How to split 8.71Gb mkv video file?

[alegator]

I have a single 8.71Gb mkv HD video file that I want to split into two 4.36 Gb files preserving the original audio/video format so I can burn them to two DVD5 discs. I also have two accompanying srt subtitle files (english and spanish) that will need to be split for each part. How can I do all these? (splitting of both original video file and corresponding subtitle file). Thanks.

[guns1inger]

MKVMerge (part of MKVToolnix)

[hech54]

Wouldn't it require re-encoding if it is now HD?

[guns1inger]

Depends on what he needs to do. If he is creating DVD Video discs, then yes. If he is creating AVCHD discs then maybe. If you just wants to put an MKV file on two DVDs as data, then no.

[alegator]

Just to clarify, I just want to to put an MKV file on two DVDs as data, so no re-encoding is necessary. From the description it seems that MKVtoolnix takes care of the mkv file. What about the subtitle srt files? How do I split them? Thanks.

[guns1inger]

Use mkvmerge to put the subs into the mkv file first, then split the file. You can then use mkvextract to extract the split sub files afterwards. Or you can use Subtitle Workshop to split the srt files at a point in time.

[alegator]

Thanks guns1inger, I'll try that!

[alegator]

Use mkvmerge to put the subs into the mkv file first, then split the file. You can then use mkvextract to extract the split sub files afterwards. Or you can use Subtitle Workshop to split the srt files at a point in time.

Okay, I downloaded and installed mkvmerge. I successfully put the subs into the mkv file. The problem is when I try to split the file. The generated mkv file has a duration of 03:16:44, so to split it in two parts I go to the "Global" tab, check "Enable Splitting..." and then in the "...after this duration:" box I input 01:38:22 (exactly half of total time). The I click the "Start Muxing" button and it will generate two files, the first being 01:38:31 in duration instead of the indicated 1:38:22. I tried this repeatedly checking/unchecking the link files button and also by indicating mx number of files 2 and 0. without success, it keeps generating a 1:38:31 file of 4.45Gb (not 4.37Gb needed for burning to DVD5). Am I doing something wrong? How can I fix this? thanks

UPDATE: I have solved the issue by setting a timecode of 1:35:00 instead of 01:38:22 (I wonder why?). Final question: why would I want to extract the split subtitle files afterwards? Isn't it more practical to just have the srt files embedded in the mkv files?