Overview: Subtitles and captions

Subtitles and captions combine timed content, language and presentation rules with a delivery path supported by the player.

A subtitle can be present in a file yet never become visible in the expected way. Selection, timing, delivery and rendering each have a role: the right track must be chosen, its cues must match the programme, and the chosen playback path must be able to display them.

The format and storage branches describe what is being carried. Sources and accessibility explain which track suits the viewer; timing and text presentation explain how it appears. The Emby processing branch connects those properties to direct subtitle delivery and the cases where text or graphics become part of the video image.

• Understanding subtitles and captions
  Subtitles and captions present timed language and sound information as selectable tracks or as part of the video picture.

• Subtitle formats
  Subtitle formats define the timed content, graphics or service information available for presentation.

• Subtitle storage and delivery
  Subtitle storage and delivery connect a timed representation to the player through files, container tracks or stream signaling.

• Subtitle sources
  Subtitle sources and matching methods connect available timed content to the edition and language the viewer needs.

• Track selection and accessibility
  Subtitle selection combines track metadata, language preferences and accessibility needs with the available playback choices.

• Timing and synchronization
  Subtitle timing places cues on the media timeline and distinguishes offsets, drift and edition-specific mismatches.

• Text rendering and styling
  Subtitle rendering turns timed content and presentation instructions into visible text or graphics.

• Subtitle processing in Emby
  Subtitle processing in Emby connects track compatibility with direct delivery, rendering and optional video composition.