Enable or Disable Subtitle?

[maverickluke]

I wanted to know if there is a way to somehow enable or disable a subtitle in either an .mp4 file or an .mkv file. The mp4 is being accessed through my AppleTV being played on my Plasma TV. The mkv I could play through my Synology Diskstation app which would play on my Plasma TV also. Since an .mp4 subtitle has to be hard coded in order for the AppleTV to read it I wouldn't think I could do this but I'm open for anyone that knows.

Thanks...

[manono]

You say the subtitle is hardcoded? If true then there's no way to disable it.

[Bernix]

There is really horrible way for mkv files. Two video tracks, one with hard coded subtitles, and other without. So, you can switch from 1st to 2nd. But dont know
1. If is it supported in your playback machine. On PC it is possible.
2. If is it worth of it. Almost twice size.
3. It is really horrible solution. But hard coded subtitles are really coded hard in video track

Sorry I mentioned it because just comes to my mind this solution.
EDIT: AppleTV should accept cc subtitles. I am able to get subtitles as picture, but don't know how to do it closed caption. If there is a way how to convert them without using adobe software it would be nice. Btw youtube is using CC don!t they? Maybe there is a way.
Bernix

[maverickluke]

It sounds like there is no solution. Instead of having two video tracks in one file, I will create two separate .mp4 files, one with the subtitles and one without. It is what it is.

[_Al_]

Apple TV cannot read subtitles in MKV?

[jagabo]

AppleTV can't play MKV files at all. They only exist to sell you MP4 content from the Apple Store.

[maverickluke]

I convert HD MKV files averaging 15-30 GB in size to mp4 with Handbrake and watch on my big screen TV in 1080P with AC3 surround going through my Yamaha Home Theatre system. Great picture and sound!

[Bernix]

Hi,
there they claim, you can download cc subtitles from youtube. But i don't tested it. So Apple TV is able to read subtitles. There is many sources how to on internet. That is the clue. BTW the website http://downsub.com/
So maybe you will be able to on/off subtitle in on video.

Bernix

[jagabo]

Yes, I believe the AppleTV2 supports MEPG-4 Part 17 soft subs:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/MPEG-4_Part_17

SRT and other common subtitles must be converted.