Convert SUP Subtitles to SMI Format
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About SUP
The SUP format is a generic container for image-based subtitles, most commonly associated with DVD and Blu-ray discs. On DVDs, these are called VobSub (.sub/.idx), and on Blu-rays, they are PGS (.sup). In both cases, the subtitles are stored as a stream of images, not as text. This ensures consistent visual appearance across all players but makes them large and impossible to edit as text.
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.
SUP vs SMI
| Feature | SUP | SMI |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | expert | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 3 |
| Patent Status | industry standard | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 1997 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between PGS and SUP?
PGS is a specific type of SUP stream used for Blu-ray discs. 'SUP' is often used more generically to refer to any image-based subtitle stream, including those from DVDs (which are technically VobSubs). Our converter correctly identifies and handles these different image-based formats.
How do I convert a SUP file to SRT?
Converting an image-based format like SUP to a text-based format like SRT requires Optical Character Recognition (OCR). This process involves software scanning the images of the subtitles and attempting to recognize the characters to convert them back into text. The accuracy can vary depending on the quality and font of the subtitles.
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.
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