Subtitles - can't get'em

[steve45]

Probably been asked and answered before, but noobie here and can’t sort it out on my own.

Trying to rip some DVDs to the new HTPC HDD so as to view via Win 7 Media Center, but can’t get the English subtitles to come through. Both DVDs are of TV shows from the UK. We need the subtitles since sometimes those blokes don’t speak the same English we do.

Here’s the skinny on the DVDs:

#1 - Endeavour, region 2 with English subtitles marked on the case.
#2 – Inspector Morse, season 1, episodes 1 – 3, region 2 with English subtitles marked on the case.

Both DVDs play with subtitles via multiple DVD players. We have one DVD player that is region free and will play either one with subtitles.

Both DVDs had the subtitle box checked when they were ripped.

Win 7 Media Center on the HTPC has LAV Splitter behind it, so it plays both .MKV files and with sound. But, there are no Captions listed in the Program Info of WMC when the right mouse button is pressed, or no subtitles are shown if Tasks > Settings > TV > Closed Captions > Always On is activated.

What am I missing or doing wrong? Thanks for the help, in advance.

s

[Woodstock]

First, try playing the files using something like VLC on the computer. You will probably find that there ARE subtitles there, but there are times when they wouldn't be picked up. Verify which situation is true in your case.

Next, if VLC says there are subtitles, you have to figure out why the media player can't see them. If we were talking BD disks instead of DVD, the "usual suspect" is no (or limited) support for PGS subtitles in the player firmware. But DVD subs should be playable in almost all players.

[steve45]

Woodstock, thank you for the help. Downloaded VLC and tried both MakeMKV rips and they both had subtitles. Actually, I really didn't think it was an issue with MakeMKV, since the check box was checked. However, thought it best to start here. So, now, off to figure out where WMC is not up-to-speed.
Thanks again.
s

ps - VLC is pretty cool. Yes, that vernacular dates me. I'm old.