Convert STL Subtitles to VTT 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 VTT
WebVTT (Web Video Text Tracks) is the modern standard for displaying subtitles on the web, designed specifically for use with HTML5 video. It's similar to SRT but includes added features for styling (using CSS), positioning, and metadata. This allows for more dynamic, accessible, and richly formatted captions and subtitles directly in the browser.
STL vs VTT
| Feature | STL | VTT |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | expert | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 5 |
| Patent Status | industry standard | open standard |
| Year Introduced | 1991 | 2012 |
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.
How is VTT different from SRT?
The main differences are that VTT supports styling, positioning, and metadata, while SRT does not. VTT also has a slightly different timestamp format (using a period instead of a comma for milliseconds) and requires a 'WEBVTT' header. VTT is the standard for modern web video.
Can I use HTML tags in a VTT file?
You can use certain HTML-like tags within VTT cues for basic formatting, such as <b> for bold, <i> for italic, and <u> for underline. You can also define more complex styles in an external CSS file linked to the video player.
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