Convert PGS Subtitles to STL Format
or drag and drop
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.
About STL
The EBU STL (European Broadcasting Union Sp-ruce Teletext Ltd) format is a professional subtitle format used extensively in television broadcasting and for DVD authoring. It's a binary format that contains not only the text and timing but also a large amount of metadata related to the production, such as program title, episode number, and translation details. It's a robust format designed for professional broadcast workflows.
PGS vs STL
| Feature | PGS | STL |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | expert | expert |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | industry standard |
| Year Introduced | 2006 | 1991 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Is this STL related to 3D printing?
No, this is a common point of confusion. The EBU STL format for subtitles is completely unrelated to the STL (STereoLithography) file format used for 3D models and printing. They just happen to share the same file extension.
Can I open an STL subtitle file in a text editor?
No, most STL files are binary and will not be readable in a standard text editor. They require specialized professional subtitling software to be opened, edited, and converted.
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