Conversion and Offset Guidelines

for International Languages

Table of Contents:

Overview...........................................................................................2
Performing a Basic Conversion (PAL, NTSC, Blu-ray HD)...................................2
Offsetting a File...................................................................................6
Converting and Offsetting When There’s a Converted English File With Offset Notes
......................................................................................................8
Keeping Offset Notes.............................................................................9
Offsetting Studio Files..........................................................................10
Conversion Tips..................................................................................10
The Auto Match Conversion Method..........................................................11
Proportional Offsets............................................................................12
The WB Conversion Method & Multi-Step Conversions....................................13
Conversion Tricks................................................................................14

1
Overview

Why do we need to convert and offset files?

When a file that was created for specific media needs to be reused with different
media, it needs to be offset and often converted to synchronize with the new media.
The new media may be a different version (Rated, Unrated, Airline, Edited Airline,
Theatrical, DVD) or a different format (PAL, drop-frame NTSC or non-drop-frame
NTSC), or final media for that project.

If there is a file that was created for PAL and another one is needed for the same film
but in Blu-ray, rather than create a new file from scratch, simply convert and offset
this PAL file to be reused for the Blu-ray media.

Hopefully, the conversion is not too complicated. Below there are some techniques to
make this process as simple as possible.

Performing a Basic Conversion

As an example to show you how to convert a file, we’ll walk you through the
conversion of a WB PAL file to HD (NTSC).

Before beginning a conversion, determine if the media is NDF or DF by asking your

scheduler or checking your copy of the English file, or you can determine for yourself
by referring to the “NTSC DF vs. NDF” document located on the Intranet.

 Make a copy of the file to be converted and open it in GTS. Detach all media
(Alt+F3) and remove all chapter breaks (Ctrl+F3).
 Save the file. (If you make a mistake, you will be able to start here rather
than repeating the entire process again).
 Rename the file with an x, and NTSC instead of PAL. Example:

xalex-ita-ntsc.pmw

 When you’ve finished the conversion, you will rename the file appropriately (v-
file, y-file, etc.).

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 In Document Properties (F11), select the correct venue for the project, in this
case HD-DVD. This will allow you to choose the appropriate profile.

 Change the profile to the correct one for the converted file, in this case WB
NTSC (NDF):

Select the right

profile here.

Select venue
here.

Click OK
here.

 The following prompt will appear:

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 Click “Yes,” then click “OK” in the Document Properties window. The
following prompt will appear:

 Click “Yes,” and the following prompt will appear:

 In the "Program start" field, type "01000000" (This is simply telling GTS to begin
at the 01:00:00.00 time code.) and select a conversion method.

 Generally, it’s best to try Telecine first.

 If file does NOT hold, close file without saving and reopen your x-file. This
time, try using the Video-to-video conversion option.

 If a file is drifting a lot, sometimes a multi-step conversion method will fix

it. Please see the WB Conversion Method (pg. 12) for an example.

 Click “OK.” The conversion is complete.

 Link the NTSC HD media (Alt+F3).

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  At this point, the conversion is done and your file is in the right format for the
media. However, offsets might be necessary to sync your file. An initial offset
might be needed at the very beginning. Using cut marks as your guide, do a
preliminary check to see how the conversion/offset holds. (Preliminary check
should be the first 2 minutes, a few points in the middle and then the very end
of the file.) If you’re unsure as to what cut marks are and the function they
serve, please refer to the “Respecting Cuts & Cut Marks” document located on
the Intranet.

Cut marks

Blu-ray HD conversions

Convert from NTSC [or PAL] to 23.976 fps. GTS will not convert this timecode
if media is attached to the subs!! To detach all media: File > Link Media Files
> Detach all Media Files. Select “Save As” and this will open the Document
Properties dialogue box (F11).

In Document Properties, change the framerate from 30 [or PAL] to film (24)
for all Blu-ray HD. Select okay and a new dialogue box will appear. Click yes
because the timecode must be changed to 23.976fps. Another dialogue box
appears – highlight the radio button next to Telecine and VERY IMPORTANT
change the timecode in the Program Start box to 01:00:00.00.

5
Offsetting a File

Watch the media from the beginning to determine if offsets are necessary. If the
subtitles are not synchronizing with the dialogue, you’ll need to offset the file.
Follow these steps:

 Determine the time code where the dialogue audio starts.

 Move the cursor in the sound bar back 4-8 frames from the dialogue audio
to where the subtitle’s in-point should be.
 Go to Menu: Tools and choose Recut Cues (Shift+F9). The following window
will appear.

Note the time code

from which all subs
will be offset.

 Select “All subtitles.”

 Click “Do it!”

 Spot-check the file all the way through to see if additional offsets are
necessary, using cut marks as your guide. Repeat the above steps whenever the
subtitles drift away from the audio. However, instead of selecting “All
subtitles” select “From” and select the range from the subtitle at which you
want to perform the offset to the last subtitle.

Note: As mentioned above, if you find that you are having to perform an
offset every few titles or so, close the file without saving and reconvert
the file selecting “Video to video” in the Convert Timecodes window.

6
  Make sure the conversion is holding up and also keep an eye out for any
mistakes that may have slipped through the spotting or QC stage.
 If you find something, notify Creative and make the correction in all
corresponding files (PAL, NTSC).

 Run Cue Validation (Ctrl+F9) and Validate Subtitles (F9) checks.

 Update Document Properties with name, date and conversion method as

shown here:

Conversion - PAL to NTSC – via Telecine – JesseM 5/25/05

If the conversion requires a multi-step process, please list each step rather
than simply stating ‘WB conversion method,’ etc.

 Implement Repo and breaks (if applicable).

If you still find the file drifting regularly no matter which conversion method you
select, you may want to consider performing a proportional offset or using the Auto-
match conversion. Otherwise, you’ll have to perform a heavy-duty spot-check,
checking every 100 subtitles or fewer and offsetting as necessary. Please note that
just because you find a sub that drifts, doesn’t mean that is the first sub out of sync.
Make sure you backtrack to the first subtitle in that section that drifts and requires
adjustment.

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Converting and Offsetting When There’s a Converted English File With
Offset Notes

If English has converted its file, there will be offset notes, which should reside in the
@Loadables directory for the specific project.

The offset notes will tell you which method to use when converting the file and the
exact subtitles that drift away from the media and need to be offset.

It will look like this:

Offset to end:
WAS:
232: 01:10:11.02 01:10:13.11
I want a blueberry pie for my birthday.

NOW:
232: 01:10:13.12 01:10:15.21
I want a blueberry pie for my birthday.

Text change:
WAS:
233: 01:10:14.08 01:10:16.06
I want one from Bakers Square.

NOW:
233: 01:10:14.08 01:10:16.06
I want one from Coco’s.

Change TC out:
WAS:
233: 01:10:18.01 01:10:21.13
What type of pie should I get?

NOW:
233: 01:10:18.01 01:10:21.05*
What type of pie should I get?

At the specific subtitles perform the offset steps from above.

If an offset English file required no further changes (this sometimes happens, for
example, when offsetting from work to final tapes), the offset notes will simply say,
“No offsets needed.”

All you have to do is link your file to the new media and spot-check it to ensure it
syncs up correctly.

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Keeping Offset Notes

If you’re assigned to do the initial conversion or offset of a file, check with the
scheduler to see if you’re required to keep offset notes. (Offsets almost always
require notes. Conversions generally don’t, but in special cases they are necessary).
Keeping accurate, detailed offset notes is important because other language teams
will later follow the instructions you provide when they work on the project.

Offset notes should include the action that needs to take place, the old subtitle and
the new subtitle with updated text and/or time codes. Please see the above
recommended template for offset notes.

 The Copy Current Subtitle feature, under the Edit menu in GTS, is very handy.
Use it to copy and paste the original title into your notes, and then again to
copy and paste the updated title. Setting a keyboard shortcut for this function
is recommended (Alt +X has been used here as an example):

 Offset notes should reside in the @Loadables directory for the specific project.

 Offset-notes headings should identify the project you are converting from, with
media number and project number, such as:

Offset Notes - Blade Runner - 82 Domestic Cut - FM# 105929 – M# 098525

NAME HERE 8/6/07
(Going from the ’82 International cut FM# 105930/M#098527
to ’82 Domestic cut)

 File name should include “Offset notes – project name” and any other
pertinent information (such as FT, episode number, director’s cut, etc.).

H:\MDVD\SonyTVNTSC\MontyPythonsFlyingCircus\Season2\119-
Episode119\@Loadables\Offset Notes – Monty Python – 119 - FT.doc

 If an offset requires no changes, please create a notes file as usual, and in the
body of the document please have in bold “No offsets needed.”

9
Offsetting Studio Files

One of the methods used to sync a studio file is to offset it. However, studio files were
usually created for the theatrical version of the media, which is separated by reels and
each reel uses an hour mark.

Reel 1 time codes will be 01:00:00.00 on.

Reel 2 time codes will be 02:00:00.00 on.
Reel 3 time codes will be 03:00:00.00 on.

Most often, the media you will be working with will have continuous time codes and
the studio file will need to be “offset to end” whenever there’s a reel change. In other
words each time you get to a new reel you will offset the range of subtitles from the
first title in that reel to the end of your file.

Conversion Tips

 Telecine: Generally the best option to try first. It works for most features and
episodics and any corresponding commentaries.

 Video-to-Video: Usually used for VAM. Often requires more offsetting. This is
especially true for WB.

 Change setting without conversion: Work tapes that are DF and then final
tapes that are NDF (or vice versa). Also can work for VAM when it is less than
an hour total run time.

 These instructions should generally work for episodics, with one exception: In
addition to the initial offset, there might be an offset after each commercial
break that will be similar to the process described above for studio files based
on multiple reels.

 When converting from NTSC to PAL you are working with a smaller amount of
frames per second. Thus, reading speed and minimum duration are often an
issue after converting the file. You may need to force the minimum interval
between subtitles and/or truncate some subtitles to avoid violations during
your F9 checks. Also, when converting to PAL (for most studios), the font is
larger, thus width-table violations are often an issue.

 When converting from PAL to NTSC you will most likely need to force the
minimum interval between subtitles from 4 frames to 5, unless you’re
converting to NTSC HD or Blu-ray, which maintain a 4-frame minimum interval.

 Sometimes a bit of trial-and-error is necessary to find the correct conversion

method, but if you find one that works you’ll save a great deal of time in the
offsetting phase (See some tricks below).

10
The Auto Match Conversion Method

Sometimes a conversion requires lots of steps and offsets and can be time consuming.
Other times we’re simply doing a reversion: To director’s cut or extended version, for
instance. For these kinds of situations, an Auto Match conversion could be more
effective. Please refer to the “AutoMatch-Dummy Conversion” and “INTERNATIONAL-
Version_Offsets_Using_AutoMatch” documents located on the Intranet.

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Proportional Offsets

Under certain circumstances, a proportional offset might prove an effective

alternative to the basic offset, particularly when reformatting to final media. Follow
these steps:

 Offset the first subtitle to its proper time code.

 Go to the last subtitle in the document and determine the time code where
the dialogue audio starts.
 Move the cursor in the sound bar back 4-8 frames from the dialogue audio
to where the final subtitle’s in-point should be.
 Go to menu: Tools and choose Recut Cues. The Recut window will appear.

Note the time code

at which last sub
will be offset.

 Under “Range,” select “From.” Enter the first subtitle that is now at its proper
time code. For “To,” enter the last subtitle you wish to offset in the file.
 Under “Recut settings,” select “Proportional.” The time code should match the
final subtitle’s ultimate in-point.
 Click “Do it!”

GTS will proportionately adjust all the subtitles within the stated range, based on the
final subtitle’s offset.

 Spot-check the file all the way through to see if minor adjustments are
necessary, using cut marks as your guide.

12
The WB Conversion Method & Multi-Step Conversions

If you’ve tried both Telecine and Video-to-video and your file is still drifting a lot,
sometimes a multi-step conversion method will work. As an example, here is one
method that often works on WB conversions – usually NTSC NDF to PAL – that might
otherwise require an inordinate number of offsets.

1. Convert from WB NTSC NDF to WB NTSC DF using video-to-video.

2. Convert back to WB NTSC NDF without conversion.
3. Convert to WB PAL using video-to-video.

Ideally, now you should only have to perform an initial offset, or one initial offset and
then offsets after each commercial break. Please note that this method works both
ways, going from NTSC to PAL and vice versa. Also, this method sometimes works for
projects from other studios.

Finally, some projects don’t convert cleanly no matter what method you try (so don’t
spend hours looking for one), but with some experimenting you might find a method
that works better than others. For instance, Monty Python’s Flying Circus (Sony NTSC
to PAL) episodes tend to drift a lot, but the following method helps quite a bit:

1. Convert from NTSC DF to NTSC NDF without conversion.

2. Convert back to NTSC DF using video-to-video.
3. Convert to PAL using video-to-video.

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Conversion Tricks

Below are a few tricks to convert files when just one conversion doesn’t seem to work.
As always, do a spot-check in the file (beginning, middle and end) to ensure it’s not
drifting.

WB FEATURETTES

From NTSC (NDF) to PAL – (WB NTSC is usually NDF)

 Do a first conversion: change profile from WB NTSC NDF (30) to WB NTSC DF

(29.97), using video-to-video.

 Do another conversion: change profile from WB NTSC DF (29.97), to WB PAL

(25), using change setting without conversion.

 Save the file and close it.

 Reopen the file. A window may appear and prompt you with a message. Click
OK.

 Force minimum interval: 4 frames.

 An initial offset might be necessary, and there might be some re-spotting to do

here and there around cuts.

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From PAL to NTSC (NDF) – (WB NTSC is usually NDF)

 Do a first conversion: change profile from WB PAL (25) to WB NTSC DF (29.97),

using change setting without conversion.

 Do a second conversion: change profile from WB NTSC DF (29.97) to WB NTSC

NDF (30), using video-to-video.

 Force minimum interval: 5 frames.

 An initial offset might be necessary and there might be some re-spotting to do

here and there, around cuts.

SONY TV SHOWS PAL to NTSC

From PAL to NTSC (DF) – (Sony projects are usually DF)

 Do a first conversion: change the profile from Sony PAL (25) to Sony NTSC NDF
(30), using video-to-video.

 Do a second conversion: change the profile from Sony NTSC NDF (30) to Sony
NTSD DF (29.97) using change setting without conversion.

 Save the file and close it.

 Reopen the file. A window may appear and prompt you with a message. Click
OK.

 Force minimum interval: 5 frames.

 An initial offset might be necessary and there might be an offset after each
commercial break. Some re-spotting around cuts may be necessary too.

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SONY TV SHOWS NTSC to PAL

From NTSC (DF) to PAL – (Sony projects are usually DF)

 Do a first conversion: Change the profile from Sony NTSC DF (29.97) to Sony
NTSC NDF (30) using change setting without conversion.

 Do a second conversion: change the profile from Sony NTSC NDF (30) to Sony
PAL (25) using video-to-video.

 Save the file and close it.

 Reopen the file. A window may appear and prompt you with a message. Click
OK.

 Force minimum interval: 4 frames.

 An initial offset might be necessary and there might be an offset after each
commercial break. Some re-spotting around cuts may be necessary too.

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