Convert JSON Subtitles to PGS Format
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About JSON
JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) is a lightweight data-interchange format that is easy for humans to read and write and easy for machines to parse and generate. While not a traditional subtitle format itself, it is an excellent way to store and transmit structured subtitle data. Each subtitle cue can be an object with properties for start time, end time, text content, and any custom metadata.
About PGS
PGS (Presentation Graphic Stream) is an image-based subtitle format used exclusively for Blu-ray discs. Unlike text-based formats like SRT, PGS subtitles are stored as a sequence of bitmap images that are overlaid on the video. This means they can have any font, style, or color imaginable, but it also means they are not text-searchable and cannot be easily edited.
JSON vs PGS
| Feature | JSON | PGS |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | true | false |
| Learning Curve | intermediate | expert |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 5 |
| Patent Status | open standard | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2001 | 2006 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a media player play a JSON subtitle file?
No, standard media players like VLC or QuickTime cannot directly play a JSON file as a subtitle track. JSON is a data format that would need to be processed by a custom web application or script to display the subtitles over a video.
Why would I convert subtitles to JSON?
Converting subtitles to JSON is extremely useful for web developers and data processing. It allows you to easily load subtitle data into a web application, manipulate it with JavaScript, integrate it with other APIs, or store it in a database in a structured way.
Can I edit a PGS subtitle file?
No, you cannot edit the text in a PGS file directly because it's a series of images, not text. To 'edit' a PGS file, you would need to use Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to convert the images back into a text-based format like SRT, edit the text, and then optionally convert it back, though this is a complex and often error-prone process.
Why do Blu-rays use image-based subtitles?
Image-based subtitles guarantee that the text will be displayed exactly as the designer intended, with specific fonts and styles, on any certified Blu-ray player. This avoids issues with players not having the correct fonts installed or not supporting certain text rendering features.
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