How to Convert Videos With Subtitles for a Portable Media Player

Watch videos with subtitles on portable media players.

Converting videos with subtitles for a portable media player first requires you check your user manual to see which video types are compatible with your media device (most players handle MPEG-4 videos). No programs native to PCs or Macs can convert video with subtitles--these programs must be downloaded. There are several options, including programs such as HandBrake, VLC Media Player, or a free trial of Aimersoft DVD Ripper--all can convert subtitled movies. Please note that converting or compressing video may result in loss of audio/visual quality because of compression standards.

Things You'll Need

• HandBrake
• VLC Media Player
• Aimersoft DVD Ripper

Instructions

HandBrake

1. Download and install HandBrake (see Resources). Agree to the licensing terms and open.

2. If you are converting a DVD, insert it into your computer; HandBrake will read it automatically, and you can select which chapters or tracks you want converted.

   If you are converting a video on your computer, click the "Source" icon in the upper left corner to locate your movie in the finder window and open in HandBrake.

3. Choose an output format from the "Output Settings" drop-down menu or click the "Toggle Presets" button to select an option. Set your video encoder and quality settings.

4. Click the "Audio & Subtitles" tab and choose between a "Hard Burn" or "Soft Burn" subtitle option. A "Hard Burn" copies the subtitles straight into the video itself and cannot be turned on or off. A "Soft Burn" allows the user--depending on the portable media player--to turn the subtitles on or off, similar to a DVD.

5. Choose your file's output destination by clicking the "Browse" button and click "Start" to begin the conversion.

VLC

1. Download and install VLC Media Player (see Resources). Agree to the terms of use and open your video in VLC.

2. Select the "Wizard" option from the File menu. Choose "Transcode/Save to File" and click "Next."

3. Enable "Existing Playlist Item," highlight your video in the playlist window, and click "Next."

4. Click the "Transcode Video" and "Transcode Audio" boxes and choose your codec settings based on your needs. Click "Next."

5. Choose an "Encapsulation Format" and click "Next."

   Click "Choose" to select your file's output destination and click "Add Subtitles to Transcoded Video." Click "Next."

6. Review your summary screen and click "Back" if necessary. If not, click "Finish" to begin the conversion.

Aimersoft DVD Ripper (DVDs Only)

1. Download a free trial of Aimersoft DVD Ripper, agree to the usage terms, and open.

2. Insert your DVD and click "Load DVD." Choose which tracks or chapters you want converted by selecting or de-selecting the boxes next to the DVD tracks.

3. Choose your audio and subtitle options in the "DVD Options" menu near the bottom right of your screen.

4. Click "Profile" to choose your output format, based on your needs, and click the large "Convert" button to begin conversion.

Tips & Warnings

• Adjust your frame size and picture settings according to your portable media player's frame size. For example, you don't want to encode your video to 720x480 pixels if your device's screen size is only 176x220.

• Depending on the size of your videos, conversions may take several minutes to several hours to complete.

• VLC Media Player cannot load and convert DVDs.

References

• Moviesmac: HandBrake Tutorial
• Lytebyte: VLC Conversion Tutorial

Resources

• HandBrake: Download
• Videolan: Download VLC
• Aimersoft-mac: Download Aimersoft DVD Ripper