Swift: Binary subtitle format to DVD

[jacquezzz]

I'm trying to attach binary subtitles, generated by the subtitling application Swift, to a DVD.

Swift's manufacturer Softel sells a seperate inserter application for this purpose, but it is ridiculously expensive ($8000+, seriously!). And since Swift can already export to BMP's, together with an ASCII timecode file, I figured maybe I could work a way around.

I was thinking about writing a script to convert the timecode file to another, more compatible format, (like SST, and convert the BMP's using photoshop droplets if necessary?) so we could burn DVD's using free or at least affordable software.

I've attached some example output generated by Swift (the TC file carries a .CG extension).

Any advice on which subtitle format I should convert to, and perhaps a description of that format, would be greatly appreciated!

Many thanks!!
- Bram

(I work as a technician for a language university, we're on a tight budget, and Softel is too greedy.)

[manono]

Hello, and welcome to the forum-

I don't know why you're spending a dime on this software, when it can be done more easily and at least as well for free.

There are lots of ways to create subs for DVD. I use SubStation Alpha. Others like AegisSub or SubtitleCreator. After I create the text-based SSA format subs, I use MaestroSBT to create either SON or SST format subs for the DVD.

It seems to me that first selling you some overpriced software for the BMP creation in a proprietary format which then requires an $8,000 program to complete the process to make subs useable by your authoring program is nothing short of robbery.

http://www.videohelp.com/tools?toolsearch=aegis+sub&Submit=Search&s=&orderby=Name

http://www.videohelp.com/tools?toolsearch=substation+alpha&Submit=Search&s=&orderby=Name&hits=50&convert=&dvdauthorfeatures=

http://www.videohelp.com/tools?toolsearch=subtitlecreator&Submit=Search&s=&orderby=Name&hits=50&convert=&dvdauthorfeatures=

http://www.videohelp.com/tools?toolsearch=maestrosbt&Submit=Search&s=&orderby=Name&hits=50&convert=&dvdauthorfeatures=

[jacquezzz]

Manono, thanks for your reply.
We're forced to use Swift because it's used by most TV stations and subtitling firms in Europe. I don't like it either, but apparently it has some advanced functionality that other software lacks. It's still robbery though.

Anyway, I've almost finished something that converts to .sup, so I could burn with dvdsupencode (for free!). If it works I'll post it here.