Curse

Abedeus · Jun 20, 2008, 10:14 PM // 22:14

I've got a problem with some files. I tried to get the anime Last Exile on my mp4, so I had to convert it from mkv to avi. But when I did so, all the subtitles (voices are japanese and subs should be english) were gone. I tried converting with AviConverter 3.0, Magic Video Converter and nothing works. Any ideas what to do?

Btw, dunno if it's the right forum. Move if it's in wrong one please.

Unlucky Slayer · Jun 20, 2008, 10:18 PM // 22:18

This isnt really the right place in general, but it all depends on what type of subs the .mkv files use. If they are directly encoded into the video it should work otherwise they're soft subs which can be turned on and off through the .mkv format. If thats the case I dont know what you can do.

Abedeus · Jun 20, 2008, 10:23 PM // 22:23

Those subs are built-in. Just .mkv file and no .txt's or anything. And yeah, I know they SHOULD work...

Maybe some kind of program to make subs and video ,,one'', so they can't be used separately? Or should I just find a copy not in .mkv and just convert simple .avi?

MisterB · Jun 20, 2008, 10:27 PM // 22:27

All-in-one converters are almost always inferior to specific software tools.
I would highly recommend www.videohelp.com and www.doom9.org for everything you ever wanted to know about video conversion. Videohelp has many links to software, including freeware, for many various conversion tasks. Do not expect help if you ask for help converting "downloaded" files.

Unfortunately, I can't provide much help for .mkv, as my experience is limited to .avi, .mpg, .ts, .tp, and dvd authoring. I haven't used the .mkv container yet, but I may in the future.

You may find this guide useful: http://forum.videohelp.com/topic241422.html, or you can search at videohelp for "mkv to avi" or "mkv subtitle," etc.

By the way, .mkv and .avi are both just containers. You shouln't actually have to convert any of the video, audio, or subtitles. You just need to extract them from your file and save as an .avi. A better option is to simply find a program to play .mkv, unless you need to export the files for playback on another device that can only read .avi, in which case, conversion to that device's playback specifications may prove necessary.

If you want a good media player, try VLC. It plays nearly anything(including .mkv), and it has codecs self-contained, so you don't have to install them on your system.