Convert VTT Subtitles to SMI Format
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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.
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.
VTT vs SMI
| Feature | VTT | SMI |
|---|---|---|
| Styling Support | true | true |
| Positioning Support | true | true |
| Animation Support | false | false |
| Learning Curve | intermediate | intermediate |
| Quality Rating | 5 | 3 |
| Patent Status | open standard | proprietary |
| Year Introduced | 2012 | 1998 |
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
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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