Subtitles not working after exporting with mkvmerge

[nick1977]

Hi all

I have recently started to convert my DVD collection into mkv files to serve across my network.
I used MakeMKV to create an mkv file that does everything I want it to:
Retains original MPEG2 video, multiple audio tracks, multiple subtitle tracks, and chapter points. THese play back perfectly on my media device (Sumvision cyclone).
The only problem is, that MakeMKV doesn't yet recognise forced subtitles.
I have the film Airplane! ripped from my DVD, and it has 2 subtitle tracks. First is the complete subs for the movie, and the second is the forced subs for a few bits in the film that need it.
If I play the MKV in my Sumvision it plays fine, with both sub tracks selectable. However what I want is to be able to have the second track "forced" so they come on without having to select them, just like the DVD would. When I open in mkvmerge (latest version) I set the track to forced, but then the output file, although showing the sub streams as present, don't display anything. This is the same whether on my media player or on VLCplayer.
I have tried changing various optons, but nothing seems to work. Is it something I'm doing wrong, or is there a known issue with mkvmerge and subtitle tracks not working properly?

Thanks for reading, and hope you can help
Nick

[Baldrick]

Tried an older version? https://www.videohelp.com/tools/MKVtoolnix/old-versions#download
If you don't set it as forced and make a new mkv does it work then? Maybe is the forced flag not supported in players and cause the problem.

[nick1977]

Tried an older version? https://www.videohelp.com/tools/MKVtoolnix/old-versions#download
If you don't set it as forced and make a new mkv does it work then? Maybe is the forced flag not supported in players and cause the problem.

Not sure, will try using mkvmerge to recreate the mkv without changing anything, and if it still doesn't work I'll try an older version.
Will report back later tonight

Thanks
Nick

[nick1977]

Right, I've tried just doing a straight remux using mkvmerge without changing any settings, and older version of mkvtoolnix (v4.1.0).
Everytime the same thing happens. Both sub tracks are listed, but neither display anything. This is the same whether on my Sumvision Cyclone, or in VLCplayer on the PC.
I might just wait for makemkv to support forced subs, as I think it will be easier! Hope they don't take too long!

Nick

[MilesAhead]

Have you looked on MakeMKV forum for a work-around?

http://www.makemkv.com/forum2/

[nick1977]

Thanks MilesAhead. Yes I've looked at the forum you mention. The only solution that I could find was someone using handbrake to re-encode the whole thing (albeit dumping the final video stream) and then using the subs from that. However, it still uses mkvmerge as the final step, and since just importing a working mkv and then exporting it without changing anything seems to mess it up, I don't think this is likely to solve it! Plus my PC is ancient and to re-ncode anything video wise would take an age
I'll keep looking, but if anyone has any suggestions please share! If I find a solution I'll post it back here.

Also, is there a website with a comprehensive list of DVDs that have forced subs? Or actually, one that lists DVDs that don't have them would be easier lol. At least that way I could continue ripping my collection, just leaving the "awkward" ones until later.

Nick

[nick1977]

Went back all the way to version 3.4.0 of mkvtoolnix, and it seems to work, at least to the point of being able to play the sub tracks. However, even though I set as forced the one that should be, my standaone palyer and VLCplayer just won't do it automatically. Maybe it's a bug or unsupported feature of my player(s).
I'll keep playing around and see if I get anywhere

Nick

[MilesAhead]

Went back all the way to version 3.4.0 of mkvtoolnix, and it seems to work, at least to the point of being able to play the sub tracks. However, even though I set as forced the one that should be, my standaone palyer and VLCplayer just won't do it automatically. Maybe it's a bug or unsupported feature of my player(s).
I'll keep playing around and see if I get anywhere

Nick

Since MakeMKV is having a problem with people being able to run the latest version, 1.5.8, without setting the PC real time clock back, I would guess the next version, which is supposed to also include your fix, should be out soon. I have only used MakeMKV on about 3 DVDs so I'm not familiar with how it works on them.

[MilesAhead]

MakeMKV update has been released:

http://www.makemkv.com/forum2/viewtopic.php?f=5&t=1054

One of the fixed noted is improved DVD handling.

[nick1977]

Thanks for the heads up

[nick1977]

Have installed, and loaded the same problem DVD. Not had a chance to try converting to mkv yet, but unfortunately it doesn't look like it sees the forced subtitle stream any differently than before
I'll confirm 100% when I get a chance, but it doesn't look hopeful.

Nick