Convert SMI Subtitles to SCC Format
or drag and drop
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.
About SCC
SCC (Scenarist Closed Caption) is a professional format used for creating Line 21 closed captions, which are the standard for broadcast television in North America. SCC files contain not just the text but also precise data on screen positioning (including roll-up and pop-on styles) and color, conforming to the CEA-608 standard. It's a critical format for broadcast accessibility compliance.
SMI vs SCC
| Feature | SMI | SCC |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | intermediate | expert |
| Quality Rating | 3 | 5 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 1998 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
What is the difference between open captions and closed captions?
Open captions are 'burned' into the video itself and cannot be turned off. Closed captions (like those from an SCC file) are a separate stream of data that the viewer can choose to enable or disable from their television or player.
Can I use SCC files for web video?
While it's possible to convert SCC to a web-friendly format like VTT, SCC itself is not designed for the web. It is a broadcast-specific format. Web platforms have their own standards for accessibility and captions, with VTT being the most common.
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