Convert SUP Subtitles to STL 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 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.

SUP vs STL

FeatureSUPSTL
Styling Supporttruetrue
Positioning Supporttruetrue
Animation Supportfalsefalse
Learning Curveexpertexpert
Quality Rating55
Patent Statusindustry standardindustry standard
Year Introduced19971991

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 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.

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