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ADENAcademy · Only Pros Know · Lesson 6 of 6

Configuring and using AREC Transcription and Translation Stations KS-CC1 and KS-CC2

This lesson explains how to configure and use the AREC KS-CC1 and KS-CC2(T) transcription and translation stations.

Configuring and using AREC Transcription and Translation Stations KS-CC1 and KS-CC2

Please be aware that this is one of the longer lessons and will require a bit more time than usual.


There are currently two lines of translation and transcription stations in the AREC product line: KS-CC1 and KS-CC2(T). While the stations are very different and were designed for different use cases, they are configured almost the same way as AREC Media Stations. As a result, we will only focus on the differences, unique features, and applications of these stations.


For more information about the basics of setup, such as how to access the web interface, connect video sources, set up streaming, and other such topics, you can refer to previous ADENAcademy lessons in the Basics and In-Depth categories on the ADENAcademy page.



KS-CC1 Closed Captions Station



The KS-CC1 Closed Captions Station is designed to produce closed captions for the speaker and simultaneously translate their speech into two other languages. The station saves all three languages as separate subtitle (.srt) and transcript (.txt) files, making it easy for users to edit any inaccuracies. Users can read closed captions or subtitles on the station's HDMI video outputs, network streams (RTSP/RTP/RTMP), or on their mobile devices by opening the station's subtitle page.


The station relies on licence-based cloud services in order to transcribe and translate speech, and so it requires an Internet connection and licence keys to work. Starting from firmware version 2.1.0.4, users are able to choose between Google Speech-to-Text V2 API and OpenAI API.


At the same time, the station also functions as a one-channel Media Station. Like other latest AREC Media Stations (e.g., LS-210, LS-310, LS-410), it accepts HDMI, USB, and network audio and video inputs, works as an encoder and decoder, and supports recording and streaming.


KS-CC1 – general differences


While the KS-CC1 and the latest AREC Media Stations are similar in many ways, some key differences in functions exist. They include:


  • The KS-CC1 does not officially support the "Online Director" page. To monitor the station, you can use its RTSP internal stream (rtsp://ip address of the station/movie) or the HDMI video output.

  • As a one-channel station, the KS-CC1 is not designed to have customisable layouts, backgrounds, overlays, or themes.

  • It is not possible to preview video channels on the "Administrator" → "Media I/O" → "Video inputs" page.

  • The KS-CC1 does not have built-in storage. To save videos and .srt/.txt files, you must connect a storage. The KS-CC1 supports microSD cards, USB drives, and NAS as primary storage.

  • The KS-CC1 does not support automatic or manual backup to FTP/SFTP servers and it is not integrated with VCMS platforms or Google Drive.

  • Recording and streaming functions are tied to transcription and translation. Thus, an active licence and Internet connection are required to start recording and streaming on the KS-CC1.

  • Since streaming is tied to transcription and translation, it is not possible to change the streaming mode on the KS-CC1. Streaming always starts together with translation/transcription. To turn streaming on and off, use the toggle buttons on the "Administrator" → "Video" → "Streaming" page.

  • The KS-CC1 RTSP and RTP/RTMP streams feature the station's GUI (if it is enabled). The GUI is used to switch the currently displayed language, display mode, and to show the QR code for local viewers to access the station's subtitles page.


Except for these differences, the basic startup and configuration process of the KS-CC1 is the same as for any other AREC Media Station.


Finding out the IP address of the KS-CC1


By default, the KS-CC1's WAN port is in DHCP mode. To find the station's IP address, connect it to network and use the GUI or IP scanning tools.


To access the GUI, click on the arrow in the bottom-right corner of the station's mixed video output (HDMI OUT), then click "i" to open the information menu.


Configuring closed captions and translation on the KS-CC1


The station's closed captions and translation languages are configured on the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption settings" page.


Selecting languages on the KS-CC1

To change which language is captioned, select the language you require in the dropdown menu under "Closed Caption:". The station will attempt to interpret all incoming audio as that language, and so it is necessary to ensure clean sound to minimise inaccurate captions. In order to deliver captions and translation quickly, the station divides received audio into short fragments which are displayed as soon as they are processed by the server.


The translation function of the KS-CC1 works by translating the captioned text into chosen languages. You can change these languages under "Subtitle 1:" and "Subtitle 2:". On the GUI and mobile interface/subtitle page, "Subtitle 1:" and "Subtitle 2:" are represented as "S1" and "S2" respectively.


Click "Apply" to confirm the languages.


Note that the number of supported languages differs by firmware version. This is because versions prior to 2.1.0.4 used Google Speech-to-Text V1 API. While it is an older and less advanced version of the API, it supports more languages. Stations running firmware version 2.1.0.4 and newer use Google Speech-to-Text V2 API and OpenAI API. These APIs currently support fewer languages, but offer increased caption accuracy and translation quality. Lists of supported languages can be found on the KS-CC1 product page on our website. If you need to use the station to caption or translate a language that is not supported in the latest version, but is supported in one of its previous firmware versions, contact us through our website www.a-dena.com or email info@a-dena.com for assistance.


Adding licence service time on the KS-CC1

As we mentioned previously, the KS-CC1 uses licence-based cloud services in order to transcribe and translate speech. Licences can be purchased from your AREC vendor. If you are not sure who to contact, you can always reach out to us at www.a-dena.com for assistance.


Remaining licence time is displayed on the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption settings" page and the station's GUI. To top up, enter the licence key under "Stored value code:" on the same page and click "Apply".


Licence time is deducted only when the station is translating and transcribing. Recording and RTP/RTMP streaming cannot be started without translation and transcription, and so licence is required for these two functions as well.


Licence time is not used for any other function, e.g. if the station is simply turned on, used as a video switcher, or if its RTSP network stream is pulled.


In firmware versions 2.1.0.4 and higher, licence time is deducted by minutes. To give an example, if you used translation/transcription for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 3 minutes would be deducted from the licence.


In firmware versions before 2.1.0.4, licence time was deducted by 5 minute periods. To give an example, if you used translation/transcription for 2 minutes and 30 seconds, 5 minutes would be deducted from the licence.


Note that the station must be connected to the Internet and must be able to reach Google and OpenAI servers for the licences to correctly apply and display.


Selecting translation and transcription API on the KS-CC1


The 2.1.0.4 firmware update for the KS-CC1 introduced an ability to switch translation and transcription API. This can be done on the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption settings" page.


To change the API, simply select the one you require in the dropdown menu and click "Apply". The change is instant and does not require a restart.


Note that the licence time is shared between Google and OpenAI APIs. It is not necessary to buy separate keys for these language models.


Differences between Google AI and OpenAI APIs

There are many differences between Google and OpenAI APIs. You can refer to the table above to find the key differences or review our ADENA Hack on this topic: https://www.a-dena.com/post/adena-hack-how-to-change-language-models-on-the-ks-cc1



To summarise, the OpenAI API makes closed captions more complete (fewer word omissions), but can introduce words that were not said (as it relies on prediction). Google API tends to have more word omissions (because of high confidence threshold), but can be more accurate.


Note that the more widely used languages like English tend to be captioned and translated more accurately by AI language models. Caption and translation accuracy also differs between Google and OpenAI. This is largely due to the kind of training data that was used to develop language models. For instance, OpenAI was largely trained on videos, whereas Google was trained on text. The more data for a particular language was used in training, the higher is its caption accuracy. Given that changing the language model inside the KS-CC1 is instant, you can find which model works best for your language combinations.


Customising how the captions/subtitles are displayed by the KS-CC1

Other settings related to closed captions and subtitles can be found on the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption preview" page.


You can select which language to display on the station's video outputs by clicking on the dropdown menu under "Video output with:". Select "None" if you do not want to display text on the station's video outputs.


You can also customise the font size, text and background colours, or transparency of closed captions using the settings on this page. The changes you apply are immediately displayed on example text under "Text color and background color:".


Providing easy access to subtitles for local viewers

Regardless of the settings in "Video output with:", the station outputs captions and subtitles on the “Subtitle” page. It can be accessed via the following link:


IP address of the station/subtitle


To make accessing subtitles easier and faster, the station is able to produce a QR-code with a customisable link. Scanning this link will take users to the “Subtitle” page, where they can choose which language they want to see the text in.


To change the QR-code and its link, enter a URL in the "URL for mobile device" field, then click "Apply". In the "Notification message" field, you can customise the message that will be displayed with the QR code when it is toggled on the GUI. Click "Apply" to confirm your changes.


Note that you can change the code to lead to a public IP address or a domain. You do not need to add “/subtitle” to the URL since it is done automatically by the station.


"Subtitle" page of the KS-CC1


As we have just mentioned, the “Subtitle” page displays what was captioned and translated by the KS-CC1.


Using the KS-CC1's "Subtitle" page

Here is what each function allows you to do:


  1. Mute/unmute: click this to mute/unmute Text-to-Speech function.

  2. Playback speed: click to change the speed of Text-to-Speech function.

  3. Voice: click to change the voice of Text-to-Speech function.

  4. Colour theme: click to change the colour theme of the "Subtitle" page (white or blue).

  5. Language selection: click to change which language is displayed on the "Subtitle" page.

  6. List of languages: click on a language to select it.


Note that the voices available for the Text-to-Speech function are determined by the browser, its version, and the operating system of the device you are using to access the KS-CC1.


Video outputs of the KS-CC1


There are two HDMI outputs on the KS-CC1: HDMI OUT and HDMI LOOP.


  • HDMI OUT displays the video source selected in the KS-CC1's only channel, the GUI (if it is enabled), and closed captions/subtitles (if their display is enabled).

  • HDMI LOOP is a loop through output that duplicates the source connected to HDMI IN 1 input. It works even if the HDMI IN 1 source is not selected in the KS-CC1.


GUI of the KS-CC1


If the GUI is enabled, its functions can be accessed by clicking the arrow button on the HDMI OUT output or any of the station's streams.


Click "i" to open a menu with various information about the KS-CC1. This is similar to the "gear" icon found in GUIs of AREC Media Stations. On the KS-CC1, however, this menu also allows you to start and stop translation/transcription and see the remaining licence time.


The next button shows and controls the currently displayed language. Click it to cycle its modes. "CC" means closed captions, i.e., the language of the speaker, "S1" means the language selected in "Subtitle 1:" back on the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption settings" page, and "S2" stands for "Subtitle 2:" on that same page. "Globe" icon indicates that no language is displayed.


The last button displays the QR code to access the "Subtitles" page.


Customisable QR code and message of the KS-CC1


Text-only display mode on the KS-CC1


There is one more feature on the video output of the KS-CC1. Use touch input or drag a mouse and click anywhere on the bottom of the screen to activate text-only display mode. To exit this mode, click anywhere.


Importantly, since the KS-CC1 captions and translates all languages simultaneously, you can change the displayed language via the GUI. Doing so will also change the language of text-only display mode.


Changing the language displayed on the video output also changes the language of text-only display mode


Downloading .txt and .srt files from the KS-CC1


The "Video Manager" page of the KS-CC1 is very similar to that of AREC Media Stations, except it does not feature metadata editing, snapshots, upload to server, or HTML download (as these functions do not exist on the KS-CC1).


.txt and .srt files, as well as videos, are only saved if "Recording mode" is enabled on the "Administrator" → "Video" → "Recording" page. To download .txt and .srt, click on the recording these files are associated with and download "Data set".


Note that subtitles and captions are not embedded in the video files. This allows users to create multiple variants of the same video with different subtitles/captions and to edit out any inaccuracies.


Difference between .txt and .srt files of the KS-CC1 and using these files


Downloaded DataSet.zip archives contain the recording's snapshot and .txt and .srt files of the recording.


.srt files (subtitles) contain timestamps for every phrase. They can be modified with a regular notepad or third-party subtitle editing software. Subtitles can be added to videos using video player functions. For example, using VLC (a free, open-source player), open a video → "Subtitle" → "Add Subtitle File".


You can also use players like VLC to make subtitles a permanent part of the video, i.e. burning them in the video. To do that with VLC, click "Media" → "Stream". In the menu that opens, add a video file, then enable "Use a subtitle file" and select it. Click "Stream", then "Next", select "File" in the "New destination" and click "Add", then give a name to this file, specify extension (e.g. .mp4) and choose where it should be saved. Click "Next" to proceed, then ensure that "Activate Transcoding" is enabled, select a transcoding profile and click the wrench button to edit it. In the menu that opens, go to the "Subtitles" tab, enable "Subtitles" and "Overlay subtitles on the video", then click "Save" and "Next". Lastly, click "Stream" and after the process is finished, VLC will create a new file with subtitles burned in.


.txt (transcript) files simply show all of the captured text without timestamps.


This concludes the KS-CC1 part of this lesson.



KS-CC2 and KS-CC2T AI Translator Station


KS-CC2(T) is a two-way AI translation system. While the KS-CC1 translates one language into two others, the KS-CC2(T) captions and translates two languages to each other. As a result, this station was designed for different usage scenarios, such as hotel reception desks, banks, international companies' meeting rooms, governmental institutions, and other scenarios where speakers of different languages may require an interpreter to communicate.


KS-CC2(T) exists in two versions: standard (KS-CC2) and portable, with a touch screen (KS-CC2T). While the hardware is different, the functions are almost the same. For this reason, we will refer to this station as KS-CC2(T) for the rest of the lesson, and specify the exact version only if there is a difference.


Unlike the KS-CC1, the KS-CC2 does not function like a Media Station. It does not capture, process, or record video. Its only function is to caption and translate languages in a dialogue format and save conversation transcripts in .txt format.


The KS-CC2(T) supports only USB (UAC) devices for audio input. While we recommend using RADA Duo wireless microphones, there are no restrictions on microphone brands or models, and it is even possible to use converters like RADA Bridge as inputs.


Video output of the KS-CC2(T) when translation/transcription is off


Video output of the KS-CC2(T) when translation/transcription is on


All video outputs on the KS-CC2(T) display the same image:


  • When the station is not translating/transcribing, a choice of languages for two sides and a button to activate translation/transcription.

  • When the station is translating/transcribing, a dialogue of these two languages is displayed instead.


The same image is displayed on the local RTSP stream of the KS-CC2(T).


Finding the IP address on the KS-CC2(T)


By default, the KS-CC2(T) has two WAN ports in DHCP mode. To find the station's IP address, click or tap on the top-right corner of the video output as on the image above or use IP scanning software.


Audio inputs and outputs on the KS-CC2(T)


Audio inputs on the KS-CC2(T) are marked as blue and green. Blue stands for "USB Audio 1" and green stands for "USB Audio 2". These markings are used everywhere in the system:


  • Web interface ("Administrator" page)

  • USB inputs

  • Video outputs (before and after translation/transcription is started)


To manage audio settings of the KS-CC2(T), open its "Administrator" web page. On the "Media I/O" → "Audio" page, you can use the sliders under "USB Audio 1" and "USB Audio 2" to adjust them, or speaker icons to mute/unmute them – same as on any other AREC station.


If an audio input is connected to a port and recognised by the station, its name will be displayed in the field under the port input number to which it is connected. In the example image above, no audio inputs are connected, and so both fields display "none".


When audio inputs are connected and recognised by the KS-CC2(T), the station assigns them names


However, in the example image above, both audio inputs were connected and the system correctly assigned them names.


In some cases, USB inputs may fail to initialise properly and will not be recognised by the KS-CC2(T) (fields under inputs will display "none"). As a result, the station will not receive their audio. To fix that, reboot the station to reinitialise an input.


Alternatively, you can connect the USB input to another device with USB (UAC) support, such as a computer, to reinitialise and ensure that it works there, then return it to the KS-CC2(T).


To double-check that the audio inputs are working correctly on the KS-CC2(T), we recommend using the station's network stream (rtsp://ip address of the station/movie). On the KS-CC2 version of the station, there is also a line output that can be used. This line output can be configured through the "Administrator" → "Media I/O" → "Audio" page, under "Output volume control".


Selecting languages on the KS-CC2(T) – through the video output


The process of selecting languages on the KS-CC2(T) is similar to the KS-CC1. Languages can be chosen through the station's video output (click on a language to open language selection menu) and the "Administrator" web page.


Selecting languages on the KS-CC2(T) – through the "Administrator" page


To change the station's languages through the web interface, open the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption settings" page.


On the web page, "Language 1:" is the blue input, whereas "Language 2:" is the green input.


Languages can be locked so that it is not possible to change them on the station's video outputs. To lock or unlock a language, click on the "lock" icon next to it.


Note that the KS-CC2(T) currently supports fewer languages than the KS-CC1, but more can be added. If the language you require is not in the list of supported languages, you can contact us at www.a-dena.com or via email info@a-dena.com to request its addition and discuss the requirements.


Adding licence service time on the KS-CC2(T)


Just as the KS-CC1, the KS-CC2(T) relies on licence-based cloud services in order to transcribe and translate speech, and so it requires Internet connection and licence keys to work. Licences can be purchased from your AREC vendor. If you are not sure who to contact, you can always reach out to us at www.a-dena.com for assistance. Remaining licence time is displayed on the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Live Caption settings" page and the station's GUI. To top up, enter the licence key under "Stored value code:" on the same page and click "Apply".


Licence time is deducted only when the station is translating and transcribing. Licence time is not used for any other function, e.g., if the station is simply turned on or if its RTSP network stream is pulled.


Note that the station must be connected to the Internet and must be able to reach Google servers for the licences to correctly apply and display.


It is not possible to start translating/transcribing if the KS-CC2 has not established a connection to Google servers


In some cases, the station may finish booting up faster than it is able to reach Google servers. In such cases, it would not be possible to start translating/transcribing, and the "microphone" button will be crossed and greyed out as on the image above until the station is able to reach the server.


If the station is properly connected to the Internet and network settings allow it to reach Google, the translation/transcription feature restores automatically within a few minutes (the "microphone" button turns to its default status).


Creating transcripts and managing storage on the KS-CC2(T)


While the KS-CC2(T) does not record audio or video, it can record text transcripts and save them on connected USB flash drives. To use a drive for storage, it must be mounted by the KS-CC2(T). This can be done on the "Administrator" → "Live Translation" → "Live Caption settings" page under "Storage". You can see information about the connected drives under "Disk information".


To enable recording of text transcripts, toggle "Recording:" on under "Enable transcription logs" on the same page. Transcripts are then saved automatically on the mounted drive.


It is not necessary to format a drive to use it on the KS-CC2(T)


Note that USB drives do not need to be formatted by AREC Media Stations to be used on the KS-CC2(T). Even if a drive is highlighted red, it is possible to use it to save text transcripts as long as it is using a compatible file system (NTFS, FAT32, exFAT) and is selected under "Storage".


Saving transcripts on the KS-CC2(T)


To save a transcript, stop the transcription/translation session and wait for the notification icon to appear on the video output. After the icon disappears, the drive is safe to remove.


Using transcripts on the KS-CC2(T)


One transcript file is created for both languages.


In the transcript file, lines in the first language (blue input) start with 1, whereas lines in the second language (green input) start with 2. This is followed by timestamps (when the line was captured) and translation into the other language.


Additional caption settings on the KS-CC2(T)


Additional caption settings of the KS-CC2(T) can be accessed through the "Administrator" → "Live Transcription" → "Speech settings" page.


Just as the KS-CC1, KS-CC2(T) divides received audio into fragments which are sent to Google servers to be converted into text and translated. The Speech-to-Text API compares received audio with the pronunciation database, picking words that resemble the pronunciation the most (or omitting these words if the pronunciation is not clear). The settings on the "Speech settings" page allow users to modify this mechanism.


Use the "Maximum sentence length (sec.):" slider to modify the maximum duration of an audio fragment. While having this value higher will make the captions (and consequently, translation) more accurate, it will take more time before the transcribed and translated text is displayed.


Use the "Silence threshold (sec.):" slider to modify the maximum time a speaker can be silent before the audio fragment is cut. Similarly to "Maximum sentence length (sec.):", higher values make captions (and consequently, translation) more accurate by maintaining sentence structures, but slow down display of text, particularly in fast-paced speech.


Use the "Confidence threshold:" slider to modify how close the received audio must be to the expected pronunciation to be displayed. Higher values can make captions (and consequently, translation) more accurate, but will lead to more words missing from the text if the pronunciation is not clear or differs from the language database.


Using the KS-CC2(T) – starting translation/transcription


To start translating/transcribing, press the big microphone button on the station's video output.


Using the KS-CC2(T) – keyword search


When the KS-CC2(T) is captioning/translating speech, you can select any text (captioned or translated) and search for it on Google using the built-in browser.


Click the "Search" button to open a built-in browser


This can be used to confirm that the translation is correct, show related images, map directions, and more.


Note that the browser's language is determined automatically by factors like the device's location and IP address.


That concludes the lesson. You can now test your knowledge and understanding by answering the questions on the lesson's form.


After you submit your answers on the form, make sure to click "View Scores" to see whether you answered correctly. You will also receive an email at the address you used when starting this lesson, containing your answers and a "View Scores" link.


If you have completed all lessons with a 100% score, you will receive a certificate of ADENAcademy completion. If we haven't contacted you about it, please send us an email at info@a-dena.com



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