How to add new subtitles to an existing DVD

[user2008]

Ok, yes. But when I click on that button ("open a new DVD: select any ifo file in the directory...") and select VTS_01_0.VOB, I get an error: "SC subtitle filter is not installed. If you want to preview your subtitles on top of the video. You MUST install SC subtitle filter first. Go to http://sourceforge.net/projects/subtitlecreator/ "

There's nothing there about "subtitle filter". Also I've searched in google using the term "SC subtitle filter" and I found this http://forum.doom9.org/archive/index.php/t-140929.html

I've installed the beta version and I still get the same message.

[manono]

Sorry, but I can't help with that problem as I don't use SubtitleCreator for synching subs. If manusse (the developer) doesn't show up here soon, you might try to reach him at the Subtitle Forum of Doom9.

[user2008]

It's ok.

Another question for you or anyone... : I have a DVD region 2 and it will not play in my player.
Any way to unlock it? I don't wanna use DVD Shrink because I'll lose all the menus.


Thanks in advance.

[manono]

Will your player play PAL DVDs, even if the DVD is made region free? You should check the DVD Player database on this site to see if there's any information in this regard. Maybe there's even a hack available to allow it to play DVDs from all regions:

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdplayers

https://www.videohelp.com/dvdhacks

Ordinarily just making the DVD region free isn't enough. But, by decrypting it to the hard drive (using DVD Decrypter or DVDFab HD Decrypter, for example), it automatically becomes region-free (all-region, actually). Then you can just reburn it to disc. Everything will still be there.

[Jens Thomsen]

First of all, thanks for a fantastic guide! I am fairly new to all this, and it has helped me tremendously on a couple of projects.

I have encountered a slight problem, though.

I am trying to add English subs to an Italian PAL DVD. I exchanged the original Italian subtitles with my English custom subs and also kept the "limited" English subs already available on the DVD (for use with the English audio track. It has one scene that was never dubbed). That means the number of subtitle streams are unchanged. The remuxed version plays perfect, the subtitles look like they are supposed to and are both identified as English. So far, so good.

However, when adding the original menus back using VobBlanker something unexpected - at least for someone with my limited experience - does happen. The English subs I added now display in wrong colors (red and white!), while the original "limited English subs" I kept still display as they're supposed to. Also, the subtitle streams now again identify as "Italian" (for my added English subs) and "Uidentified" (for the original "limited" subs) as the subs did on the original DVD.

I have found a way to alter the colors of the subtitles using PgcEdit. But if someone could explain to me why the same subs look different in the remuxed version and in the version with the menus added back again? I gather it has something to do with where the information of the color values are stored, some sort of clash between the values in the subs I added and the values set in the original DVD?

Also, more importantly, is there some way to alter how the sub streams are identified in PgcEdit, or do I have to do it the hard way in IFOEdit (I found a guide here, but frankly it seemed more suited for someone with a higher experience than me)? Or is there maybe a third alternative?

[manono]

But if someone could explain to me why the same subs look different in the remuxed version and in the version with the menus added back again?

I take it you found the CLUT ( the Color LookUp Table - the 4x4 block of colors), and changed the colors using PGCEdit. The original 2 sets of subs used (probably) the same 2 blocks out of the 16 for the colors. Your added sub used 2 different blocks of the 16, and it was those you changed to "fix" the colors. There's no standard as to which of the blocks are to be used for the subtitle colors. Muxman chose (probably) 2 from the upper left of the top row, and didn't know where the original colors were.

Also, more importantly, is there some way to alter how the sub streams are identified in PgcEdit,

Open the DVD in PGCEdit. Highlight the video in question and hit the green reel of film - part of the row of icons along the top. In the new screen change the language to whatever you like. OK and Save.

[Jens Thomsen]

Manono, thank you SO much! I will consider naming my firstborn after you, or at least make a toast in your name next time I am out. Whatever comes first

Makes sense about the colors.

Thanks again,
Jens

[Jens Thomsen]

Turns out I was a bit rash thinking I had solved the problem with the color attributes of the subtitles. While changing the colors solved the problem with the subs I added to the DVD, the original subs I had kept now looked strange.

It seems the two set of subs use the same color attributes, but in completely opposite way: The added subs are white with a black outline, but the original subs are now black with a white outline - apparently I can't edit the one without messing up the other.

I take it that when editing the color attributes in PgcEdit, you edit the attributes for all subtitle streams? There is no means of editing just the attributes of one set, is there?

Of course I could just delete the original subs. It's a set of English subs provided for the English audio for the parts that were never dubbed and only exists in Italian. Actually it's just one scene, but I think this might be a good way to learn how to do in future projects.

How should I go about it now? Should I go back to the beginning and edit the color attributes of both tracks? I was thinking of using SubtitleCreator, but is it possible to edit .sup files there, or should I first convert the original subs into .srt, then edit them (or the colors of them) in SubtitleCreator, and finally remux the load? Is there another program that would suit my project better?

[manono]

Oh darn, no little manono for me to be the Godfather.

I take it that when editing the color attributes in PgcEdit, you edit the attributes for all subtitle streams?

You only are changing the blocks of color. If a subtitle stream uses those blocks, then it'll use those colors. But one color is assigned as the outline and the other as the main color. It sounds like the outline of one is the main color of the other. I've seen that before after adding subs, have been unable to fix it using PGCEdit, but have fixed it using DVDSubEdit:

http://download.videohelp.com/DVDSubEdit/Guides/ChangingColors/Guide.htm

[Jens Thomsen]

Looks great. Thanks again, manono

[Arcanis01]

Subtitle creator Wizard reported this error


When I do it manually (Method 2)...
I guess I have to choose VTS_0X_0.IFO where the main movie is. In my case it is 07


In drop down menu I guess I have to choose VID 0X where the main movie is... in my case, my movie has two VID's (1:11:38:01 and 00:26:2721)

Can I do something to avoid the error in Method 1?
Which VID to choose in Method 2?

Thanx in advance!

[manono]

Don't demux by VOB ID, but by PGC.

Don't forget to check the "Demux Video Stream" box.

[nitobe]

edit: PLEASE don't hijack topics and just BUY Lost on DVD with subtitles. /Admin

You are in breach of the forum rules and are being issued with a formal warning.
/ Moderator Baldrick

[Bully9]

I'm afraid i'm really stuck with this guide. I want to add subtitles to a dvd that has none.

I seem to be able to produce a dvd with subtitles, following the simple 'method 1' described by baldrick.

If i play the new dvd in mpc, the right hand click for subtitles is greyed out. I know the subs are there in the modified dvd because i can extract them using subrip.

I see there is a guide by manono, but i'm afraid i cannot follow that at all. I've tried a few times but the new dvd files produced by PGCedit just give the greyed out subtitle option too.

Basically I'm trying to follow the instructions: "In this example there are no subs at all. If adding subs where some already exist, then the new one won't be listed. Check under the "Sub-picture VOB's Decoding Streams" section and you'll see no subs listed. If there aren't any in the IFOs, even if they're in the VOBs, when you play the DVD you'll get no subs. Click on the first empty stream. In this example it's number zero, but in the case of a DVD where you're adding a new subtitle language it'll be the first empty number. After clicking on it, in the new subpic streams setup screen hit "Set":"

The screenshot does not tally with what i get, which is 4 zeros on the zero button. Is this the button to press or the next one down? And i don't seem to get"a message about fixing the number of subtitle streams", unless i press the second button down, then it changes the subtitle streams to 2. But still nothing in MPC.

Anyway, if anyone can work out what i'm doing wrong and offer any instructions i can follow - i'd be very grateful.
Thanks.

[manono]

You say you used Method 1. So, after muxing the DVD with the new subs using the SubtitleCreator DVD Authoring Wizard, do you get subs? I guess not. Since it says it uses Muxman, then check the Muxman log found in the root of the C drive for information as to why there are no subs. That PGCEdit step is for turning on subs in a DVD that before had none, or to which you added an additional subtitle track. If you're not replacing the DVD into the original DVD so you can get back the menus and extras, then there's no reason to go through the PGCEdit step, except perhaps to correct the colors. That is, after being muxed, the subs should show up on their own. I don't use MPC to play DVDs, but I just tested and the subs are greyed out for me as well. Do you have PowerDVD available? If not then try the VLC player as when I just tested I turned on the subs easily.

I don't use Method 1 and have no idea about the subs it creates or the Authoring Wizard, although it's supposed to use Muxman. On the other hand I use Method 2, or some variation of it, all the time. If you can't figure out where you went wrong, my suggestion is to try again, this time using Method 2. You might also check out the quality of the SUP file that was produced by opening it in Subtitle Creator and making sure it's OK - that you see the dialog and that the timestamps look OK.

But with any luck your problem is related to MPC and they'll show up in a different player. Change the colors in PGCEdit if necessary and you should be good to go.

[Bully9]

Thanks very much manono. I burned the new dvd to an DVD-RW to check on my SAP and the subtitles are indeed there So i need to do some experimenting with colours and timings etc.

As it stands, it seems the only way to turn on the subs is by using the subs button on the SAP remote. That's not a problem, but is there a way to add a sutitles button to the menu page?

[manono]

...but is there a way to add a sutitles button to the menu page?

There's a way, but there's no easy way, unless you have some pretty broad knowledge. You have to edit the menu itself to add in the new sub text. You have to edit the underlying subpic to add in the new sub text. You have to add a new button. You have to add a new menu command that tells what to do when that new button is clicked.

My suggestion is to have the new subtitle play by default if, when you play the movie, you always want that sub on. That's easy to accomplish. Then in the event that you want to turn the sub off you use the remote control. Here's a guide:

http://download.videohelp.com/r0lZ/pgcedit/third_party/2cool/subtitles/subtitles_on_de...lt_pgcedit.htm

It may look complex but once you've done it a couple of times it takes all of about 15 seconds to accomplish.

[Bully9]

Thanks again manono. Just one more query if i may: i can't seem to get my dvds to play in subtitlecreator. I get sound, but no video. Any idea why this may be?

[manono]

No, sorry. I don't play videos in SubtitleCreator. Perhaps someone else can help.

[Bully9]

Well, i got a little demo dvd i made up to work, so i tried the real thing.

Unfortunately, all the extras and the main film are mixed into the set of VOBs (VTS_01_1.VOB to VTS_01_8.VOB). The main film starts about 4 mins into VTS_01_1.VOB and shows as VID 03 [03] in the VOB id selection drop down. So it seems all the VOBs have to be processed.

I tried baldrick's method 2 but i can only get PGCdemux to demux the main movie. Perhaps the screenshot will explain the problem. When the demux is finished, i have new VOBs for the main film only which do not correspond to the VOBs from the original rip.

I've not done a lot of dvd editing, but the structure of this one does seem unusual. Is there any way i can do what i'm trying to do?

[dudule]

Hi guys !

I have a little problem and I hope the experts of this forum will be able to help me...

I wanted to add some french subtitles on a japanese DVD (that doesn't have any). I followed your great tutorials. I converted my .srt to .sup, muxed everything back together, used voblanker to keep the menus and everything else. I then used DVDsubEdit to edit the colors and change the police on some subs (title, for example). I then forced the subtitles on by default using PGCEdit and created an .ISO before burning.
Till then, everything went fine : I mounted the .ISO using Daemon Tool and the subtitles display exactly as I want when reading the mounted DVD with MPClassic. I then used Imgburn to burn the .ISO on a DVD+RW.
The problem is that when I play this DVD on my standalone DVDplayer (Harman Kardon DVD25), only a few subs show up: approximately 1 out of 2 sentences doesn't appear on the screen, though they are perfectly displayed on my PC with the mounted .ISO...

Has any of you already experienced such a trouble ?
Do you think that could be due to the media ? Should I try to burn on a DVD-R (Verbatim)
Anyway, thanks in advance for your help !!

[manono]

I tried baldrick's method 2 but i can only get PGCdemux to demux the main movie. Perhaps the screenshot will explain the problem. When the demux is finished, i have new VOBs for the main film only which do not correspond to the VOBs from the original rip.

No, it explains nothing. Don't you want the movie? If you want the other stuff then select them and demux to different folders. Later, after you've reencoded them, or whatever you plan to do, use VobBlanker to replace them one-by-one back into the original DVD. And you'll be better off demuxing by PGC and not by VOB ID. Yes, I know what the guide says.

[doctorjellybean]

Ok, I've just posted elsewhere asking how I could replace one existing subtitle stream with another. Baldrick replied stating that this guide should work.

Maybe someone could tell me which of the above I need to do. I want to replace the existing Spanish sustitles with a Dutch one, have already downloaded one and converted it to sub. I've tried the above methods, but they didn't appear to work. I can't remember the exact messages, but the DVD Wizard tool of Subtitle Creator showed quite a few error messages. Might try it again and see if I can capture the error screens.

[Bully9]

I tried baldrick's method 2 but i can only get PGCdemux to demux the main movie. Perhaps the screenshot will explain the problem. When the demux is finished, i have new VOBs for the main film only which do not correspond to the VOBs from the original rip.

No, it explains nothing. Don't you want the movie? If you want the other stuff then select them and demux to different folders. Later, after you've reencoded them, or whatever you plan to do, use VobBlanker to replace them one-by-one back into the original DVD. And you'll be better off demuxing by PGC and not by VOB ID. Yes, I know what the guide says.

Well, either i'm too thick to explain the problem properly, or too thick to understand your answer. I suspect it's the latter.

I have a good general idea of what needs doing and i've spent many hours trying, but without detailed instructions, i don't think i shall get any further.

Thanks again for your input.

[doctorjellybean]

Ok, I've just posted elsewhere asking how I could replace one existing subtitle stream with another. Baldrick replied stating that this guide should work.

Maybe someone could tell me which of the above I need to do. I want to replace the existing Spanish sustitles with a Dutch one, have already downloaded one and converted it to sub. I've tried the above methods, but they didn't appear to work. I can't remember the exact messages, but the DVD Wizard tool of Subtitle Creator showed quite a few error messages. Might try it again and see if I can capture the error screens.

Ok, I've solved my problem I originally tried to set the output in the DVD Wizard Tool to a different drive, which produced error messages.

However, now I have a different problem. It seems to me that by using the DVD Wizard Tool, I can't set the position of the new subtitles. The movie is widescreen, and the new subtitles are displayed at the bottom of the screen inside the black box, instead of in the movie itself. Only the tops of the subtitles are displayed, not the complete letters. I can set the position on the main program itself, but how do I set it in the DVD Wizard Tool?

[manono]

...but how do I set it in the DVD Wizard Tool?

I have no idea, but they can easily be raised by using DVDSubEdit on the completed DVD. Open all the VOBs at once, use the SubPic Vertical Position slider to raise one of them. Then go Edit->Apply Last Modifications To All, and then File->Save All Modifications.

[doctorjellybean]

I have no idea, but they can easily be raised by using DVDSubEdit on the completed DVD. Open all the VOBs at once, use the SubPic Vertical Position slider to raise one of them. Then go Edit->Apply Last Modifications To All, and then File->Save All Modifications.

Thank you! It worked and all is well now.

[franciscomb]

Good afternoon,

I have a film converted from an .avi file to DVD by AVS Converter. While, converting a menu was built. But now I want to add subtitles. I know how to add the subtitles with VobEdit and IfoEdit, but this time want to keep the menu to.
I tried to use VobBlanker and PgcEdit for that, but I must have done something wrong, because when I wanted to add the subtitles with PgcEdit, there weren't any to add. Could someone please explain better that part of keeping the menu while adding subtitles? I would be most grateful for that.

Thanks in advance

[manono]

Could someone please explain better that part of keeping the menu while adding subtitles? I would be most grateful for that.

A quick check of the sticky in the Subtitles Forum would have given you some answers:

https://forum.videohelp.com/topic338721.html

I prefer the Method 2.

[franciscomb]

That was the method I tried to follow. But the part that explains how to keep the menu, while adding subtitles is too short. Can you explain it better? For example, specify precisely what files to open, like, VTS_01_0 from the version that contains subtitles or from the one that contains the menu. Because when I edit the film with VobEdit and IfoEdit to put subtitles in it, the menu from the version without subtitles disappears. I want to copy that menu to the version that contains the subtitles, or maybe create a third version of the film with subtitles and menu.

Thank you for your patience.