MKV2VOB Subtitle Style Change...

[KillaKam]

Recently I used ConvertXtoDVD to make a few DVD discs (with mkv files) and found that the subtitles were pretty terrible (big and blocky). Before, I had used mkv2vob to convert those same mkv files into mpgs with hard subtitles but the outcome was undesirable, considering the quality of the original mkv subs (here's an example with the mkv subs on top and the mkv2vob subs on the bottom). The mkv2vob subs, when enlarged on a TV for example, appear partially transparent and hard to read. I was wondering if there is any way to change the style of the mkv2vob subtitles, or am I just stuck with those bland white ones? [BTW, if anyone has a fix for the terrible subs in ConvertXtoDVD, feel free to mention that as well!]

[MilesAhead]

I'm not experienced with the tools you are using. I can think of 2 approaches to work around the problem. The first is create your DVD then use DVDSubEdit. There's a guide on videohelp how to add subs to an existing DVD(as for example if you have an external .srt or other subtitle file to use.)

The other approach would be try using a different converter. I use AVStoDVD. It can take .m2ts or .mkv or .mp4 as well as .avi and other input formats. The default subtitle setting is too large for my taste, but I tuned it to my liking by editing the Profiles.xml in the AVStoDVD\SubtitleCreator\Data folder to cut the size down to 16 instead of 18. You can also specify a different font. There's no control in the program to adjust the font size or font itself(on the author's todo list). But you can choose selectable or burned in subs. The burned in look especially nice with a thick black 3D border easy to read.

If you want to try AVStoDVD I recommend you get the latest Alpha. It has some additional settings and uses a newer HC Enc beta. Even though it says it's an alpha version I've done a few conversions on both Vista64 and Windows7 32 bit and haven't had any issues or instability.

[KillaKam]

Man, getting quality subtitles is harder than actually creating the DVD itself. I'll probably just stick with the mkv2vob subs, since they're not that terrible and don't really require a lot of work (pretty much just drag and drop a bunch of files before you go to bed). Thanks for your help though!

[MilesAhead]

Man, getting quality subtitles is harder than actually creating the DVD itself. I'll probably just stick with the mkv2vob subs, since they're not that terrible and don't really require a lot of work (pretty much just drag and drop a bunch of files before you go to bed). Thanks for your help though!

Actually the stuff with the xml file is only a one time set up. But you are right. Subtitles are usually the fly in the ointment. You have a nice free converter. It produces good quality video. Sound is in sync, then, oh yeah, I have to add subs!! Back to the drawing board!! It's pretty frustrating sometimes. Esp. if you have a player that will play the video fine as it is, but it won't handle the subs. Drives me nuts.