closed caption character video is superimposed on the main video and displayed (S713), and the flow proceeds to S714. Transition. S71
In step 4, during each display, the display control unit monitors whether or not the playback device has stopped playback (S714), and returns to S715 if playback is continued. When the reproduction is stopped, the reproduction is terminated and the respective displays are erased (S705).

FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an example of the zoom processing setting for displaying the closed caption character.

The setting process is started in S801 (S80).
1). It is confirmed that the "closed caption display" item is on (S802). The display controller receives information on the output aspect ratio of the main video from the system processor or the video decoder. It is checked whether the output aspect ratio of the main video is 16: 9 (S80).
3) If 16: 9, the process proceeds to S804. S804
Then, the zoom circuit (horizontal filtering circuit) is set so that the decoded closed caption character image is multiplied by 8/9 in the horizontal direction (S804), and the setting ends (S806).

It is not 16: 9 in S803, that is, 4:
If it is 3, the process proceeds to S805. In step S805, a zoom circuit (horizontal filtering circuit) is set so that the decoded closed caption character image is horizontally multiplied by one, that is, zoom processing is not performed (S804).
The setting ends (S806).

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of font setting for displaying closed caption characters.

The setting process is started in S901 (S90).
1). The display control unit confirms that the “closed caption display” item is ON (S902), and receives information on the output aspect ratio of the main video from the system processor unit or the video decoder unit. It is checked whether the output aspect ratio of the main video is 16: 9 (S90).
3) If 16: 9, the process proceeds to S904. S904
Then, the font for generating the decoded closed caption character image is set to the font designated in the “16: 9 o'clock font” item (S904), and the setting ends (S906).

In S903, it is not 16: 9, that is, 4:
If it is 3, the process moves to S905. In S905, the font used to generate the decoded closed caption character image is set to the font specified in the “4: 3 o'clock font” item (S905), and the setting ends (S905).
906).

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of the output setting of the closed caption data which is output from the reproducing apparatus while being superimposed on 21 lines of the video signal. The setting process is started in S1001 (S1001).

Next, it is checked that the "closed caption display" item is on (S1002), and if it is on, the flow shifts to S1003. If it is off, the process moves to S1004. In S1003, it is checked whether the “closed caption data output” item is on (S1003). S
If it does not correspond to 1003, that is, if it is set to off, the closed caption data is set to 2
The playback device is set so as not to be superimposed on one line (S10
05), the setting ends (S1006).

If this is the case in S1003, that is, if it is set to ON, the flow shifts to S1004. The display control unit receives information from the system processor unit or the video decoder unit as to whether or not the reproduction content includes closed caption data. If the data includes the data, the display control unit transmits the information to the 21 lines of the video signal in a closed caption standard format. The setting is made so that the signal is superimposed and output (S1004), and the setting ends (S1004).
6).

By the way, in recent years, progressive TV which doubles scanning lines and converts interlaced scanning into sequential scanning has been increasing, and DVD reproducing apparatuses having progressive video output have begun to appear. The present invention is also effective for such progressive video output. That is, at this time, since a transmission standard of closed caption is not established for a progressive video signal, a closed caption signal cannot be transmitted at the time of progressive output. By using the apparatus of the present invention, a closed caption is superimposed on a video signal beforehand and sent, so that it is possible to display a closed caption character string on a TV screen even in a progressive mode.

[0054]

As described above, according to the information reproducing apparatus of the present invention, the closed caption display and the sub-video display can be effectively displayed by controlling automatically or by user setting. It is possible to realize effective display of caption information, that is, closed captions and sub-pictures that are easy for the user to see.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a system diagram for describing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram for explaining a specific example of a main part of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining an example of a user setting screen relating to closed caption display according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining closed caption and sub-picture display settings in the playback device of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a single display mode of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining an example of a simultaneous display mode of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a time-division display mode according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a zoom display setting according to the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of font setting according to the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining an example of closed caption data output setting according to the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

2: Disk drive unit, 3,202: System processor unit, 4,203: Video decoder unit, 5,206 ...
Sub video decoder unit, 6 Video processor unit, 8 Audio decoder unit, 18 Video DAC, 9 D / A conversion unit, 30, 204 Closed caption decoder unit, 201 Display control unit, 207 Zoom processing circuit .

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04N 7/035 7/083 7/087 7/088 F-term (Reference) 5C025 BA02 BA28 CA09 DA01 DA05 5C052 AA02 AB04 AC10 CC01 DD08 EE03 5C063 AB03 AB07 CA25 DA03 DA13 DB02 EB37 EB42 5D044 AB07 BC03 CC06 DE18 DE28 FG18 GK12 GK14

Claims (7)

[Claims] 1. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video content recorded in accordance with the DVD standard, comprising: means for superimposing and displaying sub-video data of the video content on a main video of the video content; Means for decoding and displaying the closed caption data; means for controlling the display of the decoded sub-picture and the closed caption; means for recording user setting information; and, based on the user setting information, the sub-picture or the An information reproducing apparatus comprising means for automatically displaying only one of closed captions. 2. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the display of the sub-picture is prioritized, and the closed caption is displayed only during a period in which the sub-picture is not displayed. 3. The information reproducing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein priority is given to displaying the sub-picture, and the sub-picture is displayed only during a period in which the closed caption is not displayed. 4. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video content recorded based on the DVD standard, wherein: a means for superimposing and displaying sub-video data of the video content on a main video of the video content; Means for decoding and displaying closed caption data; means for controlling display of the decoded sub-picture and the closed caption; means for recording user setting information; and displaying the closed caption based on the user setting information. If so, the stream ID of the sub-picture
The information reproducing apparatus further comprises: means for changing to a language other than English and displaying the sub-picture and the closed caption at the same time. 5. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video content recorded based on a DVD standard, wherein: means for decoding and displaying closed caption data of the video content; means for changing the size of the closed caption display; Means for determining whether the output aspect ratio of the main video of the video content is squeezed or 4: 3; and means for changing the size of the closed caption display based on the output aspect of the main video and displaying the closed caption display. Information reproducing device. 6. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video content recorded based on a DVD standard, comprising: means for decoding and displaying closed caption data of the video content; and means for changing a font of the displayed closed caption. Means for determining whether the output aspect ratio of the main video of the video content is squeezed or 4: 3, and means for changing and displaying a font of closed caption display based on the output aspect of the main video. Playback device. 7. An information reproducing apparatus for reproducing video content recorded based on the DVD standard, comprising: means for decoding and displaying closed caption data of the video content; and displaying the closed caption data in a vertical blanking period of a video signal. Means for superimposing and transmitting; means for controlling whether or not to transmit the closed caption data in a vertical blanking period; and when decoding and displaying the closed caption data, to the vertical blanking period of the closed caption data. Means for stopping superimposed transmission of the information.