Step 3(c): Hardcoding Subtitles With MP4 Files Using XviD4PSP
My search for a tool that could hardcode subtitles into MP4 video files (so that they can be played on handheld devices) resulted in the discovery of an excellent tool called XviD4PSP. XviD4PSP supports true hardcoding of subtitles, as opposed to merging of subtitles into MP4 files as done by Yamb/MP4Box, and it not only supports hardcoding subtitles in only MP4 videos but also in AVI/DivX/XviD videos. It can also convert/re-encode videos to a lot of video formats and comes with an impressive set of presets to suit various handheld device format specifications. Examples include iPod/iPhone, Sony PSP/PS3, Blackberry, XBox 360 and Motorola K1.
In this post I am going to talk only about hardcoding subtitles in MP4 videos(procedure is exactly the same to hardcode subtitles into AVI/DivX/XviD files; I have tested it and it works like a charm, but I have found AVIRecomp to do the same job in lesser time.).
Hardcoding Subtitles With MP4 Files Using XviD4PSP
NOTE: You need to register with the website and login before you can download the XviD4PSP. Search for the file on the Internet to download from one of the mirrors if you don’t want to go through the hassles of registration.
When the installation is finished, run XviD4PSP from the start menu or desktop shortcut. The main window should look like this:
The format of the video file should be detected and default settings should be properly selected in the Format: panel. You can change some of the format settings if you want to.
Select the directory where the output file should be stored by clicking on the Save button on the toolbar.
You can now repeat Step 2 to Step 5 if you want to add more subtitle hardcoding jobs to the queue. When you have added all the MP4(or even AVI) videos to the queue, you can click the Encode button on the toolbar to begin the encoding/subtitle hardcoding process.
I tried my best to keep the encoding settings as close to the actual format of the input file as possible. But the re-encoding + hardcoding process still took almost as long as the play time of the video file(i.e. 37 minutes for a 37 minute video). I am still trying to optimize the process. You get the following window with brief information once the encoding is complete.
You can click the Info button to view detailed information. Below is an example MP4 video file that I have hardcoded the subtitles into.
XviD4PSP is an excellent tool for encoding, re-encoding and subtitle hardcoding jobs. I will try to cover its other features in a future post but do explore it on your own and read more about it on doom9 forums.
