Convert SUB_MICRODVD Subtitles to SSA Format
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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.
About SSA
SubStation Alpha (SSA) is the predecessor to the more feature-rich ASS format. It was one of the first subtitle formats to allow for basic styling, including control over fonts, colors, and text position. While it has largely been superseded by ASS, it laid the groundwork for advanced subtitle scripting and is still supported by many players that support ASS.
SUB_MICRODVD vs SSA
| Feature | SUB_MICRODVD | SSA |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | false | true |
| Positioning Support | false | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | intermediate | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 2 | 3 |
| Patent Status | freeware | open format |
| Year Introduced | 1999 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Should I use SSA or ASS?
You should almost always choose ASS over SSA for new projects. ASS is fully backward-compatible with SSA and contains a much larger and more powerful feature set. SSA is primarily of interest for compatibility with very old files or legacy workflows.
What can SSA do that SRT cannot?
Unlike SRT, SSA allows you to define specific styles for your subtitles, such as the font family, font size, primary and secondary colors, and basic positioning on the screen. However, its capabilities are much more limited compared to its successor, ASS.
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