Convert JSON Subtitles to SMI 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 SMI
SMI or SAMI (Synchronized Accessible Media Interchange) is a format developed by Microsoft for subtitles in Windows Media Player. It uses an HTML-like syntax, which allows for basic styling and formatting of the subtitle text. It also has features for including multiple language tracks in a single file. Its usage has declined significantly with the wane of Windows Media Player.
JSON vs SMI
| Feature | JSON | SMI |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | true | false |
| Learning Curve | intermediate | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 4 | 3 |
| Patent Status | open standard | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2001 | 1998 |
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.
Is SMI still used?
SMI is largely considered a legacy format. While it was popular in the early 2000s, especially in some Asian markets, its proprietary nature and the rise of open standards like VTT have made it uncommon for modern content.
What are the advantages of SMI?
Its main historical advantage was its ability to include multiple languages in one file and its use of familiar HTML-like tags for styling, which was accessible to web developers at the time. However, modern formats have surpassed its capabilities.
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