Convert SMI Subtitles to TXT_QUICKTIME Format
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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 TXT_QUICKTIME
QuickTime Text, often called QTText, is Apple's native format for creating text tracks in QuickTime videos. It's a simple text file that can include timestamps and some basic styling descriptors using text-based tags. It was commonly used for adding subtitles, chapter markers, and other timed text to videos within the Apple ecosystem.
SMI vs TXT_QUICKTIME
| Feature | SMI | TXT_QUICKTIME |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | false |
| Positioning Support | true | false |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | intermediate | beginner |
| Quality Rating | 3 | 2 |
| Patent Status | proprietary | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 1998 | 1999 |
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.
Does QuickTime Text work outside of Apple products?
Support for QTText is very limited outside of the Apple ecosystem. Players like VLC may have some support for it, but in general, it is not a portable format. For cross-platform compatibility, it's much better to use a universal format like SRT.
Can I style QuickTime Text subtitles?
Yes, QTText supports some basic text styling. You can add descriptors in the file header to define a font, size, and color, and use tags within the subtitle text to apply styles like bold or italic. However, the styling is much more limited than formats like VTT or ASS.
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