Creating MP4 or DVD from an .avi and a .srt file using Nero 10

[criggs]

I'm fairly confident I'm missing something really simple. I've spent the last three months going through endless googling and forum threads, where this subject is discussed VOLUMINOUSLY. And yet, for all of that, NOT ONE THREAD has addressed my issue. So here goes.

I have a .avi movie file.

I have a .srt subtitles file.

I have been told that I can somehow or other combine them using Nero Recode. Reports conflict as to whether this combination is "soft", meaning that the subtitle file becomes visible during the playback only when a toggle switch is thrown, or whether this combination is "hard", meaning that the subtitles then become visible when playing back the Nero-Recode-burned mp4 or DVD, regardless of the player one chooses for viewing.

Here's as far as I've gotten:

I have Nero 10.

I open up Nero Recode.

I select REcode DVDs and videos to Nero Digital.

I select Import Files.

I select my .avi movie.

I click Add Title.

I click Close.

I select the Subtitle tab.

I click the Main subtitle track dropdown and select Create New Subtitle.

In the Open Existing File field I click the Browse button.

I select my .srt subtitle file.

A default frame rate matching my .avi file is presented (23.98). I click OK.

A warning shows up indicating that the srt file is longer than my video and that the excess material has been skipped. I click OK.

I scroll through the preview. Sure enough all my subtitles are showing up, just as they should.

I select Browse and adjust the font size as I prefer.

I click OK.

I click OK again.

At which point I hit a brick wall.

If I scroll through the video preview there are no signs of my subtitles.

If I burn an MP4 there are no signs of my subtitles.

If I burn a DVD there are no signs of my subtitles.

WTF???????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

In addition, I've seen repeated references to some animal called Nero Showtime, which supposedly is the greatest thing since sliced bread when it comes to playing back movies with subtitles. Well, I have the latest and greatest Nero, 10, with Multimedia Suite Platinum HD. DOES THAT NOT INCLUDE NERO SHOWTIME???!!!

ABout the only player I've been able to locate in my Nero suite is the Media Hub. That too fails to show any subtitle track if I attempt to play the mp4 or DVD that I've burned in Nero Recode.

Thanks in advance for any help you can give me. However, I would like to set some clear rules in order to avoid the meandering and irrelevant detours which have been driving me out of my mind when looking at related threads.

First, I am well aware that there's more than one way to skin a cat. I am well aware that there is other software to accomplish what I'm trying to do.

Nevertheless, please keep your answers narrowly focused on how I do this with Nero, and only with Nero. My motivation for exploring other options will begin when I am satisfied that Nero will not do what I want it to do. AT this point, given the repeated indications that Nero can do what I want, and, specifically, that NEro Recode can do what I want, I am nowhere near that point.

If and when I decide that it's time to give up on Nero, I assure you I will create a separate and distinct thread for that. AS far as this thread is concerned, however, please focus on solutions involving Nero

ONLY!!!

Thanks again very much for your help, and I look forward to your suggestions.

Obviously feel free to ask questions if anything in the above is unclear.

[guns1inger]

There are some many easier, higher quality options than Nero.

Why limit yourself to such a second rate tool ?

[criggs]

There are some many easier, higher quality options than Nero. Why limit yourself to such a second rate tool ?

The answer to that question is a long personal story, one with which I choose not to bore this forum. Fortunately we do not need to discuss it, since it is outside the purview of my question and therefore outside the purview of this thread.

Suffice it to say that I assure you it is not relevant to my question, the answer to which I look forward to reading from you and others.