Forced subtitles

[leosantare]

I also prefer non-SDH subtitle tracks, but if a title only has an SDH track, then that's what I use. Having a mix of the two in my library doesn't bother me all that much.

Okay, thanks for the feedback. I'm really on the fence with it, but I will decide soon. Actually, I have only (1) title in my collection that only has a non-SDH track. This is Silence of the Lambs 4k. Every other title has only a SDH track or both. Did you ever come across any 4k's with only a non-SDH track?

I ask because if there are hardly ANY 4k's that only offer a non-SDH track, I would be more inclined to have my entire library all SHD. This way everything is the same. However, if there are a decent amount of 4k's with only a non-SHD track, I would be more inclined to having a mix of the two in my library. Reason being, I don't want to avoid or discard titles that only have a non-SDH tracks just because I don't want a mix of the two. Although, if Silence of the Lambs is one of the very, very few, I can just discard that one title.

[leosantare]

I think the same as dcoke22.

Thanks for the feedback and all your help!

[dcoke22]

Okay, thanks for the feedback. I'm really on the fence with it, but I will decide soon. Actually, I have only (1) title in my collection that only has a non-SDH track. This is Silence of the Lambs 4k. Every other title has only a SDH track or both. Did you ever come across any 4k's with only a non-SDH track?

About half of the 4k movies in my library have a subtitle track I have labeled as SDH. That's probably an undercount; if a title has only one subtitle track I might be lazy occasionally and not label it as SDH since it doesn't matter. But even if I'm undercounting by 50%, that implies that about three quarters of my library has SDH subtitle tracks and about a quarter has only non-SDH subtitle tracks.

Spaceballs (1987) seems to be non-SDH only.

[DukeFleed]

I think the same as dcoke22.

Thanks for the feedback and all your help!

No problem.

[leosantare]

Okay, thanks for the feedback. I'm really on the fence with it, but I will decide soon. Actually, I have only (1) title in my collection that only has a non-SDH track. This is Silence of the Lambs 4k. Every other title has only a SDH track or both. Did you ever come across any 4k's with only a non-SDH track?

About half of the 4k movies in my library have a subtitle track I have labeled as SDH. That's probably an undercount; if a title has only one subtitle track I might be lazy occasionally and not label it as SDH since it doesn't matter. But even if I'm undercounting by 50%, that implies that about three quarters of my library has SDH subtitle tracks and about a quarter has only non-SDH subtitle tracks.

Spaceballs (1987) seems to be non-SDH only.

Just to clarify, are you saying you only came across 1 movie (Spaceballs 1987) in your entire collection that only offered a non-SDH track? If so, about how many movies do you have in your collection? Again, I'm just trying to get an idea of how rare it is to encounter a 4k movie that only offers a non-SDH track. I don't have a very large collection. I have about 78 movies and only came across one (Silence of the Lambs) that only offered a non-SDH track.

In case you didn't know, I will be removing all the sub tracks from my movies with MKVToolnix. Except for the main track (SHD or non-SHD) and the forced track if there is one.

[dcoke22]

Just to clarify, are you saying you only came across 1 movie (Spaceballs 1987) in your entire collection that only offered a non-SDH track? If so, about how many movies do you have in your collection? Again, I'm just trying to get an idea of how rare it is to encounter a 4k movie that only offers a non-SDH track. I don't have a very large collection. I have about 78 movies and only came across one (Silence of the Lambs) that only offered a non-SDH track.

In case you didn't know, I will be removing all the sub tracks from my movies with MKVToolnix. Except for the main track (SHD or non-SHD) and the forced track if there is one.

Spaceballs was just a movie I noticed that only had a non-SDH track. My collection has about 250 UHD movies.

It is a generalization to suggest this, but I would guess that older movies that haven't gone through some massive restoration process are more likely to have non-SDH subtitle tracks. Newer movies and lovingly restored movies seem likely to have a SDH subtitle track since SDH subtitle tracks seem to be current standard (so to speak).

I have the Christopher Nolan restored version of 2001: A Space Odyssey (1968) and that movie has a SDH Subtitle track.

[leosantare]

Okay, that makes sense. I should be all set and thanks again for your feedback!

[leosantare]

I decided to have all SDH subs even though I much prefer the non-SDH subs. At least this way, everything is the same. Now, I'm ready to use mkvtoolnix and remove the sub tracks I don't want. I understand how to do this and have no questions about it.

However, I'm considering naming the subtitle and audio tracks now. As I mentioned before, I decided to keep one subtitle track (SDH) for the main feature and obviously a forced track if available. I asked about naming tracks briefly and DukeFleed gave me some feedback. Although, I thought I would reach out again to be certain before I begin. I definitely don't want to do this all over again. Obviously, naming audio and subtitle tracks can come down personal preference, especially with subtitle tracks. However, I guess I'm looking for the most accurate way to name the tracks.

Subtitle Tracks
For example, I was thinking of naming the subtitle track for the main feature "Main Feature (SDH)" or "Main Feature". I'm not sure how else you can name a forced subtitle track other than "Forced". When selecting a subtitle track in VLC, "- [English]" will be displayed after the name. If no name is given it will be displayed as "Track 1 - [English]." For example, if you were to name the track "Forced" in mkvtoolnix, it will be displayed as "Forced - [English] in VLC. Obviously, this is when the subtitle track is in English.

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

I could also name it "TrueHD Atmos Surround 7.1" Like the subtitle tracks, VLC will display - [English] after the name of the audio track if the track is in that language. My point for mentioning this is, there is no reason to include the language in the name of the subtitle or audio tracks because VLC displays the language after the name automatically. Therfore, the audio track displays as "Surround 7.1 - [English]" in VLC by default because that was the name given by makemkv. I understand makemkv does not name subtitle tracks and therefore show up blank in mkvtoolnix and Track 1 in VLC.

So, yeah, I just wanted to get some more feedback about naming subtitle and audio tracks. I gave (3) ways of finding out the audio track information for a movie, makemkv, mkvtoolnix and VLC. Which one should I go by? Actually, I can't really go by makemkv because I don't know for certain which track I selected when I ripped the disc. I put the 2012 disc back in my PC and opened makemkv as an example. In the future, I can notate the audio track information in makemkv when ripping a disc. Then, use this information when renaming the audio track in mkvtoolnix.

Here are some screenshots if helpful,
https://imgur.com/a/C0JjYtE
https://imgur.com/a/ayHXEqB
https://imgur.com/a/8gu3tvx
https://imgur.com/a/sUa5dko
https://imgur.com/a/YHYJcNa

[leosantare]

I decided to have all SDH subs even though I much prefer the non-SDH subs. At least this way, everything is the same. Now, I'm ready to use mkvtoolnix and remove the sub tracks I don't want. I understand how to do this and have no questions about it.

However, I'm considering naming the subtitle and audio tracks now. As I mentioned before, I decided to keep one subtitle track (SDH) for the main feature and obviously a forced track if available. I asked about naming tracks briefly and DukeFleed gave me some feedback. Although, I thought I would reach out again to be certain before I begin. I definitely don't want to do this all over again. Obviously, naming audio and subtitle tracks can come down personal preference, especially with subtitle tracks. However, I guess I'm looking for the most accurate way to name the tracks.

Subtitle Tracks
For example, I was thinking of naming the subtitle track for the main feature "Main Feature (SDH)" or "Main Feature". I'm not sure how else you can name a forced subtitle track other than "Forced". When selecting a subtitle track in VLC, "- [English]" will be displayed after the name. If no name is given it will be displayed as "Track 1 - [English]." For example, if you were to name the track "Forced" in mkvtoolnix, it will be displayed as "Forced - [English] in VLC. Obviously, this is when the subtitle track is in English.

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

I could also name it "TrueHD Atmos Surround 7.1" Like the subtitle tracks, VLC will display - [English] after the name of the audio track if the track is in that language. My point for mentioning this is, there is no reason to include the language in the name of the subtitle or audio tracks because VLC displays the language after the name automatically. Therfore, the audio track displays as "Surround 7.1 - [English]" in VLC by default because that was the name given by makemkv. I understand makemkv does not name subtitle tracks and therefore show up blank in mkvtoolnix and Track 1 in VLC.

So, yeah, I just wanted to get some more feedback about naming subtitle and audio tracks. I gave (3) ways of finding out the audio track information for a movie, makemkv, mkvtoolnix and VLC. Which one should I go by? Actually, I can't really go by makemkv because I don't know for certain which track I selected when I ripped the disc. I put the 2012 disc back in my PC and opened makemkv as an example. In the future, I can notate the audio track information in makemkv when ripping a disc. Then, use this information when renaming the audio track in mkvtoolnix.

Here are some screenshots if helpful,
https://imgur.com/a/C0JjYtE
https://imgur.com/a/ayHXEqB
https://imgur.com/a/8gu3tvx
https://imgur.com/a/sUa5dko
https://imgur.com/a/YHYJcNa

[leosantare]

I decided to have all SDH subs even though I much prefer the non-SDH subs. At least this way, everything is the same. Now, I'm ready to use mkvtoolnix and remove the sub tracks I don't want. I understand how to do this and have no questions about it.

However, I'm considering naming the subtitle and audio tracks now. As I mentioned before, I decided to keep one subtitle track (SDH) for the main feature and obviously a forced track if available. I asked about naming tracks briefly and DukeFleed gave me some feedback. Although, I thought I would reach out again to be certain before I begin. I definitely don't want to do this all over again. Obviously, naming audio and subtitle tracks can come down personal preference, especially with subtitle tracks. However, I guess I'm looking for the most accurate way to name the tracks.

Subtitle Tracks
For example, I was thinking of naming the subtitle track for the main feature "Main Feature (SDH)" or "Main Feature". I'm not sure how else you can name a forced subtitle track other than "Forced". When selecting a subtitle track in VLC, "- [English]" will be displayed after the name. If no name is given it will be displayed as "Track 1 - [English]." For example, if you were to name the track "Forced" in mkvtoolnix, it will be displayed as "Forced - [English] in VLC. Obviously, this is when the subtitle track is in English.

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

I could also name it "TrueHD Atmos Surround 7.1" Like the subtitle tracks, VLC will display - [English] after the name of the audio track if the track is in that language. My point for mentioning this is, there is no reason to include the language in the name of the subtitle or audio tracks because VLC displays the language after the name automatically. Therefore, the audio track displays as "Surround 7.1 - [English]" in VLC by default because that was the name given by makemkv. I understand makemkv does not name subtitle tracks and therefore show up blank in mkvtoolnix and Track 1 in VLC.

So, yeah, I just wanted to get some more feedback about naming subtitle and audio tracks. I gave (3) ways of finding out the audio track information for a movie, makemkv, mkvtoolnix and VLC. Which one should I go by? Actually, I can't really go by makemkv because I don't know for certain which track I selected when I ripped the disc. I put the 2012 disc back in my PC and opened makemkv as an example. In the future, I can notate the audio track information in makemkv when ripping a disc. Then, use this information when renaming the audio track in mkvtoolnix.

Here are some screenshots if helpful,
https://imgur.com/a/C0JjYtE
https://imgur.com/a/ayHXEqB
https://imgur.com/a/8gu3tvx
https://imgur.com/a/sUa5dko
https://imgur.com/a/YHYJcNa

[dcoke22]

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

I could also name it "TrueHD Atmos Surround 7.1" Like the subtitle tracks, VLC will display - [English] after the name of the audio track if the track is in that language. My point for mentioning this is, there is no reason to include the language in the name of the subtitle or audio tracks because VLC displays the language after the name automatically. Therfore, the audio track displays as "Surround 7.1 - [English]" in VLC by default because that was the name given by makemkv. I understand makemkv does not name subtitle tracks and therefore show up blank in mkvtoolnix and Track 1 in VLC.

It is probably worth pointing out that Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos are different things.

TrueHD is a lossless multichannel codec that supports up to 7.1 audio. Atmos is an additional surround sound technology that adds height information to surround sound. Atmos is an optional add-on to TrueHD (and TrueHD's lesser brother Dolby Digital Plus which is often used on streaming services). So, your average blu-ray might or might not have Atmos even if it has Dolby TrueHD.

In the realm of DTS (a competing format and company to Dolby's offerings) DTS-HD Master Audio is similar to Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X is similar to Atmos.

When you think about naming the audio tracks… how much of those details actually matter? If the name is 'Main Audio - stereo' or 'Main Audio - surround 5.1' or whatever, is that enough? Will you care about the details of is it TrueHD with or without Atmos? Since you're only keeping 1 main audio track in the highest quality that came on the disc, future you could probably trust that you have made the best choice possible regarding audio and all the details you might try to stuff into the name are extraneous.

[DukeFleed]

Subtitle Tracks
For example, I was thinking of naming the subtitle track for the main feature "Main Feature (SDH)" or "Main Feature". I'm not sure how else you can name a forced subtitle track other than "Forced". When selecting a subtitle track in VLC, "- [English]" will be displayed after the name. If no name is given it will be displayed as "Track 1 - [English]." For example, if you were to name the track "Forced" in mkvtoolnix, it will be displayed as "Forced - [English] in VLC. Obviously, this is when the subtitle track is in English.

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

As dcoke22 says, it doesn't really matter what you call them; I do it because I like it and have been doing it for years. Anyway, in response to your questions/concerns:

- For main subtitles, use "Main Sub" or "Sub Language," e.g., "English Sub." Do not specify whether they are sdh or not. For forced subtitles, choose "Forced Sub".

- For audio tracks, use "Audio Format Language," e.g., "English DTS," "English DD," "English DTS-HD MA," etc.

[leosantare]

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

I could also name it "TrueHD Atmos Surround 7.1" Like the subtitle tracks, VLC will display - [English] after the name of the audio track if the track is in that language. My point for mentioning this is, there is no reason to include the language in the name of the subtitle or audio tracks because VLC displays the language after the name automatically. Therfore, the audio track displays as "Surround 7.1 - [English]" in VLC by default because that was the name given by makemkv. I understand makemkv does not name subtitle tracks and therefore show up blank in mkvtoolnix and Track 1 in VLC.

It is probably worth pointing out that Dolby TrueHD and Dolby Atmos are different things.

TrueHD is a lossless multichannel codec that supports up to 7.1 audio. Atmos is an additional surround sound technology that adds height information to surround sound. Atmos is an optional add-on to TrueHD (and TrueHD's lesser brother Dolby Digital Plus which is often used on streaming services). So, your average blu-ray might or might not have Atmos even if it has Dolby TrueHD.

In the realm of DTS (a competing format and company to Dolby's offerings) DTS-HD Master Audio is similar to Dolby TrueHD and DTS:X is similar to Atmos.

When you think about naming the audio tracks… how much of those details actually matter? If the name is 'Main Audio - stereo' or 'Main Audio - surround 5.1' or whatever, is that enough? Will you care about the details of is it TrueHD with or without Atmos? Since you're only keeping 1 main audio track in the highest quality that came on the disc, future you could probably trust that you have made the best choice possible regarding audio and all the details you might try to stuff into the name are extraneous.

Thanks for the explanation of TrueHD and Atmos. As well as the offerings from DTS. No, it doesn't matter to me how much information the audio track name has in it. That is why I asked what would be the most accurate way to name the audio track. It seems like this really comes down to personal preference and there is no right or wrong way.

[leosantare]

Subtitle Tracks
For example, I was thinking of naming the subtitle track for the main feature "Main Feature (SDH)" or "Main Feature". I'm not sure how else you can name a forced subtitle track other than "Forced". When selecting a subtitle track in VLC, "- [English]" will be displayed after the name. If no name is given it will be displayed as "Track 1 - [English]." For example, if you were to name the track "Forced" in mkvtoolnix, it will be displayed as "Forced - [English] in VLC. Obviously, this is when the subtitle track is in English.

Audio Tracks
I think this is less subjective with audio tracks. However, I'm getting different information and not sure which to go by. I only keep one audio track for the for the main feature and try to select the highest quality. For example, makemkv names the audio track for 2012 "TrueHD Surround 7.1" in the area to the left and then states "TrueHD Atmos" as the codec and "Surround 7.1" as the name under track information. In mkvtoolnix the audio track is named "Surround 7.1" by defualt but also states "TrueHD Atmos" under the codec information. Finally, in VLC the audio track states "TrueHD Audio" under the codec information. I end up with 4 options below, which would be the most accurate, what do you recommend I name this particular audio track?
TrueHD Surround 7.1
TrueHD Atmos
Surround 7.1
TrueHD Audio

As dcoke22 says, it doesn't really matter what you call them; I do it because I like it and have been doing it for years. Anyway, in response to your questions/concerns:

- For main subtitles, use "Main Sub" or "Sub Language," e.g., "English Sub." Do not specify whether they are sdh or not. For forced subtitles, choose "Forced Sub".

- For audio tracks, use "Audio Format Language," e.g., "English DTS," "English DD," "English DTS-HD MA," etc.

Thanks again for the feedback DukeFleed. One last question, if I want to only change the name of an audio/subtitle track for a mkv file using mkvtoolnix, do I still have to choose multiplex? For example, I didn't know if you can just change the name and quickly save the file without having to choose multiplex.

I know when you want to actually remove an audio/subtitle track from a mkv, you do need to choose multiplex.

[DukeFleed]

Thanks again for the feedback DukeFleed. One last question, if I want to only change the name of an audio/subtitle track for a mkv file using mkvtoolnix, do I still have to choose multiplex?

Always.