Adding subtitles to mp4 file for Apple TV (3rd Gen.) use

[lawllmaster]

I'm sorry mods for posting same thread twice. I wanted to delete post but I didn't know how.
Please delete my previous thread.

NOTE: I am writing this guide because there wasn't one when I looked for it. If everyone already knows about this, tell me.

In my experience, I have had many pain in the *** situations where it just WOULDN'T ENCODE. Whenever I tried to embed soft subtitles directly into the file, I would need to use either mp4box or ffmpeg via cmd (those GUIs sometimes suck in my opinion) and that was always f**ked up. Then I found a GREAT tool for embedding/hardsubbing subtitles in using a program called Daum PotEncoder. It originated in South Korea, and it's awesome when it comes to encoding video. It utilizes a customized ffmpeg engine which is pretty effective. I'm not sure there is an English version (since the program is in Korean), but if there is, be sure to get it.

PotEncoder, brought to you by the same company that brought you PotPlayer!

First things first. When embedding subs to watch on an Apple TV, they aren't classified as "Closed Caption", but as "Subtitles". I found this out the hard way by going to the Apple TV menu, turning on CC and saying, "WHERE THE HELL IS MY SUBTITLES!?" and throwing that tiny Apple Remote across the room.

So, on to the program. It basically has many options such as video encoder type, audio encoder type, bitrates, all that junk. You probably already know all this, so I won't talk about it. When adding a CC to a video file (your file IS an mp4, right?), just go to the Subtitles Tab in Advanced Settings, and check "Use Closed Caption". At the bottom, you might want to change the font style because sometimes Apple TV doesn't want to read that font. In my opinion, Arial is the most common and widely used font, so go with that. (This isn't exactly necessary, but I'm just saying)

When you're all done, have the file in place in itunes, and your TV is on, go to settings and make sure to turn on Subtitles. MAKE SURE.

And that's all there is to it. Pretty simple to me (compared to using those buggy GUIs that keep failing :/). If you manage to get past the language barrier, it's the most useful tool out there.

Daum PotEncoder download: http://tvpot.daum.net/application/PotEncoder.do

If you see the Korean letters as squares or gibberish, you might need to change you system locale to Korean (Windows 7) or download and add a Korean language pack (Windows XP & Lower). Applocale might work too.

If you have any questions about the program, feel free to ask in the comments.

EDIT: All subtitles must be in English (Preferred), Greek, German, Italian, etc. (I don't remember all the subtitles supported...) It's OK if it's encoded in English, I've tried encoding several different languages with ENCC (English CC) but they display just fine because Apple TV just uses the appropriate fonts for different languages.

Also, I will post a detailed picture on how to use this tool, since it's in Korean. Oh, and one more thing: Apple TV loves H.264 encoded videos more than any other video decoder (Although using H.264 increases video size about 3 times). Using any other decoder results in some frames being damaged, but I don't know what is causing it...

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Guide to using PotEncoder
(With pictures! Yay!)

This is the basic screen.



What it looks like when you're encoding a file. (I am using H.264 to encode BD-quality video with subtitles in this pic)


When you press the Settings button (See picture 1), this window will pop up:

Once there, press the SUBS tab. Then, CHECK THE THINGS SAID TO BE CHECKED. This is critical, if you don't check this, the video will NOT display subs.

After checking (I mean it, don't forget) the boxes, you can change your font style, font color, etc. in the red box marked in picture 4. (Arial is best, since it exists on EVERY PC/MAC)

That's all there is to it! Just press the Encode button, and you're on your way!
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WARNING: Soft subs only work on mp4 files. OTHER FILES WILL BE HARD-DUBBED. You have been warned.

[transporterfan]

I don't touch anything Apple.
Did you try using YAMB?
Select Mux, add video and subs, output to a different filename/folder.

[asiansensation]

Whut is the difference between Hard and Soft dubbed?

[lawllmaster]

I don't touch anything Apple.
Did you try using YAMB?
Select Mux, add video and subs, output to a different filename/folder.

I've used YAMB, but I prefer to use cmd to run mp4box. More comfortable with it

[lawllmaster]

Whut is the difference between Hard and Soft dubbed?

Hard-dubbed means the subtitles are burned into the video file (directly into the image, impossible to turn off, reduces video quality), and soft dubbed means it's added separately inside the video (overlayed on top of images, can turn on/off).