Creating/Extracting an .srt Timecode File

[mozzle]

Hey folks.

I've performed several several searches on "timecode", "srt" and a combination of both but either I'm unlucky or the info isn't here in an obvious location.

Anyway, here's my goal: I have a DVD that I want to backup and encode and add an .srt timecode file so 00:00:00, 00:00:01, etc. etc. displays while the encoded file is playing.

1) What method should I use to get the desired results? Is there a step-by-step guide? A specific piece of software I need?

I apologize if this has already been answered but trust me, I've have looked.

Thanks in advance for your help.

[BigCondor]

Just not sure what you want, you said you want to encode your DVD, but you didn't say what format you want to encode to. Furthermore, what's the purpose of your "timecode file"? Every srt files has timecodes of its own so does it mean that you want to get srt files from your DVD?

[linyx]

@BigCondor
I think he/she wants it to display how many hours:minutes:seconds that it has been playing. Like burning in a timestamp.

[mozzle]

Yes. A burned-in and running timestamp is all I'm looking to create. Does it matter what format I want to encode to? AVI, MP4, it shouldn't matter, right?

I just want to find out how to create the .srt file from the DVD source.

[Adub]

take a look at showsmpte() from avisynth. You won't have to create a srt file.

[mozzle]

Thanks for the reply. Merlin. But, as long as you're taking the time to reply, would it it be possible to to be a little more specific? I am producing a documentary and require a running timestamp so that multiple writers can view an encoded file and contribute to a script - identifying exactly where they wish their content to appear.

Thanks in advance for any help that may be floating out there.

[Adub]

At this point I am assuming that you are at least familiar with Avisynth.

http://avisynth.org/mediawiki/ShowSMPTE

[mozzle]

Yes, I am. I use it all the time. I just want to produce a .srt text file that displays 00:00:01, 00:00:02 etc. etc., so I can send that file to the people with which I'm collaborating.

If I'm way off base here in terms of my request for information, then I apologize.

If, on the other hand, there exists a standard process for creating such a file (.srt), I'd like to know what that process entails.

Thanks again for taking the time.

[Adub]

Oh, I see what you are trying to do. At least I think so. I thought you were just trying to overlay a time code onto your DVD. That's pretty much what your first post said. However, now I understand that you in fact want an srt with the timecode. You then plan to send this file (the srt) to others for your own purposes.

However, I am slightly confused by this post:

I am producing a documentary and require a running timestamp so that multiple writers can view an encoded file and contribute to a script - identifying exactly where they wish their content to appear.

Now this tells me that you just want an embedded time code to act as reference.

Wait a sec, I think I get it. Instead of sending the whole dvd, you just want to send your contributors the srt file, which is much smaller, as they already have the dvd. Am I correct?


Edit:
Possible Workaround---
If your DVD is less than 02:24:39, then you could use this file, and delete whatever you don't need.
http://www.chrishanel.com/armageddon.srt

I am having trouble figuring out a way to generate your own, but I bet you there is a way to do it in combination with subtitle workshop.

Okay, I will look around some more, as I don't know how to do it off of the top of my head, besides the fact that you could write a small script for use in Aegisub to do it for you automatically, however, I do not posses the knowledge to do it at this time. I will look into an easier solution, but i can't promise anything.

Edit2:
pretty much the only other option I could find.
http://www.videohelp.com/tools/DV_Sub_Maker

That last option is to just write a small c (or other) program that will auto generate the time code for you. Shouldn't be more than a couple of lines.

[mozzle]

Thanks for sticking with my request, Merlin.

I think grabbing an existing .srt text file and editing it is the best solution for me and my collaborators.

Thanks again for taking the time! I really appreciate it.