Convert PGS Subtitles to SUB_MICRODVD Format

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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 SUB_MICRODVD

MicroDVD is a frame-based subtitle format, which means its timings are based on video frame numbers rather than timestamps. For example, a line might be defined to appear from frame 1000 to frame 1050. This can be very precise, but it also means the subtitle file is tied to a specific video file with a specific frame rate. If the frame rate changes, the subtitle timing will be incorrect.

PGS vs SUB_MICRODVD

FeaturePGSSUB_MICRODVD
Styling Supporttruefalse
Positioning Supporttruefalse
Animation Supportfalsefalse
Learning Curveexpertintermediate
Quality Rating52
Patent Statusproprietaryfreeware
Year Introduced20061999

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.

Why use frame numbers instead of time?

Frame-based timing can be very useful for video editors who work on a frame-by-frame basis. However, for general distribution and playback, time-based formats like SRT are much more flexible and reliable, as they are not dependent on the video's frame rate.

What happens if I use a MicroDVD file with the wrong frame rate video?

The subtitles will go out of sync. For example, if the subtitle file was created for a 25 fps video, but you play it with a 29.97 fps video, the subtitles will appear progressively earlier or later as the video plays.

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