Forum Discussion
Embedded SRT subtitles is the only way I can use subtitles over my DLNA/UPnP media server
And it's the only way LG webOS TVs can handle subtitles over a network from DLNA servers. I have 6 of these of various ages, all work perfectly
MKV is not fully supported on LG webOS TVs
MP4 embedded subs also work on Android TV devices. I have 4 Google TV streamers, and they even work on an old Hitachi Vestel smart TV that I have
I use option 1 Soft Subtitles (Embedded as a track) . This can easily be achieved using HandBrake or, much faster, using Shutter Encoder rewrap
Yes, MP4 files can support embedded SRT subtitle files, but there are two main ways this can happen, and they behave differently:
- Soft Subtitles (Embedded as a track):
- This is where the SRT subtitle data is included as a separate track within the MP4 container.
- Viewers can turn these subtitles on or off during playback in a compatible media player (like VLC).
- The video itself is not re-encoded, so there's no quality loss.
- To achieve this, you typically use tools like FFmpeg or MKVToolNix (even though it's MKV-centric, it can sometimes work for MP4s or you might convert from MKV to MP4).
- The specific format for these embedded text subtitles in MP4 is usually "mov_text" (also known as MPEG-4 Part 17 Timed Text or tx3g).
- Hard Subtitles (Burned-in):
- This means the subtitles are permanently encoded into the video frames themselves.
- You cannot turn them off during playback.
- This process requires re-encoding the video, which can take time and may result in a slight loss of video quality, depending on the settings used.
- This is often done with video editing software (like Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Camtasia) or video converters (like HandBrake, VideoProc).
- This method is useful if you want to ensure the subtitles are always visible, especially for platforms that don't support soft subtitles or external subtitle files (e.g., some social media platforms).
In summary:
- MP4 supports SRT subtitles.
- You can embed them as a "soft" track (toggle on/off) or "hardcode" them (always visible).
- The method you choose depends on your needs for flexibility and quality.
In short have dozens of files that play on everything except this Roku stick, that leads me to believe there is some deficiency in the software on the Roku stick
I didn't think Roku devices support SRT embedded in MP4s and I just tried a quick and dirty test creating an MP4 and an MKV with embedded SRT and only the MKV version will display subtitles. @AvsGunnar can you post a working MP4 somewhere so I can see what's different about it and what I just tried? Could it have anything to do with the DLNA server? The Roku device? I couldn't get a separate SRT and MP4 to work via my DLNA server (minidlna) either, but that may just be my ignorance. I usually use my own app and server and avoid RMP.
Anonymous , don't expect there to be any changes. Roku has shown little to no interest in people wanting to use Roku devices to stream their own media - you have to work around their limitations if you want to do so. RMP hasn't been updated in several years and seems to be all but abandoned.
- AvsGunnar4 months agoCommunity Streaming Expert
Sure thing. I just did an episode mp4 for the niece that did not have subtitles and added them via ffmpeg. I will upload all the files to my mega and send you a link via PM here shortly.
Should be able to play via both the USB and using minidlna. (i use minidlna on my nighthawk that is my server). Works across all my devices.