I want to rip hard-coded subs from a VCD (avi format)

[lostinlodos]

New project for a friend
I have a converted VCD video in AVI format. The subs are hard coded (duh). The problem is they're all WHITE. They're almost unreadable so I need to OCR rip them then. Problem is I was trying to do it with SubRip but it's not picking up the subtitles at all. Anyone know another program I can use that will pick up and OCR rip the white letters.

[Pinstripes23]

If they're hardcoded they're part of the video. Not much you can do.

[lostinlodos]

Yep; I follow that. Thank's for the reply
I need to do a frame-by-frame OCR. SubRip is fairly good at that; but it can't read white subs with no borders. I'm probably looking for a 'smarter' OCR program that can do the same functions. Money's not an object and all that. I just have to get it done.

[AlanHK]

Have you tried to play with contrast, brightness, levels, or shapen filters in VirtualDub or Avisynth? You may get something more OCRable.

If this is a commercial video, look at sites like http://www.opensubtitles.org/. There's a good chance someone else has done it already. You'll have to resync and spellcheck, of course.

[lostinlodos]

I thought about that but I can't find a filter that will cover just 1/4 of the screen (the bottom). I've also tried the two listed subtitles on opensubs but, in all honesty they're both wrong. I'll give up in another day or two and just write them myself. (I think the issue is there is a lot of white-on-white since the subs have no borders).
It's an old Chinese film. I was just hoping there was something else out there that did the same rips as SubRip. I'm just being lazy not wanting to write an entire new set of subs for a 3 hour movie.
If it's really the only one that does AVI OCR than I guess that's that; eh?! Thanks for all the quick responses.

[AlanHK]

I thought about that but I can't find a filter that will cover just 1/4 of the screen (the bottom).

I meant to make a copy for feeding to OCR. Doesn't matter if the image looks like crap, just optimise the text contrast. Delete it after you've OCRed.

But regardless, you're going to have to spend some time proofreading them.

It's an old Chinese film.

In that case, check http://www.kloofy.net. That specialises in Asian film subtitles.

[lostinlodos]

Ah; I get it now. Thanks! I'll try it out and post what happens

[kehn]

Yeah! I have the same question! So, I take it here to get your all help! I want to rip hardsubs from .avi files, namely from Anime Naruto episodes! What can I do?Please, I've already tried VOBSUB but no success!Thanks

[lostinlodos]

SubRip has a TON of trouble on white or clear subs, but if they're any other colour you should be fine with that program.