Change default subtitle track in Matroska without remux?

2twisty · 27th March 2010, 12:27

I've got several MKVs that have multiple subtitle tracks.

Unfortunately for me, someone set the default subtitle track. So, everytime I play one of these MKVs, I need to go select my preferred language instead of the one selected by the default.

I'm looking for a tool that can change the default subtitle track of a Matroska without having to remux the file.

If this were just one or two files, then remuxing would not be a big deal, but I have quite a few and this will take quite some time to fix all of these.

I find it hard to believe that there's not a "quick and dirty" tool that can do this.

I've searched and searched with no luck.

I'm hoping the brain trust here at doom9 will have some ideas.

sneaker_ger · 27th March 2010, 14:53

You have the following options:
1.) Use mkvtoolnix's header editor to change the files one by one
2.) Use mkvtoolnix's mkvpropedit to batch change the files (needs batch and cmd knowledge)
3.) Some splitters (Like Haali and the one integrated in newer MPC-HC builds) allow you to specify a standard language which will be loaded automatically, so you may not have to edit any files at all

osgZach · 1st April 2010, 19:11

If you use Haali (and theres no reason you shouldn't) that is the best place to go set default track combinations.

You should be able to set several different combos, in order, that can be tried.. So if the first combo fails, the second one will be tried, then the third, etc.

I usually do this to ensure I always get an english track and no subtitles if they exist.

27th March 2010, 12:27	#1 \| Link
2twisty Registered User Join Date: Oct 2009 Posts: 4	Change default subtitle track in Matroska without remux? I've got several MKVs that have multiple subtitle tracks. Unfortunately for me, someone set the default subtitle track. So, everytime I play one of these MKVs, I need to go select my preferred language instead of the one selected by the default. I'm looking for a tool that can change the default subtitle track of a Matroska without having to remux the file. If this were just one or two files, then remuxing would not be a big deal, but I have quite a few and this will take quite some time to fix all of these. I find it hard to believe that there's not a "quick and dirty" tool that can do this. I've searched and searched with no luck. I'm hoping the brain trust here at doom9 will have some ideas.

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27th March 2010, 14:53	#2 \| Link
sneaker_ger Registered User Join Date: Dec 2002 Posts: 5,565	You have the following options: 1.) Use mkvtoolnix's header editor to change the files one by one 2.) Use mkvtoolnix's mkvpropedit to batch change the files (needs batch and cmd knowledge) 3.) Some splitters (Like Haali and the one integrated in newer MPC-HC builds) allow you to specify a standard language which will be loaded automatically, so you may not have to edit any files at all

1st April 2010, 19:11	#3 \| Link
osgZach Registered User Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: USA Posts: 676	If you use Haali (and theres no reason you shouldn't) that is the best place to go set default track combinations. You should be able to set several different combos, in order, that can be tried.. So if the first combo fails, the second one will be tried, then the third, etc. I usually do this to ensure I always get an english track and no subtitles if they exist.