Convert LRC Subtitles to SMI Format
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About LRC
LRC is a format designed to display synchronized lyrics for audio files, most commonly used by music players and karaoke software. The format is a simple text file with a timestamp at the beginning of each line of lyrics. As the audio plays, the player displays the line of text that corresponds to the current time, creating a simple but effective karaoke-style experience.
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.
LRC vs SMI
| Feature | LRC | SMI |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | false | true |
| Positioning Support | false | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | beginner | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 3 | 3 |
| Patent Status | open format | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 1999 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use LRC files for video subtitles?
LRC is not suitable for video subtitles. It only has a start timestamp for each line and no end time, meaning the text would remain on screen until the next line appears. It's specifically designed for the line-by-line nature of song lyrics and lacks the features needed for proper dialogue subtitling.
What is the difference between simple and enhanced LRC?
Simple LRC format provides a timestamp for each line. Enhanced LRC format adds the ability to have timestamps for each word within a line, allowing for a more precise word-by-word highlighting effect in karaoke applications.
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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