Convert STL Subtitles to SUB_MICRODVD Format
or drag and drop
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.
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.
STL vs SUB_MICRODVD
| Feature | STL | SUB_MICRODVD |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | false |
| Positioning Support | true | false |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | expert | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 2 |
| Patent Status | industry standard | freeware |
| Year Introduced | 1991 | 1999 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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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