Manual For Subtitling March 2005

Copyright Softitler
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Confidential For Internal Use Only
TABLE OF CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................9
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU RECEIVE A WORK ASSIGNMENT ....................................................10
CHAPTER I - PROGRAMS.................................................................................................11
HOW TO USE SUBTITLE EDITOR EDDIE................................................................................11
Main Menu.......................................................................................................................11
Loading a File...............................................................................................................11
Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks........................................................................12
Inserting Blue Notes.....................................................................................................12
Header..........................................................................................................................12
Prolong.........................................................................................................................12
Compare Files..............................................................................................................13
Insert Styles..................................................................................................................13
Add / Remove subtitles................................................................................................13
Delete Green/Red/Blue Checks and Blue Notes..........................................................14
Show on Video.............................................................................................................14
Read Only.....................................................................................................................14
Page down....................................................................................................................14
Keyboard Settings........................................................................................................14
Common Menu.................................................................................................................15
Loading a video file.....................................................................................................15
Show Status Bar...........................................................................................................16
Show Video..................................................................................................................16
Show Zoom..................................................................................................................16
Edit Box Setting...........................................................................................................16
Set Video Text Color....................................................................................................16
Find / Replace..............................................................................................................16
Go To............................................................................................................................17
Exit...............................................................................................................................17
Right-Click Menu.............................................................................................................18
HOW TO USE TETATETPLUS LITE.........................................................................................19

Conf Menu........................................................................................................................19
Columns.......................................................................................................................19
Zoom............................................................................................................................19
Keyboard settings.........................................................................................................19
Main Menu.......................................................................................................................20
Loading a text file........................................................................................................20
Saving a File.................................................................................................................20
Closing a File...............................................................................................................20
Loading a video file.....................................................................................................21
Header..........................................................................................................................22
Compare Files..............................................................................................................22
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Go To............................................................................................................................22
Clear Green/Red/Blue..................................................................................................22
Delete all Notes............................................................................................................22
Keyboard......................................................................................................................22
Insert tags (styles)........................................................................................................23
Change LTC_OUT Red (Duration)..............................................................................23
Highlighting a Box.......................................................................................................23
Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks........................................................................23
Inserting Blue Notes.....................................................................................................23
Right-Click Menu.............................................................................................................24
HOW TO USE UNSTOOLS.....................................................................................................25

Syntax Check....................................................................................................................25
Results List.......................................................................................................................27
Page Down.......................................................................................................................28
Extra functions.................................................................................................................29
Find..............................................................................................................................29
Go To subtitle...............................................................................................................29
Insert styles...................................................................................................................29
Insert blue notes...........................................................................................................29
Insert Red, Green, Blue Checks...................................................................................29
Enlarge/reduce font size...............................................................................................29
HOW TO DO A SPELL CHECK IN MICROSOFT WORD............................................................30

(FOR WINDOWS 2000 AND XP USERS ONLY)........................................................................30
HOW TO DO A SPELL CHECK IN MICROSOFT WORD............................................................31

(FOR WINDOWS 98 USERS ONLY)..........................................................................................31
HOW TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO FILES FROM SOFTITLER ONLINE.............................................32
CHAPTER II - HOW FILES ARE NAMED.......................................................................33

FILE NAMES AND INITIALS....................................................................................................33
Client Initials................................................................................................................33
Film ID.........................................................................................................................33
Language Initials..........................................................................................................33
Translator Initials.........................................................................................................33
WHAT A FILE NAME LOOKS LIKE.........................................................................................34

DURING THE DIFFERENT WORKING PHASES........................................................................34
Translation Initials...........................................................................................................34
Spell Check Initial........................................................................................................34
Syntax Check Initial.....................................................................................................34
Video Simulation Initial...............................................................................................34
Zoom Initial..................................................................................................................34
Proofreading Initials........................................................................................................34
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Proofer 1 Initials...........................................................................................................34
Proofer 2 Initials...........................................................................................................34
Acceptance Initials...........................................................................................................35
CHAPTER III GENERAL SUBTITLING RULES.........................................................36

Film Titles....................................................................................................................36
Translate everything.....................................................................................................36
Avoid Literal Translations............................................................................................37
Fluency.........................................................................................................................37
Condensing...................................................................................................................37
Consistency..................................................................................................................37
Punctuation...................................................................................................................37
Quotations from Literature...........................................................................................39
Italics............................................................................................................................39
Narratives.....................................................................................................................39
Numbers.......................................................................................................................40
Measurements..............................................................................................................40
Division of Text into Boxes.........................................................................................40
Line Division within Boxes.........................................................................................40
Subtitle Alarmed Due to Length (Red Lines)..............................................................43
Subtitle Alarmed Due to Duration................................................................................43
What to do when you find a mistake in the English file..............................................43
CREATION OF CONSISTENCY SHEETS ....................................................................................44

Translation.......................................................................................................................44
Translating the Consistency Sheet...............................................................................44
Proofreading the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED).............................................44
Acceptance of the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED)...........................................45
Rematch/Typing/Remastering/Correlation......................................................................45
Translating the Consistency Sheet...............................................................................45
CHAPTER IV - TRANSLATION.........................................................................................46
TRANSLATION.......................................................................................................................46
How to Start.................................................................................................................46
Green Checks...............................................................................................................46
Red Checks...................................................................................................................46
FINAL CHECKS......................................................................................................................46
Prolong.........................................................................................................................46
Spell Check..................................................................................................................47
Syntax Check...............................................................................................................47
Video Simulation..........................................................................................................47
Zoom............................................................................................................................47
ACCEPTANCE........................................................................................................................48
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QUALITY CONTROL - RED CHECKS......................................................................................49
CHAPTER V - PROOFREADING......................................................................................50
PROOFREADING PROCEDURES..............................................................................................50
Errors to Be Corrected.................................................................................................50
Green Checks...............................................................................................................50
Notes............................................................................................................................51
Proof 1.............................................................................................................................51
Proof 1 Procedures.......................................................................................................51
Final Checks.................................................................................................................51
Proof 2.............................................................................................................................52
Proof 2 Procedures.......................................................................................................52
Final Checks.................................................................................................................52
CHAPTER VI - ADDED VALUES.......................................................................................53

TRANSLATING AN ADDED VALUE.........................................................................................53
Change..........................................................................................................................53
Leave............................................................................................................................53
Film Titles....................................................................................................................54
Final Checks.................................................................................................................54
PROOFREADING AN ADDED VALUE......................................................................................55

Final Checks.................................................................................................................55
CHAPTER VII REMATCH...............................................................................................56

(FOR UNIVERSAL AND WARNER ONLY)......................................................................56
REMATCH PROCEDURES........................................................................................................57
Procedures....................................................................................................................57
Rules to follow.............................................................................................................58
Final Checks.................................................................................................................59
CHAPTER VIII REMATCH.............................................................................................60

(FOR ALL CLIENTS, EXCEPT UNIVERSAL AND WARNER).....................................60
REMATCH PROCEDURES........................................................................................................61
Phase 1.........................................................................................................................61
Phase 2.........................................................................................................................63
CHAPTER IX REMATCH FROM DUBBED SCRIPT..................................................65

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REMATCH FROM DUBBED SCRIPT PROCEDURES ...................................................................66
Procedures....................................................................................................................66
Rules to follow.............................................................................................................67
Final Checks.................................................................................................................68
CHAPTER X TYPING FROM A DUBBED VIDEO......................................................70

Rules to follow.............................................................................................................71
Dubbed Typing: Procedures.........................................................................................71
Dubbed Typing: Final Checks......................................................................................72
Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures...................................................................72
Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures......................................................................72
CHAPTER XI TYPING FROM A DUBBED VIDEO.....................................................74

Rules to follow.............................................................................................................75
Dubbed Typing: Procedures.........................................................................................76
Dubbed Typing: Final Checks......................................................................................76
Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures...................................................................77
Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures......................................................................77
CHAPTER XII CD TYPING.............................................................................................78

Rules to follow.............................................................................................................79
CD Typing: Procedures................................................................................................79
CD Typing: Final Checks.............................................................................................80
CHAPTER XIII CD TYPING...........................................................................................81

Rules to follow.............................................................................................................82
CD Typing: Procedures................................................................................................83
CD Typing: Final Checks.............................................................................................83
CHAPTER XIV SCRIPT TYPING...................................................................................85

Rules to follow.............................................................................................................86
Script Typing: Procedures............................................................................................86
Script Typing: Final Checks.........................................................................................87
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CHAPTER XV SCRIPT TYPING....................................................................................88
Rules to follow.............................................................................................................89
Script Typing: Procedures............................................................................................90
Script Typing: Final Checks.........................................................................................90
CHAPTER XVI REMASTERING....................................................................................92

Procedures....................................................................................................................92
Final Checks.................................................................................................................93
CHAPTER XVII REMASTERING..................................................................................95

Procedures....................................................................................................................95
Final Checks.................................................................................................................96
CHAPTER XVIII - CORRELATION..................................................................................98

CORRELATION PROCEDURES.................................................................................................99
Phase 1.........................................................................................................................99
Phase 2.......................................................................................................................101
CHAPTER XIX TIME FORMAT CONVERSION.......................................................103

Procedures..................................................................................................................103
Final Checks...............................................................................................................104
CHAPTER XX - SDH FILES.............................................................................................105

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SDH AND NON-SDH FILES...........................................................106
PARTIAL SDH TRANSLATION..............................................................................................107

Translation.....................................................................................................................107
Procedures..................................................................................................................107
Final Checks...............................................................................................................107
Proofreading..................................................................................................................108
Procedures..................................................................................................................108
Acceptance.....................................................................................................................108
COMPLETE SDH TRANSLATION..........................................................................................109

Translation.....................................................................................................................109
Proofreading..................................................................................................................109
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Acceptance.....................................................................................................................109
CHAPTER XXI IMAGE QC...........................................................................................110

Receiving an Image QC Assignment..........................................................................110
IMAGE QC PROCEDURES.....................................................................................................111
Downloading the Image files from Softitler Online.................................................111
Loading the Image file...............................................................................................112
Checking the Image file.............................................................................................113
Corrections Allowed...................................................................................................113
Corrections Not Allowed............................................................................................113
Creating and Saving a Log file...................................................................................113
Closing QC Image......................................................................................................114
Making Corrections in the UNS file...........................................................................114
CHAPTER XXII - DVD MENUS.......................................................................................115

TRANSLATING A DVD MENU.............................................................................................115
PROOFREADING A DVD MENU...........................................................................................115
THE ACCEPTANCE OF A DVD MENU..................................................................................116
FIRST QC AND FINAL QC OF A DVD MENU......................................................................116
GLOSSARY..........................................................................................................................117
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Introduction
Welcome to the subtitling world of SOFTITLER . This manual covers all of the functions of Softitler s
proprietary subtitling programs and the procedures to be followed for each type of translation job for
subtitling for DVD for Softitler.
Use the Table of Contents to quickly find the information that pertains to you. Our staff will inform you
about the parts that are of particular importance to the work you are performing. Do not worry about
the sections that do not pertain to the type of work you are doing or the programs that you have not
received. If you find a term that is unfamiliar to you, consult the Glossary at the end of this Manual or
use the Find Ctrl+F option in Word.
First, we would like to outline the phases that a translation normally passes through:
Initial phases: Our English Master staff creates an English Master File with blue notes, which
define expressions and slang to help the translator.
Translation/Proof/Acceptance: The translator receives the English Master File along with a blank
file to be used to create his/her translation in his/her native language. When he/she has completed
the translation, the translator must run some final checks on the file to insure that the translation is
free from errors, such as typos, missing punctuation, and spelling errors. After that, two other
translators receive and correct the translation; they are the proofreaders: proofer 1 and proofer 2.
The translator then receives the revised translation from his two colleagues and must decide whether
or not to accept their suggestions and corrections.
Quality Control: Our Quality Control Department then checks the finished translated file, and if any
questions arise, they send that file with red checks once again to the translator for correction. Quality
Control also checks for consistency within a translation (for example, the spelling of names) and
across all of the languages into which a film was translated.
Image QC: The file is then converted into a different format, and a mother-tongue translator performs
a final check; this is called a Quality Control of the Image files. This translator, called an Image QC
Viewer, views each subtitle to make sure that the file doesnt contain any conversion errors or
objective spelling or serious grammar mistakes, and makes the necessary corrections. The subtitle
file is then ready to be delivered to the client.
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What to do when you receive a work assignment
One of Softitlers Scheduling Coordinators will contact you by email to ask if you are available to do a
work assignment. You should follow these steps:
You must accept or decline the assignment as soon as you receive the message. If the
Scheduling Coordinator doesnt receive a confirmation that you accept the assignment, he
or she will need to send the assignment to another translator. In this case, you will receive
an email message DISREGARDING the work assignment. Unless you have received a
Disregard message, you must always send the Scheduling Coordinator a message
informing him whether you accept or decline the assignment.
You will receive the text files (UNS files) you need for your assignment by email as an
attachment to the work assignment email. The files will be compressed (zipped). As soon
as you receive them, you should extract them with WinZip and try to load them into the
Softitler subtitling editor to make sure that the files open correctly. In case you cant open
the files, you must immediately inform the Scheduling Coordinator and the Help Desk.
You must visit our site at http://sol.softitler.com to download the video file. It is absolutely
mandatory that you are in possession of the video file before starting to work on the
assignment. For more details on how to download ASF files from our site, please refer to
Chapter I How to Download Video Files from Softitler Online.
You are required to have the appropriate ASF file for all assignment types, including any
proofs, with the only exception of Image QC assignments.
If you experience any problems during download, you must immediately inform the
Scheduling Coordinator and the Help Desk.
In case it is impossible to send you the video file in time, you must have the written approval
of the Scheduling Coordinator that you may proceed with the assignment.
If the assignment is taking you more time than expected or in case you think you wont be
able to meet the deadline mentioned in the email, you must contact the Scheduling
Coordinator immediately.
In case you have any questions while working on the assignment, you can contact the
Scheduling Coordinator by email (reply to the address you received the work assignment
from) or by phone (you can find the Scheduling Coordinators phone number in the emails
signature). Please take into consideration the time zone the office is in. Scheduling
Coordinator office hours in Florence are from 10 am to 7 pm (Florence time). Scheduling
Coordinator office hours in Montreal are from 9 am to 6 pm (Montreal time).
After finishing the assignment, you should zip your file and send it back to the Scheduling
Coordinator who sent you the assignment. Use the message you received from the
Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file. The
Scheduling Coordinator will send you a confirmation message.
Important!
The procedures outlined above apply for all kinds of assignments, except for Image QC (Tiff
QC) assignments. Please refer to Chapter XV Image QC for details regarding Image QC
assignments.
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Chapter I - Programs
How to Use Subtitle Editor Eddie

Eddie (short for Editor) is the name of Softitlers subtitle editor for translators. Eddie is to be used for
all translating and proofreading assignments, except for SDH translations. The program allows you to
insert and edit text, add notes, add red or green checks to boxes, perform Go To tasks, as well as
perform the video simulation of the file that you are working on. Eddie is very user-friendly and below
you will find detailed introductory instructions.
Main Menu
The main menu also appears when clicking on the file name in the blue bar.
Loading a File
Click on ORIG > Load File and browse for the file you want to open.
To open a second and third file, click on TRANS1 > Load File and TRANS2 > Load File.
Note that only UNS files can be opened with this Editor.
Drag n Drop
It is also possible to open a file by dragging it from Windows Explorer to the Editor
window. A new column will automatically be opened. To use this feature, not more than 2
columns may be opened. Make sure the time formats (i.e. NTSC, NTSC DROP, or PAL)
of the files you wish to open are the same.
Double Click Feature

If this feature is enabled, the file will open automatically in the Editor when you double
click on a file name in Windows Explorer. Every time you double click on a file name, a
new Editor window will be opened.
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Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks
To insert a red check, click on R. To insert a green check, click on G. To insert a blue check, click on
B.
Each check has a meaning which varies depending on the procedure or type of file.
Inserting Blue Notes

To write a note, put your cursor in the gray area below the time codes and type the note. To save a
note, press Enter or Esc or click outside the notes space.
Only Western characters can be used to type notes.
Header
Click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 -> Header to check the settings of a file.
It is not possible to edit this information. If there is incorrect information in the header, contact your
Softitler Scheduling Coordinator.
Prolong
This feature automatically lengthens the duration of alarmed subtitles if there is enough space
between the subtitles.
A notification message will appear, listing all the fixed subtitle boxes (where the duration of the
subtitle has been prolonged) and the not fixed subtitle boxes (where the duration of the subtitle
hasnt been prolonged because there isnt enough space).
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Compare Files
This feature is used to find differences between two files.
To compare files, click on the Main Menu of the column that youre working in
(ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2) and select Compare Files. Once the dialogue box opens, select the file
you would like to compare your file to.
Two files can be compared in order to indicate:
Different text
Different LTCs
Different Style (Italics, Narrative and Normal)
Different use of Special/Song and Forced tags, Split Boxes and Credits
Upon clicking on Compare, the boxes that contain differences will automatically be marked with a red
check. Click on Exit to exit the Compare window and use the Common > Goto > Reds function to
quickly find the red checks in your file.
Insert Styles
To insert different styles (Normal, Italics, Special/Song tags, Burn-In Text and Principal Photography
Narratives) in a selected range of boxes.
Add / Remove subtitles

To add a subtitle, put the cursor in the box after which you want to add a box and click on
ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Subtitle > Insert.
Note that boxes are added after the selected box and that they have a standard minimum duration of
1 second. The distance between two subtitles must be a minimum of 2 frames.
If you add a subtitle, add a red check and leave a note for the QC Department, explaining in English
the meaning of the added text. The QC Department will check the timing.
To remove a subtitle, put the cursor in the box you want to remove and click on
ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Subtitle > Delete.
Always verify the subtitle number and the column before adding or removing a subtitle.
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Delete Green/Red/Blue Checks and Blue Notes
To remove all checks and notes from your file, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Clear Tags and
select the item you wish to remove.
Show on Video
To watch the movie with the subtitles displayed in ORIG, load the movie and click on ORIG > Show on
Video.
To watch the movie with the subtitles displayed in TRANS1 or TRANS2, load the movie and click on
TRANS1 > Show on Video or TRANS2 > Show on Video.
Read Only
In order to avoid making unnecessary changes to a file, it is possible to freeze it and make it Read
Only. To do so, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Read Only.
To disable, click again on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Read Only.
Page down
Use the page up/down keys, the mouse wheel or the slide bar at the right of the screen.
To go to the beginning or the end of a file, press CTRL+Home and CTRL+End.
Keyboard Settings
The keyboard is automatically set when opening a file. The default selection is based on the language
in the header of each file.
To type text in the notes space, however, the English keyboard (EN) must be used.
E.g.: If you open a Norwegian file in TRANS1 and put the cursor in a subtitle box, the
keyboard will automatically switch to NO. When you put the cursor in the notes space, the
keyboard will automatically switch to EN.
To change the default keyboard, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 -> Keyboard and choose your
keyboard. If the keyboard you want does not appear on the list, click on Start > Settings > Control
Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and add the missing keyboard.
Make sure that the keyboard indicator is enabled on the task bar.
To enable the indicator, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and click
on Enable Indicator On Taskbar.
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Common Menu
Loading a video file

Click on Common > Load Movie. Browse for the .asf file. Make sure that the .asf file is copied into a
folder on your computer's hard drive. It is not possible to load the video from a CD.
Select the subtitles you want to watch. To do so, click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Show on Video.
If you are unable to see the image, click on the Decrypt Video button:
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Additional Video Functions
If you place the mouse arrow over the command buttons, a tool tip note will appear
with the name of the function.
The numbers at the bottom of the video window indicate the number of the current
subtitle (left) and the total number of subtitles of the file (right).
To go to a specific subtitle, stop the movie and click on the subtitle number in Eddie
(not in the video window) and insert the number (see also Go To below). The movie
will automatically jump to the inserted subtitle number.
To jump to the previous or next subtitle, you can also use the mouse wheel.
To move forward or backwards quickly, drag the slide bar at the bottom of the video
window to the left (to rewind) or to the right (to fast-forward).
Show Status Bar

To enable/disable the status bar at the bottom of the window.
Show Video
To close or open the video window once a movie has been loaded.
Show Zoom
This function allows you to closely examine a blue-highlighted box. It is a helpful tool to use while
proofreading and looking for spelling or syntax errors.
To enable the zoom function, click on Common > Show Zoom.

To enlarge or reduce the zoom window, drag the upper side of the window up or down.
To detach the zoom window from the subtitles so that the zoom moves independently, double click on
it.
To enlarge or reduce the size of the text inside the zoom window, click on the + or sign.
Edit Box Setting

This feature is used to reduce or increase the height of the subtitle boxes. It is also possible to
change the height by clicking on the + or sign to the right of the blue bar with the file names.
Set Video Text Color

To change the color of the subtitles on screen, choose a color and click on OK.
Subtitles in italics will always be blue and subtitles in narrative will always be green/purple.
Find / Replace
This feature is used to find a specific word or phrase.
Insert a word and click on Find. To find the next word, click again on Find. Or click on Cancel and use
the F3 key.
Find/replace is performed in the column where the cursor is placed.
To find/replace a word in the ORIG column, make sure the cursor is blinking in the first subtitle in the
ORIG column.
To find/replace a word in the TRANS 1 column, make sure the cursor is blinking in the first subtitle in
the TRANS 1 column.
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Go To
To go to a specific subtitle, click on the subtitle number and insert the number of the title.
Use the Common > Go To menu to browse a file for boxes with red, green and blue checks, italics,
Burn-In and Principal Photography narratives, notes, wrong duration (too much text relative to the
time the spectator has to read the subtitle), red lines (too many characters on one line), titles with two
lines that could fit on one line, boxes with blue position tags (for office use only), boxes with red
Special/Song tags, empty boxes or boxes with credits or split groups.
Press F3 to go to the next item and SHIFT+F3 to go to the previous one.
Make sure the cursor is placed in the column in which you wish to perform the Go To search.
Exit
To exit the program.
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Right-Click Menu
Right-click in the box to obtain the menu that enables you to:
Undo or redo changes.
Cut, copy and paste text.
Select all text of a box.
Insert Italics, green Burn-In or purple Principal Photography
Narratives or normal style for selected text. It is also
possible to insert italics and narratives by selecting the text
and clicking on the I (for Italics), B (for green Burn-In
Text) and P (for purple Principal Photography) buttons
located at the upper part of the window. To remove italics or
narratives (to insert normal), click on the I (to remove
Italics), B (to remove green Burn-In Text) and P (to
remove purple Principal Photography) buttons. To put a
whole box in italics, place the cursor in the box and click on
I.
Insert Special/Song tags (to be used only at the request of
Softitlers Staff).
Enlarge or reduce the font
size of the characters inside the subtitle box.
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How to Use TetatetPlus Lite
TetatetPlus Lite is the name of another Softitler s subtitle editor. TetatetPlus Lite can be used for all
translating and proofreading assignments, except for SDH translations, whenever the subtitle editor
Eddie is not functioning correctly. The program allows you to insert and edit text, add notes, add red
or green checks to boxes, perform Go To tasks, as well as perform the video simulation of the file that
you are working on.
Conf Menu
Columns
You can open a maximum of three columns in TetatetPlus Lite. Select
which columns you need to open by checking or un-checking the
column names under the CONF heading: ORIG, TRANS, and
TRANS2. Do not open more columns than necessary. The more
columns you open, the smaller the column width will be.
Zoom
This function allows you to enlarge the view of the boxes in TetatetPlus Lite. It is a helpful tool to use
while proofreading and looking for spelling and syntax mistakes. The Zoom function can be used to
proofread a translation, to compare two files or to examine a highlighted box.
Select Zoom > Normal mode if you want the zoom window to be small (recommended for displaying
regular subtitles).
Select Zoom > Full mode when you want the zoom window to be larger and detached from the
TetatetPlus Lite window (recommended for displaying credits and split subtitles).
Keyboard settings
The default language of TetatetPlus Lite is English. This means that for all functions (when you type a
note or text in the Go To or Save As functions), the English keyboard will be used.
To change the default keyboard, click on Conf > Keyboard and choose your keyboard. If the
keyboard you want does not appear on the list, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard >
Input Locales and add the missing keyboard.
Make sure that the keyboard indicator is enabled on the task bar.
To enable the indicator, click on Start > Settings > Control Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and click
on Enable Indicator On Taskbar.
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Main Menu
Loading a text file

Click on ORIG > Load Text File and browse for the file you want to open.
To open a second and a third file, click on TRANS > Load Text File and TRANS2 > Load Text File.
Note that only UNS files can be opened with the Editor.
Saving a File
Click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 -> Save As and click on Save.
Before saving the file, check to make sure you are saving it with the correct name in the appropriate
folder.
TetatetPlus Lite does not create automatic backup files. Backup files .OLD and .BAK are created
when saving the file using the Save As command. All files are saved in the same folder.
Closing a File
Click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 -> Close.
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Loading a video file
Click on ORIG > Load Video.
Click on File > Load movie.
Browse for the movie file and click on Open. Make sure that the .asf file is copied into a
folder on your computer's hard drive. It is not possible to load the video from a CD.
If you are unable to see the image, click on the Decode/Undecode button.
Additional Video Functions

If you place the mouse arrow over the command buttons, a tool tip note will appear with
the name of the function.
All of the command buttons are also listed under the Control menu.
The four groups of numbers on the bottom left part of the video window indicate the actual
time code of the movie. To change the time codes in order to move forward or backwards
quickly, click on the arrows.
The number at the center of the bottom part of the video window indicates the number of
the current subtitle.
To go to a specific number or time code, double click on the subtitle number in the video
window, insert the number and click on OK. The movie will automatically jump to the
inserted subtitle number or time code.
To enlarge or reduce the video window, click on the + and buttons.
To bring the video window back to its original size, click on the button with the square.
To freeze TetatetPlus Lite on a subtitle and be able to watch the movie without the
subtitles in TetatetPlus Lite following, click on the Z button.
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Header
Click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Header to check the settings of a file.
It is not possible to edit this information. If there is incorrect information in the header, contact your
Softitler Scheduling Coordinator.
Compare Files
This feature is used to find differences between two files.
To compare files, click on the Main Menu of the column that youre
working in (ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2) and select Compare Files. Once the
dialogue box opens, select the file you would like to compare your file to.
Two files can be compared in order to indicate:
Different text
Different tags (Italics, Narrative and Normal)
When clicking on Compare, the boxes that contain differences will
automatically be marked with a red check. Use the
ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Go To > Selected > Red function to quickly find
the red checks in your file.
Go To
Use the ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Go To menu
(or press CTRL+G) to go to a specific subtitle
number, to find words and to browse a file for
boxes with wrong duration (too much text
relative to the time the spectator has to read the
subtitle), length (red lines: too many characters
on one line), italics, green Burn-In and purple
Principal Photography narratives, red
Special/Song tags and green Forced tags, red,
green and blue checks, notes, numbers, titles
with two lines that could fit on one line, empty
boxes, and boxes with credits and split boxes.
Press F3 to go to the next box in the GO TO

search and SHIFT+F3 to go to the previous
one.
Make sure to select the Go To function of the

column in which you wish to perform the search.
Clear Green/Red/Blue
To clear all green, red or blue checks from a file.
Delete all Notes

To delete all notes from a file.
Keyboard
The English keyboard is the default keyboard setting of TetatetPlus Lite.
To change the default keyboard to write text in boxes, click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 > Keyboard
and choose your keyboard.
350934832.doc 22
To change the default keyboard, click on ORIG/TRANS/TRANS2 -> Keyboard and choose your
keyboard. If the keyboard you want does not appear on the list, click on Start > Settings > Control
Panel > Keyboard > Input Locales and add the missing keyboard.
Insert tags (styles)

To insert different styles (Normal, Italics, green Burn-In (NB) and purple
Principal Photography (NP) narratives) in a selected range of boxes.
Change LTC_OUT Red (Duration)

This feature automatically lengthens the duration of alarmed subtitles.
Highlighting a Box
You can highlight a box in order to select all of its text and use all of the functions of the box. A
highlighted box is yellow. To highlight a box, right click on the top gray part of the box or place the
cursor in the box and press ESC.
Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks

To insert a red check, click on the left check.
To insert a green check, click on the middle check.
To insert a blue check, click on the right check.
Each check has a meaning which varies
depending on the procedure or type of file.
Inserting Blue Notes

To write a note, click on the lower part of the gray area below the time codes and type the note.
To save a note, press Enter.
350934832.doc 23
Right-Click Menu
Right-click in the gray header part of the box to obtain the menu that enables you to:
Add and remove boxes.
Added boxes will be inserted after the current box (the box that is
highlighted in yellow). To add several boxes at the same time, write the
number of boxes you want to add.
Copy and Paste only the notes of a box.
Right-click in the box to obtain the menu that enables you to:
Cut, copy and paste selected text or the whole text of a box.
Undo text changes.
Select all text of a box.
Insert Italics, Burn-In or Principal Photography Narratives or
Normal style for selected text or the whole box.
350934832.doc 24
How to Use UNSTools
UNSTools is the program used to check the structure of a translation file. When you open a file in
UNSTools, the program will check for double spaces, subtitles without final punctuation, etc.
Syntax Check
Click on File > Open (Translation) and browse for the file you want to check in UNSTools.
Note: If you have problems while opening a file or if an error message appears,
contact the Scheduling Coordinator, explain the problem and send the file, so that
we can try to resolve the problem.
Double-click on the file name or click on it once and click on Open.
Click on Yes when the program asks you if you want to do Automatic Correction. Automatic
Correction removes all double spaces in the file.
If some changes are made to the file, the following message will appear:
Click on OK and the language file will open.

Click on File > Save As and look for the file you want to save. Add an x to the file name and
click on Save.
Note: If no automatic corrections were required for your file, the language file will
open without displaying this message. Nevertheless you should save it by adding
an "x" to the file name before opening the English file.
Click on File > English > Open.
Browse for the English file you want to open and click on Open.
Note: It is important to open the English file before running Syntax Check, as the
program compares numbers, tags (styles), punctuation, etc. used in the English
and the translation file. If you dont open the English file first, some of the
horizontal checks wont be done.
Click on Tools > Check Syntax or hit F5.
Select all the options and click on Start Check.
At the right side of the screen a column will appear with the Syntax Check results.
350934832.doc 25
Click on the numbers in square brackets and the program will go to that specific subtitle,
highlighting it in yellow. Check with the English file and make the necessary changes.
Remember to save the file often (without changing the file name). UNSTools does not save
files automatically or create backup files.
When you have checked all the results, save the file (without changing the file name) and
close the results list. To do so, click on Tools > Hide Results.
350934832.doc 26
Results List
Syntax
A list of boxes with unusual characters, missing final punctuation, inconsistent use of upper/lower
cases, unusual number formats, or without text.
Song Subtitle
A list of all subtitles that contain Special/Song tags.
Split Group
A list of all subtitles that contain two groups.
Credits Boxes
A list of all subtitles that contain Credits Boxes, i.e. boxes with more than 2 lines of text.
Western Characters (Only when checking files with non-Western character set)
A list of all the boxes that contain Western characters.
Proper Nouns
A list of all words beginning with upper case, with the following exceptions:
Words that are names at the beginning of a sentence, after a full stop, question mark or exclamation
point will not be listed.
This list wont appear when checking German files or files in languages that do not have upper cases.
Capitals
A list of acronyms and words written in capital letters, such as FBI.
Sounds (Only when checking SDH files)

A list of all the sound cues inside square brackets used in the file.
Speakers (Only when checking SDH files)

A list of all the capitalized speaker names, followed by a colon and one space, used in the file.
Numbers
A list of all the numbers used in the translation file.
Horizontal Check
A list of checks comparing the English file and the translation file. All boxes with a difference in style
(Italics, Narrative, Normal), numbers, measurements, speaker hyphens, etc, will be listed.
This list will appear only if you run Syntax Check with both the English and the translation file opened.
Length
A list of titles with too many characters on one line (red lines). Red lines must always be corrected by
changing the line division (if possible) or shortening the text.
Division
A list of titles that could fit on one line or that have uneven line divisions.
Titles that could fit on one line must always be put on one line. Line divisions should only be changed
if necessary. Follow the line division rules outlined in Chapter III - Translation.
UNSTools suggests dividing a sentence after any kind of punctuation, but this suggestion should be
ignored if the suggested line division would leave one short word alone on a line.
350934832.doc 27
Page Down
Go to the beginning of the file.
Scroll down the whole file by pressing the Page Down key on your keyboard.
If you see a box highlighted a different color (orange, yellow, blue, green, red, purple), put the
cursor on the text in that box without clicking and a tool tip will appear with an explanation of
the color. Make sure the box is correct and make the necessary changes.
Remember to save the file often (without changing the file name). UNSTools does not save
files automatically or create backup files.
350934832.doc 28
Extra functions
Find
To search for a specific word in the translation file, click on Find or use Ctrl+F, type the word and click
on Find.
Note that Ctrl+F only works when the cursor is placed somewhere in the translation file.
Go To subtitle
To go to a particular subtitle, left click on the box number in the English or the translation file, type the
box number and click on OK.
Insert styles
To put text in Italics, Burn-In Text Narrative, Principal Photography Narrative or Normal: Select the
words/characters you want to change in the translation file, right click and select the style you wish to
insert.
You can also use Ctrl+I (Italics), Ctrl+B (Burn-In Text Narrative), Ctrl+P (Principal Photography
Narrative) and Ctrl+N (Normal) to insert and/or remove styles.
Insert blue notes

To insert the blue notes in UNSTools,
type in the gray area below the time
codes. Press the Enter key to save the
note.
Insert Red, Green, Blue Checks

Click on the left box (R) to insert a red check, click on the middle box (G) to insert a green check, and
click on the left box (B) to insert a blue check.
Enlarge/reduce font size

It is possible to enlarge/reduce the size of the characters in the subtitle box.
To modify the font size, put the cursor in one of the boxes, right click and select Font Size + or Font
Size .
Note that if you enlarge the font too much, the text on the 2nd line in some languages might not be
visible.
350934832.doc 29
How to Do a Spell Check in Microsoft Word
(for Windows 2000 and XP users only)
A Spell Check must be done on every file, except for Image files.
Spell Check Procedures

Open Softitlers Subtitle Editor and reduce the window so that it covers only half of your computer
screen by clicking on the edge of the application window and dragging it with the mouse. Open the file
on which you want to run a Spell Check, and save it by adding a 9 to the file name.
Open Windows Explorer and go to the folder where you have stored the file.
Create a subfolder called Spell Check.
SUGGESTED PROCEDURE
Select the file without the 9 and right-click on
it.
Select Open With > WinZip Executable.
Select the file UNS file without the 9 and
extract it into the subfolder called Spell
Check.
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE
Select the file without the 9 and right-click on it.
Select Rename and manually change the file extension from .UNS to .ZIP
Double-click on the .ZIP file and extract into the subfolder called Spell Check.
Open Microsoft Word and reduce the size of the window so that covers the other half of your screen.
The Subtitle Editor and Word should now appear side by side on your computer screen.
In Microsoft Word, click on File > Open. Search for the UNS file without the 9 that you extracted in the
folder called Spell Check.
Make sure All Files is selected in the Files of Type section of the dialogue box.
If a dialogue box opens, asking Convert File from Encoded Text, click OK. Click on OK again for
Unicode encoding.
Go to the Tools menu in Word and click on Language.
Select Set language and find your language by scrolling down on the scroll bar.
Click on your language and then on the Default button.
The program will ask you if you want to change the default language to the one you have chosen. Click
on Yes, then on OK.
Go to the Tools menu in Word again and click on Spelling and Grammar.
Spell Check will begin, stopping on all words that it doesnt recognize. Spell Check doesnt recognize
swear words, words recently incorporated into the language, names and foreign words. Sometimes it
will also make suggestions that are incorrect. You must decide what changes should and should not be
made.
Make all of the changes on your file in Softitlers Subtitle Editor, not in Word. Always click on
Ignore when Spell Check makes a suggestion. Make all of the changes in Softitlers Subtitle
Editor ONLY.
Note: In Word, the box number is indicated in brackets above the time codes.
For more detailed information regarding Spell Check in your language, if any, refer to the Language
Rules document.
Finishing Spell Check

When Word has finished checking your file, close Microsoft Word without saving the changes. You will
have made all of the changes in the file opened in the Subtitle Editor.
350934832.doc 30
Save the file with the 9 opened in the Subtitle Editor. This file will contain all the corrections made
during Spell Check.
350934832.doc 31
How to Do a Spell Check in Microsoft Word
(for Windows 98 users only)
A Spell Check must be done on every file, except for Image files.
Note: Windows 98 users must have a shortcut to WinZip on the desktop.
Spell Check Procedures

Open Windows Explorer and reduce the window so that it covers only half of your computer screen.
Go to the folder where you have stored the file.
Create a subfolder called Spell Check.
Open Softitlers Subtitle Editor and reduce the window so that it covers only half of your computer
screen by clicking on the edge of the application window and dragging it with the mouse. Open the file
on which you want to run a Spell Check, and save it by adding a 9 to the file name. Minimize the size of
the Subtitle Editor window so that you have only Windows Explorer opened.
SUGGESTED PROCEDURE
Select the file without the 9, right-click on it and drag it to the WinZip shortcut.
When WinZip opens, select the file UNS file and extract it into the subfolder called Spell Check.
ALTERNATIVE PROCEDURE
Select the file without the 9 and right-click on it.
Select Rename and manually change the file extension from .UNS to .ZIP
Double-click on the .ZIP file and extract into the subfolder called Spell Check.
Open Microsoft Word and reduce the size of the window so that covers the other half of your screen.
Maximize the size of the Subtitle Editor so that it appears side by side with Word on your computer
screen.
In Microsoft Word, click on File > Open. Search for the UNS file without the 9 that you extracted in the
folder called Spell Check.
Make sure All Files is selected in the Files of Type section of the dialogue box.
If a dialogue box opens, asking Convert File from Encoded Text, click OK. Click on OK again for
Unicode encoding.
Go to the Tools menu in Word and click on Language.
Select Set language and find your language by scrolling down on the scroll bar.
Click on your language and then on the Default button.
The program will ask you if you want to change the default language to the one you have chosen. Click
on Yes, then on OK.
Go to the Tools menu in Word again and click on Spelling and Grammar.
Spell Check will begin, stopping on all words that it doesnt recognize. Spell Check doesnt recognize
swear words, words recently incorporated into the language, names and foreign words. Sometimes it
will also make suggestions that are incorrect. You must decide what changes should and should not be
made.
Make all of the changes on your file in Softitlers Subtitle Editor, not in Word. Always click on
Ignore when Spell Check makes a suggestion. Make all of the changes in Softitlers Subtitle
Editor ONLY.
Note: In Word, the box number is indicated in brackets above the time codes.
For more detailed information regarding Spell Check in your language, if any, refer to the Language
Rules document.
Finishing Spell Check

When Word has finished checking your file, close Microsoft Word without saving the changes. You will
have made all of the changes in the file opened in the Subtitle Editor.
Save the file with the 9 opened in the Subtitle Editor. This file will contain all the corrections made
during Spell Check.
350934832.doc 32
350934832.doc 33
How to Download Video Files from Softitler Online
When you receive an assignment, you must visit our site at http://sol.softitler.com to download the
necessary video files.
Depending on the security settings of your computer, a

Security Warning might pop up asking you to install the
newest version of the Softitler download software. You
must click on Yes, otherwise you wont be able to
download any video files from our site.
If you experience any problems during file

download, you must immediately contact the
Scheduling Coordinator that sent you the
assignment and copy the Help Desk.
Click on the link of the video file you need and select the folder where you want the file to be
downloaded. When you click on Save, the download will start.
Sometimes more than one video file is available for a project:

You must always download the video file with English audio. If available, also download the
video with audio or subtitles in your language. The language of the audio is indicated after
the last underscore.
The English video might be divided in two parts, P1 and P2. In case, you must download both
parts.
In case different versions of the English video are available, you must download the most
recent version.
In case of doubt, contact the Scheduling coordinator that sent you the assignment. He or she
will be able to tell you which video file to use.
Download is finished only when the following message appears:
350934832.doc 34
Chapter II - How Files Are Named
This chapter discusses how to read a file name and how to save your work. The file name identifies
who worked on the file as well as each phase of work the file has undergone. That is why Softitler
provides different initials to each translator and to each working phase.
File names and Initials
Client Initials
The first two letters of a file name are the initials of the client followed by an underscore (_). These
letters indicate which motion-picture company the film is being translated for.
WE = Warner Europe
WN = Warner NTSC
UE = Universal Europe
UN = Universal NTSC
UD = Universal NTSC Drop
SE = Sony Europe
SN = Sony NTSC
SD = Sony NTSC Drop
Etc...
Film ID
The clients initials and the underscore are followed by the ID number of the file and the film title or
the first letter of the film title.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ (Film title: Tin Cup)
Language Initials
Three upper case letters representing the language into which the film is to be/has been translated
follow the film ID.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITN.UNS (Italian)
English files may have two different abbreviations: UKE for UK English and ENG for US English.
Translator Initials
Each translator working on a file will have to save his work by adding his personal initials, which are
assigned during training. Do not use any invented initials.
E.g.: Translator: Initials AB
Proofreader 1: Initials AF
Proofreader 2: Initials AM
Exception:
Translators for some languages do not have assigned initials. If this is the case, your initials will
always be as follows.
E.g.: Translator: Initials T
Proofreader 1: Initials P1
Proofreader 2: Initials P2
The rest of the file name and file naming procedure is identical.
350934832.doc 35
What a File name Looks Like
During the Different Working Phases
Translation Initials
You must add your initials to the file name after the language initials. You will be working on the file
saved with your initials.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB.UNS
After you have completed the translation, you must run some final checks. Before starting a check,
save the file with an additional letter or number as explained below. This way all of the
corrections made during a check are saved with the corresponding initial instead of with the previous
file name.
Spell Check Initial

Add a 9 to the file name. Run a Spell Check and make all of your corrections to the file.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9.UNS
Syntax Check Initial

Add an X to the file name. Run UNSTools and make all of your corrections to the file.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9x.UNS
Video Simulation Initial

Add a V to the file name. Watch the film with your translated subtitles loaded, and correct all of the
mistakes that you find.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xv.UNS
Zoom Initial
Add a Z to the file name. Read through the file using the Zoom function and make all of the
necessary corrections.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvz.UNS
Proofreading Initials
Proofer 1 Initials
You will be proofreading a translated file and making all of your suggestions and corrections on that
file. Before making any changes, add your initials to the file name.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF.UNS
Add a 9 to the file name. Run a Spell Check and make all of the necessary changes.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9.UNS
Add an X to the file name. Run a Syntax Check and make all of the necessary changes.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9x.UNS
Proofer 2 Initials
You will be working on the file proofer 1 has already made suggestions for. Add your initials after the
first proofers initials.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9xAM.UNS
350934832.doc 36
Add a 9 to the file name. Run a Spell Check and make all of the necessary changes.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9AM9.UNS
Add an X to the file name. Run a Syntax Check and make all of the necessary changes.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9x.UNS
Acceptance Initials
You will be working on the file that proofer 2 made suggestions for. Add your initials to the end of the
file name.
E.g.: WE_3320Tin_ITNAB9xvzAF9xAM9xAB.UNS
Run a final Spell Check, Syntax Check and add the appropriate initials just as you did during the
translation phase.
E.g.: We_3320Tin2_ITNAB9xvzAF9xAM9xAB9x.UNS
Important: Do not add any spaces, hyphens, full stops, or underscores to the file name!
350934832.doc 37
Chapter III General Subtitling Rules
In order to help you become acquainted with our programs and procedures, you will be assigned a
certain number of proof readings prior to being assigned a translation. A proofreader must also be
aware of all of the translation rules in order to be able to find and correct mistakes.
Subtitling is the process of translating the meaning of the original spoken language of a film into
another language. It must be done while watching the film. Always notify your Scheduling
Coordinator in case you don't have the video file, or if you are having problems while watching it. The
translation of a film can take up to three or four days. The final procedures (Spell Check, Syntax
Check, Video Simulation and Zoom review) are essential in the process of translating subtitles
because they improve the quality of the translated text.
Film Titles
Leave an OUT for the title of the feature film that you
are translating, unless Softitler provides you with
the official translation of the film title.
To insert an OUT, place your cursor in the box and
press the F9 key on the keyboard.
Film titles quoted in a film or in Added Value Materials (a VAM, such as a featurette or a directors
commentary) should be left in English, unless Softitler provides you with the official title
translation.
If the Softitler QC Department asks you to insert a main title translation, you must inform the
QC Department in case the title seems incorrect or illogical.
Translate everything
Spoken Text
Insert the translation in each subtitle box that contains spoken text, even if the same phrase or word is
repeated several subtitles in a row.
If, in the film, there is a scene about John, and somebody says, "Hes John., you have to
write/transliterate the name "John. If in the next subtitle they say, "John, come here., you do not
have to rewrite his name. You can choose to translate only "Come here." since the viewer is already
familiar with the name. If a name appears alone in a subtitle, you should always write/transliterate it.
All subtitles must be translated, except for the purple Principal Photography narratives that are the
same (or very similar) to the English file.
If you have not translated everything, our Quality Control Departments may ask you to translate a
subtitle that you left out.
Narratives
Green Burn-In Text narratives should ALWAYS be translated, even if the translation is the same as the
English file (or very similar).
In cases of purple Principal Photography narratives that are the same as the English file (or very
similar) and can also be seen on the screen, OUT can be used. Also, a blue note must be added that
explains that the subtitle would be the same or very similar in your language. If the blue note is
missing, the QC department will have to contact you later on for confirmation.
350934832.doc 38
Avoid Literal Translations
Literal translations should be avoided. Puns (plays on words) and proverbs should be translated into
an equivalent phrase so that the audience can clearly understand the significance.
All of the words used in a translation must exist in their respective dictionaries unless they are slang
expressions or neologisms.
Specific vocabulary regarding sports, medicine, or technology should be translated using specialized
dictionaries. Links to useful online dictionaries can be found on SOL under the Resources menu.
Do not reproduce pronunciation peculiarities or stuttered speech, unless they are part of a
play on words.
Fluency
Try to be concise and avoid the use of vague words. The audiences reading time is limited since they
must read the subtitles and watch the film at the same time. Do not use regionalisms or expressions
that may impede the viewers full understanding.
Condensing
The objective of the translator is to give the most accurate and concise interpretation of the original
English text. Regardless of the language, the translation should not be longer than the English text.
Translate the meaning of the original text in the fewest number of words possible.
Consistency
Be consistent. If you translate something in a certain way, you must translate it in the same way
throughout the entire file.
Areas where consistency is particularly important are:
Measurements
Game scores
Names: Transliteration and spelling of names; Nicknames
Addresses
Formal and informal ways of addressing a character
Abbreviations
Acronyms (USA, FBI, UN vs. U.S.A., F.B.I., U.N.). All acronyms should be consistently written
with or without periods throughout the file according to your languages grammar rules.
Punctuation
See the Language Rules for your language provided by Softitler . Contact us immediately if you were
not provided with this document.
In general, you should follow the punctuation and spacing of the English Master file.
There are two exceptions to this rule:
ENGLISH OTHER LANGUAGES

Final punctuation -- (double hyphen) indicates Final punctuation ... (3 dots, ellipsis) for
interrupted speech interrupted speech
Final .... (4 dots) indicates unfinished speech Final ... (3 dots, ellipsis) for unfinished
speech
Ellipsis
An ellipsis (...) is inserted as the final punctuation of a box if the sentence continues in the
following box and the full sentence does not require a comma at the point where the box
350934832.doc 39
ends. An ellipsis is also used to indicate interrupted speech or unfinished speech as shown
above.
The only time that an ellipsis should be inserted at the beginning of a subtitle is for the
continuation of interrupted speech from a previous box. See the following examples:
Scene 1 - Tom is talking about a song to his friend Joe, when Matt interrupts him.
Tom: Listen to this melody. I think it's...
Matt: I'd love to have a burger.
Tom: ...so beautiful.
Joe: You're right!
Scene 2 - A radio announcement is heard in the middle of a conversation.

Jill: We can go to the restaurant now.
Mary: Okay, I'm really hungry!
Radio: ...these are the winning numbers...
Jill: Did you hear that? I played! Wheres my ticket?
Radio: ...46, 8, 63, 13...
Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of ellipses in your
language.
Quotations
If the quoted material is a sentence, the
punctuation belongs INSIDE of the quotation
marks.
If a single word in a sentence is quoted, the
punctuation should be placed OUTSIDE of the
quotation marks. (This is different in the English
file.)
If a quotation contains another quotation, the
inner quotation should be enclosed in single
quotes ( ) instead of double quotes ( ).
If a quote continues for more than one box, use
quotation marks at the beginning of each box.
The closing quotation marks should be placed
after the last quoted word. These are called Running Quotes.
Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of quotations in
your language.
Initials
With initials, there is no space after the internal period(s). E.g.: B.B. King, U.S.A.
Speaker Hyphens
If there are two speakers, the text of each
speaker must be placed on separate lines and
each line must be preceded by a hyphen.
Consult your Language Rules for more details
regarding the usage of speaker hyphens.
Punctuating in Songs and Poems

Songs and poems are protected by copyright
laws and therefore do not follow the punctuation
rules of regular text. In translations the
punctuation of the English Master file should be
followed.
Songs are marked with red Special/Song tags,
inserted by Softitler staff.
350934832.doc 40
Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of punctuation in
songs and poems in your language.
350934832.doc 41
Quotations from Literature
You must translate any direct quotes from books, poems, films, etc. Do not copy official translations.
The only exceptions to this rule are citations from the Bible and other old, famous pieces in the public
domain (that is, not covered by copyright).
Italics
Follow the English Master file regarding the usage
of italics. Italics are used to indicate off-camera
speech, text being read, the TV, the radio, songs, book
or movie titles, and foreign words.
If there are foreign words that have not been
translated in the English Master file, you can leave
them in italics and not translated in your
file as well. If you decide that the word(s) need to be
translated into your language, do not italicize the
translation.
In order to avoid characters being truncated, any
character immediately preceding (touchin) or following
(touching) the word in italics or normal must match the
type setting (italics/normal).
E.g. If the last word of a sentence (or, for some languages only, a preposition or complex
grammatical structure) is in italics (or normal), the punctuation that is immediately
following the last character (without a space), should be in italics (or normal), too.
Narratives
You must follow the English Master file regarding the usage of narratives.
The format (upper/lower case) and the punctuation should be exactly the same as that of the English
file unless there is a grammar rule in your language prohibiting this.
The line division does not have to follow the English file. If a
translated narrative fits on one line, leave it on one line. If
the narrative appears on two lines in the film, and the text
can fit on one line, insert a dash preceded and followed by a
space between the two lines.
Principal Photography
Purple Principal Photography narratives
are used for text that is captured during
filming, such as street signs, newspapers,
restaurant names, etc.
Burn-In Text
Green Burn-In Text narratives are used for
text that is added after filming.
Split Groups
If dialogue and onscreen narrative
(Principal Photography or Burn-In Text)
have the same timing, the subtitle will be
split into two groups. The first group
appears at the top of the video window
and the second group at the bottom of the
video window.
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Follow the English Master file regarding the usage of style, format and punctuation. The line
division does not need to follow the English file.
Numbers
If an amount of money is written with a currency sign ($, , ), the numbers are written as numerals.
E.g.: $400
Measurements and ages usually are written as numerals.
E.g.: 5 km, a 3-year-old girl
Consult your Language Rules for more details regarding the usage of numbers.
Measurements
If there are imperial measurements in the original English file (e.g.: 10 miles, 4 ounces, 20 feet), then
they should be converted into the metric equivalent in the translation. The English Master staff writes
the metric equivalent in the notes to assist you.
Do not convert approximate measurements into the exact metric equivalent. About 100 miles should
be translated as about 150 km, not about 160 km and 900 meters."
Note: You do not need to convert the measurements if you use the British Imperial System of weights
and measures in your language.
Division of Text into Boxes

Translate the text box by box and make sure that the text division of the translated subtitles is
consistent with the text division of the English subtitles. Do not translate text into a box before or after
its equivalent in English. The only exceptions are:
Narrative titles, which can be divided differently if the translation will not fit into the boxes of its
English equivalent.
Long sentences that are divided into more than one subtitle.
Sentences in which the translation has a structure that requires a completely different word
order than that of its English equivalent.
Line Division within Boxes

If the translated text can fit on one line, put it on one line.
If the sentence doesn't fit on one line, the sentence should be divided according to the following rules.
Note: If you can't divide the text according to the rules without creating a red line, leave the
wrong line division or shorten the text.
Divide lines at punctuation marks:

Correct Incorrect
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Divide lines before conjunctions (and, or, because):
Correct Incorrect
Divide lines before prepositions (for, in, on, etc.):
Correct Incorrect
Do NOT separate a noun from its article (a, an, the):
Correct Incorrect
350934832.doc 44
Do NOT divide a name onto two lines:
Correct Incorrect
Do NOT divide compound verbs and verbal phrases (take off, watch out, put on, etc):
Correct Incorrect
Try not to divide the subject and the verb:
Correct Incorrect
Try not to leave one word on a line, even if it is followed by a punctuation mark:
Correct Incorrect
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350934832.doc 46
Subtitle Alarmed Due to Length (Red Lines)
If the sentence is too long, the text becomes red and
must be divided into two lines. The double bar
indicates how many characters should be placed on
the second line.
Subtitle Alarmed Due to Duration

A subtitle is alarmed due to wrong duration when
the text is too long relative to the amount of time that
the subtitle appears on the screen (which is indicated
by the time codes at the upper left part of the subtitle
window).
The number in the upper right-hand corner of a
subtitle box represents the ratio between the duration
of a subtitle and the number of words in a subtitle.
A subtitle is alarmed when the ratio is a negative value highlighted in yellow. This means that there is
not enough time to read the subtitle and the text needs to be shortened.
When a box is alarmed with a negative value greater than -01:00, the text must be shortened until the
alarmed value is less than -01:00.
For alarmed boxes with values less than -1:00 (up to -00:24 for PAL files and 00:29 for NTSC and
DROP files) you do not have to shorten the text.
All positive alarms (+02:14, +03:00, etc) are to be ignored.
Before delivering the file to the client, the Quality Control Department will contact you if there is a
problem regarding the duration of a particular subtitle.
What to do when you find a mistake in the English file

If you have any suggestions for the English file, you should post them on the Softitler database. To
do so, go to our site http://sol.softitler.com and log in using your user name and password.
Click on Eng File Sugg.
Select the title you wish to make a suggestion for and click on Add Suggestion.
Fill out the English Subtitle Number field. Do not write the box number of your translation file.
Write the incorrect text in the Original English text field.
Write your suggestion in the Suggested Change field.
Click on Post Suggestion.
Each time a suggestion is posted, an automatic email message is sent to the English Master File
Department, who will view your suggestion and accept or decline it and add notes if necessary. The
QC Department will send the corrected English file to the translator, along with the red checks.
If you want to see if your suggestions have been accepted by the English Master File Department, go
back to the same page and check the color of the box. If it is red, the suggestion has not been
accepted. If it is green, it has been accepted. If it is gray, it is pending.
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Creation of Consistency Sheets
Consistency sheets are Word documents created by the Softitler English department. They contain
extra information, such as character names, common narratives and repeated text that will be helpful
to you during translation and proofreading of episodic materials. There will also be a space where
the translator of the consistency sheet can add items specific to your language that might be helpful
for your colleague translators and proofreaders to maintain consistency within the episodes.
The consistency sheet procedures depend on the kind of file you are working on (Translation or
Rematch/Typing/Remastering/Correlation).
It is important that consistency sheets are filled out with care, as we might need to submit it to the
client for approval. Furthermore, the QC Department will use it as a reference during Quality Control.
Translation
Translating the Consistency Sheet
Fill out the consistency sheet after you have finished the translation of the UNS file. All of the words
listed in the ENGLISH column should be translated into the TRANSLATION column.
Character Names:
A list of all the main characters that appear in the episode or series.
Check on the Internet if the character names have official translations.
E.g. Donald Duck is called Paperino in Italian
In case there is no official translation, you should copy the name from the
ENGLISH column into the TRANSLATION column.
Recurring Names:
A list of recurring names and places that are used in more than one episode. Copy
the translation you used in the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.
Common Narratives:
A list of narratives that are used in more than one episode. Copy the translation
you used in the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.
Repeated Text:
A list of words or sentences that are repeated in more than one episode. Copy the
translation you used in the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.
Specific Language Rules:
This section will be empty and will need to be filled out during translation. You can
add specific language rules, names of new characters or any other recurring
phrases that might help your colleague translators and proofreaders to maintain
consistency within the different episodes.
In case you receive a consistency sheet without a space for Specific Language
Rules, you can add it yourself at the bottom of the list.
E.g. For French and Spanish files, you can specify which characters
address one another with TU/T and which characters address one
another with VOUS/USTED.
Save the consistency sheet by adding your initials to the filename.
Proofreading the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED)

When you proofread an episode of a given series, verify the information contained in the consistency
sheet for that series and make suggestions, if applicable. Do not change the translation already
present in the TRANSLATION column. If you have any suggestions, write them into the NOTES
column, together with a brief explanatory note. Make sure to insert the changes both in the UNS file
and the consistency sheet.
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Acceptance of the Consistency Sheet (IF REQUESTED)
Check the suggestions made by the proofer. If you accept them, insert them into the TRANSLATION
column and remove the notes from the NOTES column. If you dont accept them, leave the text in
the TRANSLATION column the way you wrote it and remove the notes from the NOTES column.
Rematch/Typing/Remastering/Correlation
Translating the Consistency Sheet
Fill out the consistency sheet after you have finished Rematch, Correlation of Typing. All character
names, common narratives and repeated text corresponding to those listed in the ENGLISH column
should be copied from the UNS file into the TRANSLATION column.
As you will be the only person working on the file, the consistency sheet will not be proofread. It is,
however, very important that you fill out the consistency sheet with care because the QC Department
will use it as a reference during QC.
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Chapter IV - Translation
Translation
Software to be used
Subtitle Editor (Eddie)
Spell Check
UNSTools
How to Start
You will work with two files: The English Master file and a blank file with the same structure as the
English file. Open the Subtitle Editor Eddie and load the English file in ORIG and the blank file named
with your languages initials in TRANS1. Add your assigned initials to the file name before you begin
working.
Fill in all of the empty boxes, following the General Translation Rules and Language Rules.
It is very important that you watch the film while doing a translation. If for any reason you are unable
to watch the film, inform our staff immediately and leave a note for the proofers.
Green Checks
Green checks can be used to mark the subtitles that need further investigation by the proofers. You
must translate everything. However, if you really are unsure whether or not you translated something
correctly, you can leave a green check and a note for the proofers so that they can give you a
suggestion.
Red Checks
Red checks can be used to mark the subtitles that need further investigation by Softitler staff (QC
Department). If you red check a box, leave an explanatory note for the QC Department.
Important Notice!
Any translation file you send to the Softitler Scheduling Coordinator needs to be complete.
All of the boxes must be translated. Green checks should only be left for serious translation
doubts. Red checks should only be left for errors found in the English file or if you want to
leave a note for the QC department. All final checks (see below) should be completed before you
send the file to Softitler. Do not count on the acceptance stage to complete those tasks.
Final Checks
The final checks that have to be done at the end of a translation are: Prolong, Spell Check (also
mandatory after proofreading), Syntax Check, Video Simulation, and Zoom.
Each one of these checks corresponds to an initial, which is added to the file name before doing a
check.
Prolong
This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space
between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the fixed subtitle boxes.
Prolong should always be done on translation files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to.
350934832.doc 50
To do a Prolong, open your translation file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select
Prolong. Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation
message will appear listing all of the fixed (i.e. prolonged) and not fixed (i.e. not prolonged due to
lack of space) subtitles.
Spell Check
Save your file by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check.
Syntax Check
Open the file saved with the 9 in UNSTools and run a syntax check on your file. UNSTools will check
the structure of your translation file. It will help you catch double spaces, missing punctuation, titles
on two lines that could fit on one line, etc.
When you have opened your translation file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name.
Make all of your corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved with an X.
Video Simulation
Open the file saved with the X in the Subtitle Editor and resave it by adding a V to the file name. Load
the video file and make sure to click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Show on Video in the column
where your translated file is. Watch the film with your own subtitles and search for mistakes that you
may have made while translating the film. Make all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor on the file
that you previously saved with a V.
Doing a Video Simulation helps detect inconsistencies in the translation, wrong gender,
misinterpretations, literal translations, etc. It will also improve the fluency of your translation. Often
better solutions and expressions come to mind while you are doing a Video Simulation.
Zoom
The last check to be performed is a reading of your translation using the Zoom function in the Subtitle
Editor. This function allows you to enlarge the view of the subtitles, and it helps detect typos, spelling
and even grammatical errors.
Open the file saved with the V in the Subtitle Editor and save it by adding a Z to the file name. Make
all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor and save the changes in the file saved with a Z.
350934832.doc 51
Acceptance
After you have finished a translation and done all of the necessary checks (Prolong, Spell Check,
Syntax Check, Video Simulation and Zoom), your translation is proofread by two other translators,
proofer 1 and proofer 2. The proofers correct any objective mistakes that were made and give
suggestions on ways to improve your translation. They also answer any questions that you have left
in the notes.
Your translation then is sent back to you with all of the corrections and suggestions made by the
proofers. You will receive both the file proofread by proofer 1 and the file proofread by proofer 2. All
of the changes and suggestions are marked with a green check and with a brief explanatory note.
Your acceptance file is created using these files.
When the translator goes through the corrections made by the proofer and decides whether or not to
accept them, the file created is called an Acceptance. The suggestions should be considered based
on whether they are correct, consistent and useful.
Create the Acceptance file from the file on which the second proofer worked:
Load your translation file in ORIG, the file from the first proof in TRANS1, and the file from the
second proof in TRANS2.
Save the file opened in TRANS 2 (proof 2) by adding your initials to the file name.
Use the Compare Files function in the TRANS2 Column Menu to find all of the changes that
were made to your translation. Compare TRANS2 (proof 2) with ORIG (your unproofed
translation). All of the subtitle boxes with changes will be automatically marked with red
checks. Go through the red checks using the Common > Go To > Reds function and make
the necessary changes in TRANS2.
Green checks have been inserted by the proofers. They will show you which proofer
made the change to a subtitle. If there is a green check in the TRANS1 column but
not in the TRANS2 column that means that the first proofer changed something and
the second proofer agreed. If there is a green check in both columns, then both of
the proofers changed something. If there is a green check just in the TRANS2
column, only the second proofer made a correction.
After you have done a Compare Files, go to all of the green checks on the first proofers file,
which is loaded in TRANS1. By doing this you can see all of the changes made by the first
proofer that were not accepted by the second proofer, who will have reinserted your original
translation.
If you need to see the English file, open another editor window and load the English
file in it.
When you have finished your Acceptance, clear all of the red and green checks as well as the
notes.
If you need to leave a message for Softitler Staff, write a blue note and insert a red check.
The Acceptance file shouldn't contain any green checks or blue notes left by the proofreaders.
If necessary, only red checks and blue notes for Softitler Staff may be left in the file.
You have to do Spell Check and Syntax Check one more time to avoid sending the file to us
with unnecessary mistakes. When several people work on the same file, typos and bad line
divisions may be inserted unintentionally.
Save the file with the appropriate letter before doing each check.
Zip and send only the Accepted file back to the Softitler Scheduling Coordinator who sent
you the assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and
make sure to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.
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Quality Control - Red Checks
After you send the Acceptance file to Softitler , our Quality Control Department goes through the file
to make sure that the translation is up to our standards. If the QC Department finds any technical
errors or if there are changes to the English file, they will send your translation back to you with red
checks in the boxes that need to be fixed. There will be a blue note in each subtitle box explaining
what needs to be changed.
When you receive the file, you can find all of the red checks using the Common > Go To > Reds
function. When you resolve red checks, change the red checks to green checks. If you leave the
translation as it was, leave a blue note with an explanation. Add your initials to the file name and send
the file back to our Quality Control Department as soon as possible, having fixed all of the red
checked boxes.
The translator is responsible for fixing any errors found by the Quality Control Department. The tariff
paid to the translator includes all of the checks above (Spell Check, Syntax Check, Video Simulation,
and Zoom) AND Red Checks.
If the translator is unavailable, the QC staff will contact one of the proofers. When this happens, the
proofer is paid extra for making the changes. Translators and proofers will always be notified if, for
some reason, red checks are considered Extra Assignments.
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Chapter V - Proofreading
Every translation done for Softitler is proofread by two proofers, except for rush and short files, which
are proofed only once.
Proofreading is an invaluable part of the translating process and improves the quality of the
translation. Proofreading is used to correct the few, inevitable, objective mistakes, which any
translator can make. Proofreaders are not to correct the style of the translator, which is considered
personal and is not subject to correction. Every translator has his/her own style.
Proofreading is intended to help the translator improve his/her translation. You should correct only
objective errors. Before making any corrections, you should double-check your suggestions and
changes. Remember that we are all professionals; try your best to improve the translations while
respecting the work of your colleagues.
The responsibility of a proofreader is to go over the translation very carefully, paying particular
attention to the translators notes and red boxes. Bear in mind that both translator and proofreader
are accountable for any mistakes left uncorrected.
It is absolutely mandatory that you are in possession of the video file (ASF file) before starting the
proofreading. You need to watch the video while reading through the translation. See the
Proofreading Procedures below for more details.
You should be able to proofread approximately 200 subtitles an hour. If the process takes much
longer than this because the translation is of poor quality, you must notify the Scheduling Coordinator
that assigned you the file.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools
Proofreading Procedures
Errors to Be Corrected
Incorrect translations (especially of puns or proverbs)
Orthographic mistakes (misspellings, missing or misused accents, typos)
Incorrect verb usage or tense
Syntax mistakes
Incorrect or missing punctuation
Inconsistencies in the translation (names, expressions, ways of addressing, measurements,
addresses, etc.)
Subtitles alarmed due to length (red lines)
Subtitles alarmed due to wrong duration
Bad line divisions within a box
Green Checks
When you find a mistake, correct it in the
subtitle box, mark the box with a green check
and write a brief explanatory note.
350934832.doc 54
Use red checks to mark boxes where you have left a note, but you have not changed the text.
If you find a red check that indicates a blue note directed to Softitler staff, do not uncheck the
box nor delete the note.
Notes
Describe the type of change you make in every box.
- For example, if you decide that the verb tense in a box is incorrect and change the
verb from had gone to went, then write, verb tense changed in the note in that
box.
- If you think the adjective should be changed from heavy to bold, then write,
suggestion for adjective in the note.
- If you add a word or a sentence to a box, then write, added word or added
sentence in the note.
Write all notes in English.
Try to be as precise as possible. If there is a misinterpretation, you should precise what sort
of misinterpretation you are talking about.
Always respect the translators work: never write rude comments about the translation. It is
better to write suggestion for because or I think this is the right meaning because
rather than changed translation in your note when you have put another option.
Remember that the person who did the translation always has the last word; she/he will
choose between her/his option and the proofers options.
Proof 1
The first proofer must correct any errors that they find in the translation file. The first proofer should
watch the movie with the translated subtitles on the video and in the zoom window to detect any
translation mistakes. After that, she/he should read through the file and compare the translation with
the English Master file.
Proof 1 Procedures
Load the English Master file in the ORIG column and load the file that needs to be proofread
in both the TRANS1 and TRANS2 columns.
Rename the file in TRANS1 by adding your assigned initials.
Load the video file and click on TRANS1 > Show on Video.
Watch the film with the translated subtitles and search for mistakes that might have been
made at the translation stage. When you find a mistake in the translation file, you should stop
the movie, correct the mistake in the subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief
explanatory note.
Once the videosimulation is completed, read trough the file to detect further typos, spelling
and grammatical errors. When you find a mistake in the translation file, correct it in the
subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief explanatory note.
When you find a box marked with a green check by the translator, try to help him to find a
solution. If you do not find a better solution, leave the original translation as it is. Never
remove the green check left by the translator.
Remember to save your file often (without changing the file name).
Final Checks
When you have finished your proofreading, save your file again by adding a 9 to the file name
and run a Spell Check.
After Spell Check, open the file with the 9 in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file
name. Make the necessary corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved
with an X.
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Proof 2
The second proofer should find fewer mistakes than the first. The second proofer should watch the
movie with the translated subtitles on the video and in the zoom window to detect any translation
mistakes. After that, she/he should read through the file and compare the translation with the English
Master file.
For every box that has been green-checked by proofer 1, you must decide whether proofer 1 or the
translator is correct. If you do not agree with either, you can also make another suggestion or
correction.
Make all of your corrections on the file proofread by the first proofer.
Proof 2 Procedures
Load the English Master file in the ORIG column, the translators file in the TRANS1 column
and the first proofers file in the TRANS2 column.
Rename the TRANS2 file by adding your initials.
Load the video file and click on TRANS1 > Show on Video.
Watch the film with the translated subtitles and search for mistakes that might have been
made at the translation stage and not corrected by the first proofer. When you find a mistake
in the file, you should stop the movie, correct the mistake in the subtitle box and leave a green
check and a brief explanatory note.
Once the videosimulation is completed, read trough the file to detect further typos, spelling
and grammatical errors. When you find a mistake in the translation file, correct it in the
subtitle box and leave a green check and a brief explanatory note.
As you go through the file, pay attention to the preexisting green checks.
- If you agree with the corrections made by the first proofer, delete the green check and
leave the note on the file saved with your initials.
- If you think that the translator was initially correct, then reinsert the original
translation, leave the green check, and insert a note.
- If you do not agree with either the first proofer or the translator, make your correction,
leave the green check and insert a note.
Always write your notes in front of the notes left by the first proofer. The notes should be
separated by 2 slashes. (E.g.: Typo//verb tense)
Never delete the notes left by the first proofer.
Remember to save your file often (without changing the file name).
Final Checks
When you have finished your proofreading, save your file again by adding a 9 to the file name
and run a Spell Check.
After Spell Check, open the file with the 9 in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file
name. Make the necessary corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved
with an X.
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Chapter VI - Added Values
Translating an Added Value

Added Values are the bonus materials that are included on a DVD, such as Directors
Commentaries, featurettes, Making ofs, trailers, etc. Added Values are also called VAMS (Value
Added Materials).
VAMS often contain clips from the feature film. Such clips (also called Copy& Paste boxes) are to
be subtitled as well, but for consistencys sake, you cant translate those subtitles the way you want.
You need to use the subtitles of the Acceptance file of the feature film. This way all of the subtitles
on the DVD are consistent. In addition, all of the terms must be translated in the same way as they
have been translated on the Acceptance file of the film.
You will receive the Acceptance file of the feature film from the Scheduling Coordinator who sends
you the VAM assignment.
Only in case the Added Values are translated before the Accepted file of a film is ready, you can
translate the subtitles that are clips from the film. If you receive the Accepted file of the film prior to
delivering your translation or Acceptance of the VAM, copy and paste the corresponding boxes into
the Added Value.
In the English Master file all of the boxes that

need to be copied from the Acceptance file are
marked with a green check and a note indicating
the box number of the film from which the text
was copied. In example at the right, you would
copy the text from box number 23 of the
Accepted file of the feature and paste it into box
33 of the Added Value.
You may also find notes indicating that only the first or second line/sentence of a box was copied and
pasted, and you must do the same in your file.
If you see a note that says, similar to box # that means that you have to translate the box in the
English Master file so that it is similar to the box in the English file as indicated in the note.
Change
Only change the text of a copied and pasted box if there is something objectively wrong. If
you find a huge mistake in the translation when copying and pasting a box, correct it and
leave a red check and a note for our Quality Control Department.
If the text is alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division or shorten the text and
leave a red check and a note for the QC Department.
You can change the final punctuation of a copied and pasted box if necessary.
When copying and pasting text from a Rematch or Correlation file, change the punctuation
rules if necessary, in order to follow the Softitler Language Rules.
E.g. If a space is used after a speaker hyphen in the Rematch file and the Language
Rules for your language do not require a space, remove it. In this case it is not
necessary to add a green check and a blue note.
Titles that could fit on one line should be put on one line.
Leave
If the box is alarmed due to duration, do not shorten the text.
350934832.doc 57
Refer to the Glossary that was sent to you with the Softitler Language Rules for your language. The
Glossary contains terms that have been accepted by our clients.
Film Titles
Film titles quoted in a VAM should be left in English and should not be translated, unless Softitler
provides you with the official title translation.
Alternative:
It's also possible to avoid inserting the film title in English and refer to it as "the film", "the book", "the
song" etc. Of course you have to use your judgment because this is not always a good solution. We
would recommend such a solution especially to those of you who use a different character set than
English, as transliterating the title might be very difficult.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools
Final Checks
The final checks that have to be done at the end of a translation of an Added Value are the same as
the final checks for any other translation: Prolong, Spell Check (also mandatory after proofreading),
Syntax Check, Video Simulation, and Zoom.
Each one of these checks corresponds to an initial, which is added to the file name before doing a
check.
Prolong
This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough space
between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the fixed subtitle boxes.
Prolong should always be done on translation files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not to.
To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong. Click
on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation message will
appear listing all of the fixed (i.e. prolonged) and not fixed (i.e. not prolonged due to lack of space)
subtitles.
Spell Check
Save your file by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check.
Syntax Check
Open the file saved with the 9 in UNSTools and run a syntax check on your file. UNSTools will check
the structure of your translation file. It will help you catch double spaces, missing punctuation, titles
on two lines that could fit on one line, etc.
When you have opened your translation file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name.
Make all of your corrections in UNSTools and save the changes in the file saved with an X.
Video Simulation
Open the file saved with the X in the Subtitle Editor and resave it by adding a V to the file name. Load
the video file and make sure to click on ORIG/TRANS1/TRANS2 > Show on Video in the column
where your translated file is. Watch the film with your own subtitles and search for mistakes that you
may have made while translating the film. Make all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor on the file
that you previously saved with a V.
350934832.doc 58
Doing a Video Simulation helps detect inconsistencies in the translation, wrong gender,
misinterpretations, literal translations, etc. It will also improve the fluency of your translation. Often
better solutions and expressions come to mind while you are doing a Video Simulation.
Zoom
The last check to be performed is a reading of your translation using the Zoom function in the Subtitle
Editor. This function allows you to enlarge the view of the subtitles, and it helps detect typos, spelling
and even grammatical errors.
Open the file saved with the V in the Subtitle Editor and save it by adding a Z to the file name. Make
all of your corrections in the Subtitle Editor and save the changes in the file saved with a Z.
Proofreading an Added Value

For proofreading an Added Value the same proofreading rules and procedures must be followed as
for proofreading any translation, but be sure not to insert any changes in the copied and pasted
boxes. If the Scheduling Coordinator provides you with the feature film file, double-check the copied
and pasted boxes.
Software to be used
Spell Check
Final Checks
When you have finished your proofreading, save your file again by adding a 9 to the file name and run
a Spell Check.
350934832.doc 59
Chapter VII Rematch
(for Universal and Warner ONLY)
A Rematch is a translation that is protected by copyright, provided to Softitler by a client. The
translation has rules which differ from normal Softitler Language Rules, and may be based on an
English file not prepared by Softitler. As a result, there may be text in the translation file that is not in
the Softitler English file but is in the Audio. Also, some text from the Softitler English file may not be
in the translation file.
The text of a previously translated film is inserted into a blank UNS file that has the same time codes
and number of boxes as our English file. The text of the translation is compressed and therefore it
does not correspond to the text of the English Master file.
It is the Rematchers task to distribute the compressed text in order to match it with the English file
completely. All the missing text should be added and extra or redundant text should be deleted.
Such changes should not be marked with red, green or blue checks or blue notes.
All regular Softitler rules regarding punctuation, line division, duration, speaker hyphens,
italics and narratives, etc., should be followed.
Universal and Warner have less restrictive copyright policies than other clients. Text changes dont
need to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made
into the file without adding checks or notes.
Refer to the Rematch Procedures on the next page for file naming conventions and detailed
instructions.
For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Consistency Sheet. This is a list of
translations or rules that should be followed in order to maintain consistency within the file and with
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the original
Rematch file. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency Sheets.
For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Rematch Report which includes
instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the Rematch Report carefully
before you begin working on the rematch. The instructions in the Rematch Report always take priority
over the instructions outlined in this chapter.
A Rematch file can be recognized by the file name: After the initials of the working language the
initials RD are added.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRM.UNS.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools
Number of files to be delivered to the Scheduling Coordinator: 1

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9xv.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Rematches are not
proofread.
350934832.doc 60
Rematch Procedures
A Rematch for Universal and Warner requires the creation of one file. You should distribute the text
of the translation throughout the file to correspond with the text in the English file and make all the
necessary text corrections in order to match the English file completely.
Procedures
Load the English file in ORIG.
Load the Rematch file in TRANS1 and save it by adding your initials and the word ORIGINAL
to the end of the file name.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB.UNS
Redistribute the text in order to match it to the text of the English Master file.
To shift all text a few lines:

- Use the F11 key to move the text up. Make sure the cursor is on
the line where you want the shifted text to be.
- Use the F12 key to move the text down. Make sure the cursor is
at the beginning of the first line that needs to be shifted down.
To shift part of a line:
- Use the Enter and Backspace keys.
- It is also possible to select part of a line and drag and drop it to
the next subtitle.
Note that incorrect use of Enter and Backspace keys might lead to the
accumulation of too much text in one subtitle. This might cause subtitle
editors to crash and you might loose your work.
As far as the text division and formatting is concerned, you must follow the English file and
the Softitler Language Rules for your language.
You must make the necessary changes to the translation file in order to match the English file.
You dont have to add any checks or notes when making changes to the translation.
When matching the Rematch file to the English file, you can also make the following
corrections without adding any checks or notes:
- Spelling errors and typos
- Names that are misspelled
- Grammatical mistakes
- Punctuation
- Quotes
- Speaker hyphens
- Incorrect numbers and measurements
- Italic and narrative tags
- Bad line divisions
- Titles with two lines that could fit on one line
- Boxes alarmed due to duration
- Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)
350934832.doc 61
Rules to follow
Language Rules and Punctuation:

When you are doing a Rematch, you often need to insert and delete punctuation, because
you are shifting the text to different boxes. You must follow the Softitler language rules when
inserting or deleting punctuation.
Translation and style:

Do not change the translation unless it is objectively wrong or different from the Softitler
English file.
If the translation of the whole file is not satisfactory, immediately inform the Scheduling
Coordinator who sent you the assignment.
If you need to change the translation in order to match the English file, you should do so
without adding any checks or blue notes.
Missing text:
All missing text (complete subtitles or part of a subtitle) must be added. You dont need to add
any checks or blue notes when adding missing text.
Extra text:
All extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the
English file and audio and not important or repeated words such as Eh, Ha-ha!,
Heeeeelp! , If if if etc.
You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when removing extra text.
Italics and Narratives:

For the use of italics and narrative tags, follow the English file.
If the translation of a green Burn In or a purple Principal Photography narrative is missing, you
must add the translation, or copy the text from the English file if the translation is the same as
in English. OUT should not be used. The QC department will remove the unnecessary
narratives.
OUT
OUT should not be used in Rematch files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even
narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).
Boxes alarmed due to duration:

Shorten the text when a box is alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration
standards for your language.
Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines)

If the subtitle is alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division in order to remove
the red line. If it isnt possible to change the line division, you should shorten the text.
350934832.doc 62
Final Checks
Prolong
Prolong should always be done on Rematch files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you not
to. This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough
space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the fixed subtitle
boxes.
To do a Prolong, open your file in Eddie and click on TRANS1 or TRANS2 and select Prolong.
Click on YES when asked if you want to prolong the duration of the subtitles. A confirmation
message will appear listing all of the fixed (i.e. prolonged) and not fixed (i.e. not prolonged due
to lack of space) subtitles.
Spell Check
Resave your file open in TRANS2 by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check. It is not
necessary to add green or red checks when you make a spelling correction.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
Open your file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name and run a Syntax Check. It is
not necessary to add a green/red check when you make a correction in UNSTools.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
Open your file again in Eddie, save it by adding a V to the file name and run a Video Simulation
with the subtitles of the file after Spell Check and Syntax Check.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
Resave the file with the V by adding a Z to the file name. Read through the file with the Zoom
function.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBB9xvz.UNS
Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Rematch assignment.
Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL
when sending back the file.
Make sure that you follow the procedures given above. If you do not, the Scheduling Coordinator will
have to request that you redo the file.
Rematch Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)
OUT OUT should not be used in Rematch files for Universal and Warner. All missing
subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or
very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Rematch files for Universal and Warner.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Rematch files for Universal and Warner.
Lang. Rules The Softitler language rules must be followed.
350934832.doc 63
Chapter VIII Rematch
(for all clients, except Universal and Warner)
A Rematch is a translation that is protected by copyright, provided to Softitler by a client. The
translation has rules which differ from normal Softitler Language Rules, and may be based on an
English file not prepared by Softitler. As a result, there may be text in the translation file that is not in
the Softitler English file but is in the Audio. Also, some text from the Softitler English file may not be
in the translation file.
The text of a previously translated film is inserted into a blank UNS file that has the same time codes
and number of boxes as our English file. The text of the translation is compressed and therefore it
does not correspond to the text of the English Master file.
Since a Rematch file is protected by copyright, Softitler is required to follow very strict procedures. In
fact, major text changes need to be submitted to the client for approval. In order to quickly identify the
boxes where the translator wants to change the translation, the Rematch procedure is split into two
different phases, during which two different files are created:
In the first Rematch phase, the translator must move the text of the Rematch file so that it
corresponds to the correct English text. At this stage, all necessary changes must be made to
the text, except for translation mistakes and the addition of missing text.
The use of punctuation, speaker hyphens and italics and narrative tags should be
consistent throughout the whole file and should be conformed to Softitler standards
and rules where necessary.
No red/green/blue checks and blue notes need to be inserted during Phase 1.
In the second Rematch phase, the translator should make the necessary changes to the
translation and add the translation of missing subtitles. Red checks must be inserted when
making such changes or corrections. Green checks must be inserted when not important
subtitles are missing and left un-translated.
instructions.
instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you
begin working on the rematch. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions
outlined in this chapter.
A Rematch file can be recognized by the file name: After the initials of the working language the
initials RM are added.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRM.UNS.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBoriginal.UNS
WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV9x.UNS
350934832.doc 64
proofread.
Rematch Procedures
A Rematch requires the creation of two files. The first file is created in Phase 1 and consists of the
distribution of text throughout the file to correspond with the text in the English file. The second file is
created in Phase 2 and consists of making the necessary text corrections to the file created in Phase
1.
Phase 1
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBoriginal.UNS

the next subtitle.
During this phase, you can correct the following mistakes and make the necessary formatting
changes. Be sure to always follow the English file and the Softitler Language Rules for your
language. You dont have to add checks nor notes when making corrections during Phase 1:
- Punctuation
- Quotes
- Speaker hyphens
All of incorrect translations and missing text should be left untouched in this phase. When
you detect a translation mistake (a translation that is objectively incorrect), insert a red
check and DO NOT make any changes to the text. During Phase 2 (see below) a blue note
should be added and the text change should be made.
350934832.doc 65
Rules to follow during Phase 1

Do not change:
- Translation and style: Never change the translation unless it is objectively wrong and
the translation is relevant to the film.
- Measurements: Do not convert any measurements, even if they have been left in the
translation as imperial values.
- Numbers: If in the RM file the numbers are approximately the same as in the English
Master file, leave them as they are unless the discrepancy can be considered a
mistake.
If a number is different in the Rematch file, make sure to always verify with the audio.
When you change a number, leave a red check and a blue note for the QC
Department.
E.g.:
English file = Its 25 cm long. / RM file = Its 23 cm long. Do not change!
English file = He was born in 1960. / RM file = He was born in 1964. Change + add blue note!
Missing text:
No missing text should be added during Phase 1. If important text is missing, such as a
complete scene or several subtitles in a row, you should add it during Phase 2 (see below).
- Complete subtitle missing
If a complete subtitle is missing, you must insert OUT by pressing the F9 key.
- One sentence/speaker missing
If there are two sentences/speakers in the English file and only one
sentence/speaker in the Rematch file, you should not add the missing text, nor
insert OUT.
Extra text:
Exception! Subtitles containing credits from other

subtitling companies should not be deleted. Add a box and
insert the credits and insert a green Burn-In narrative tag.
The QC Department will check the timing.

If the translation of a narrative is missing, you must insert OUT by pressing the F9 key. If
necessary, you can add the missing translation during Phase 2.
Remember to save your file often without changing the file name.
350934832.doc 66
Phase 2
After completing Phase 1, load the same file (i.e. saved with your initials and the word
ORIGINAL) in TRANS2, so that you have the same file opened in both columns.
Save the file in TRANS2 by removing the word ORIGINAL from the file name and by adding
the words WITH CHANGES and a V (for Video Simulation).
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV.UNS
This way you will have two files opened in your language. The content is identical, only the file
name is different. Make sure to make all further changes only in the file opened in TRANS2.
The file opened in TRANS1 should not be changed any more, it is to be used as a reference
only.
Run a Video Simulation with the subtitles of TRANS2 and proofread the file.
When you detect an objective translation error, correct it in the file opened in TRANS2. Do
not make any changes to the text in TRANS1. Insert a red check and an explanatory note in
English in TRANS2 to indicate the correction.
Pay careful attention to the boxes where text is missing. At this point you need to decide
whether the missing text is important or not.
- Important missing text
If a complete scene or several important subtitles are missing in a row, translate the
missing subtitles, mark each box with a red check, and insert a blue note "Added
missing text".
- Unimportant missing text
If the translation of lines like Hey, how are you? or Yeah, I do. are missing, leave
the OUT in the TRANS2 files, mark the box with a green check and insert a blue
note Missing text not important.
350934832.doc 67
Prolong should always be done on Rematch files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you
not to. This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is
enough space between the subtitles. A notification message will appear, listing all the fixed
subtitle boxes.
message will appear listing all of the fixed (i.e. prolonged) and not fixed (i.e. not prolonged
due to lack of space) subtitles.
Resave your file open in TRANS2 by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check. It is
not necessary to add green or red checks when you make a spelling correction.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV9.UNS
Open your file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name and run a Syntax Check.
It is not necessary to add a green/red check when you make a correction in UNSTools.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchangesV9x.UNS
Important: Send both of the files back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Rematch
assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to
REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.
We must receive both files from you so that we can check what has been changed in the file and
create a report for the client. Remember that this translation is protected by copyright, so the client
must be informed if and why any changes have been made.
Rematch Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)

OUT Phase 1 To be inserted when the text of an entire subtitle is missing
Phase 2 - OUT should be left if the missing text is not important.
- OUT should be removed and translation added if the missing text
is important.
Red Checks Phase 1 No need to insert red checks

Phase 2 Red checks should be inserted only when a translation mistake is
corrected or when missing translation is added.
Green Checks Phase 1 No need to insert green checks

Phase 2 Green checks should be inserted only when OUT is left because the
missing text is not important.
350934832.doc 68
Chapter IX Rematch from Dubbed Script
A Rematch from Dubbed Script is a printout of a dubbed version of a movie. The translation is
protected by copyright and since it is a printout of spoken dialogue, the regular subtitle standards are
not likely to be followed. One of the characteristics of a Rematch from Dubbed Script is that the file
contains a lot of text that is not in the Softitler English file and the translated sentences are
considerably longer.
The printout of the dubbed version of the film contains a lot of redundant information and text that
need to be removed from the file. As a first step, the text file is roughly cleaned by the Softitler staff
and inserted into a blank UNS file that has the same time codes and number of boxes as our English
file. The text of the translation is compressed and therefore the text does not correspond to the text of
the English Master file. It is the Rematchers task to take out the redundant text and shorten the
translation where necessary in order to match the English file.
The copyright rules for a Rematch from Dubbed Script are less restrictive. Text changes dont need
to be submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the
same file.
instructions.
instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the Rematch Report carefully
before you begin working on the rematch. The instructions in the Rematch Report always take priority
over the instructions outlined in this chapter.
A Rematch from Dubbed Typing file can be recognized by the file name: After the initials of the
working language the initials RD are added.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRD.UNS.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9xv.UNS
proofread.
350934832.doc 69
Rematch from Dubbed Script Procedures
(for all clients, except for Universal and Warner)
A Rematch from Dubbed Script requires the creation of one file. You should distribute the text of the
translation throughout the file to correspond with the text in the English file and make all the
necessary text corrections in order to match the English file.
Procedures
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB.UNS

the next subtitle.
As far as the text division and formatting is concerned, you must follow the English file and
the Softitler Language Rules for your language.
You can make the necessary changes to the translation file in order to match the English file.
For dubbed movies different rules are followed, so in some cases the translation might be
slightly or completely different from the English file. Since the audience will watch the movie
with the English audio, you must change the translation in order to match the Softitler
English file. You dont have to add any checks or notes when making changes to the
translation.
You should also make the following corrections without adding any checks or notes:
- Punctuation
- Quotes
- Speaker hyphens
350934832.doc 70
Rules to follow

Do not change:
- Translation and style: Never change the translation unless it is objectively wrong or
different from the Softitler English file.
- Numbers: If in the RM file the numbers are approximately the same as in the English
Master file, leave them as they are unless the discrepancy can be considered a
mistake.
If a number is different in the Rematch file, make sure to always verify with the audio.
When you change a number, leave a red check and a blue note for the QC
Department.
E.g.:
Missing text:
missing text".
If the translation of lines like Hey, how are you? or Yeah, I do. are missing, you
must insert OUT by pressing the F9 key, mark the box with a green check and insert
a blue note Missing text not important.
350934832.doc 71
Extra text:
Exception! Subtitles containing credits from other subtitling

companies should not be deleted. Add a box and insert the
credits and insert a green Burn-In narrative tag. The QC
Department will check the timing.

If the translation of a narrative is missing, you must add the translation, mark the box with a
red check and insert a blue note Added missing narrative.


Final Checks
Prolong
This function automatically lengthens the duration of the alarmed subtitles if there is enough
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Dubbed Script files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRDBB9xvz.UNS
350934832.doc 72
Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Rematch assignment.
Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure to REPLY TO ALL
when sending back the file.
Rematch from Dubbed Script Summary (for all clients, except Universal and
Warner)
OUT To be inserted when the text of an entire subtitle is missing in case the missing text
is not important.
Red Checks Red checks should be inserted only when a translation mistake is corrected or when
missing translation is added.
Green Checks Green checks should be inserted only when OUT is left because the missing text is
not important.
350934832.doc 73
Chapter X Typing from a Dubbed Video
Typing from a Dubbed Version is required when a translation of a dubbed version of a film is to be
typed into a blank UNS file by a mother-tongue translator.
When working on a Typing from Dubbed Video, all of the words that you hear in the audio of the
dubbed version should be typed into the empty UNS file. While typing you must make sure that the
text lines up with the corresponding text in the English Master file and follow the rules outlined below.
A dubbed version of a film might contain more text than the Softitler English file and the spoken
sentences might also be a lot longer. It is the translators task to make sure that all redundant text is
removed and to shorten or change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file.
Dubbed files dont necessarily follow the regular subtitling rules because they are audio files that need
to respect different parameters. Therefore the translation might be different from what you can hear in
the English audio. Since the viewer will watch the subtitles on the DVD with the English audio, you
should change the translation and translate what is said in the English audio/English file.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you can hear on
the dubbed video. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency
Sheets.
For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Dubbed Video Report which
includes instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully
before you begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the
instructions outlined in this chapter.
You are provided with the following working materials:

The video file with the dubbed version of the film (to be downloaded from SOL).
The video file with the film in English (to be downloaded from SOL).
The English Master UNS file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator).
An empty UNS file with your languages initials that has the same structure and timing as the
English file (sent by email by the Scheduling Coordinator).
Software to be used
Softitlers Subtitle Editor Eddie
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvz.UNS
Note that two mother-tongue translators work on each Dubbed Typing assignment, a Translator and a
Proofer.
350934832.doc 74
350934832.doc 75
Rules to follow

You must follow the Softitler language rules.
Translation:
You should shorten and change the translation where necessary in order to match the
English file. You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.
Missing text:
Extra text:
Extra text should be deleted. This goes both for extra boxes of text that is not in the English
file (a few subtitles or complete scenes) and not important or repeated words such as Eh,
Ha-ha!, Heeeeelp! , If if if etc.

in English. OUT should not be used. You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when
translating missing narratives. The QC department will remove the unnecessary narratives.
OUT
OUT should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files. All missing subtitles should be
translated, even narratives that are the same as in English (or very similar).

Dubbed Typing: Procedures
Load the English subtitle file in ORIG, and load the blank UNS file in TRANS1. Rename the
file by adding your initials.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB.UNS
Load the video with the dubbed version of the film.
The dubbed version doesnt have an incorporated sync file. You should click on Cancel
when you are asked to load the sync file.
Note: Because there is no sync file to load, you cannot work with some of the video
functions, such as choosing the subtitle to which you would like to go. The timing
may also be different from the English file.
Press Play on the video window and listen to a section of the audio. Type what you hear into
the file. Type the text so that it corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file.
If you need to go backwards or forwards in the video, you can use the +/- 1 second button.
We suggest typing the audio in short segments so that you can easily go backwards and
forwards with the 1 second button.
When you have filled out all of the boxes while following the rules outlined above, you should
complete all of the Final Checks before sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.
350934832.doc 76
Dubbed Typing: Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Dubbed Typing files, unless the Scheduling
Coordinator tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures
Load the English Master file in ORIG, and load the Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1. Save the
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA.UNS
You should use the video with the English audio during the proofreading. The video with the
audio in your language should be used as a reference only.
Follow the regular proofreading procedures. If you find a mistake, correct the text and
indicate the correction with a green check and a blue note.
Resave your file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.
Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures
Load the English file in ORIG, your Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1 and the proofed file in
TRANS2.
Save the file in TRANS2 by adding your initials prior to making any changes to the file.
350934832.doc 77
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA9BB.UNS
Resave the file in TRANS2 by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.
Typing from Dubbed Video Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)
OUT OUT should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files for Universal and
Warner. All missing subtitles should be translated, even narratives that are the same
as in English (or very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files for Universal and
Warner.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Typing from a Dubbed Video files for Universal
and Warner.
Lang. Rules Softitler language rules must be followed.
350934832.doc 78
Chapter XI Typing from a Dubbed Video
Typing from a Dubbed Version is required when a translation of a dubbed version of a film is to be
typed into a blank UNS file by a mother-tongue translator.
When working on a Typing from Dubbed Video, all of the words that you hear in the audio of the
dubbed version should be typed into the empty UNS file. While typing you must make sure that the
text lines up with the corresponding text in the English Master file and follow the rules outlined below.
A dubbed version of a film might contain more text than the Softitler English file and the spoken
sentences might also be a lot longer. It is the translators task to make sure that all redundant text is
removed and to shorten or change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file.
Dubbed files dont necessarily follow the regular subtitling rules because they are audio files that need
to respect different parameters. Therefore the translation might be different from what you can hear in
the English audio. Since the viewer will watch the subtitles on the DVD with the English audio, you
should change the translation and translate what is said in the English audio/English file.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you can hear on
the dubbed video. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency
Sheets.
For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Dubbed Video Report which

The video file with the dubbed version of the film (to be downloaded from SOL).
The video file with the film in English (to be downloaded from SOL).
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

Note that two mother-tongue translators work on each Dubbed Typing assignment, a Translator and a
Proofer.
350934832.doc 79
350934832.doc 80
Rules to follow

Translation
Missing text:
missing text".
Extra text:

350934832.doc 81
350934832.doc 82
Dubbed Typing: Procedures
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB.UNS
Load the video with the dubbed version of the film.
The dubbed version doesnt have an incorporated sync file. You should click on Cancel
when you are asked to load the sync file.
Press Play on the video window and listen to a section of the audio. Type what you hear into
the file. Type the text so that it corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file.
We suggest typing the audio in short segments so that you can easily go backwards and
forwards with the 1 second button.
Dubbed Typing: Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Dubbed Typing files, unless the Scheduling
Coordinator tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
350934832.doc 83
350934832.doc 84
Dubbed Typing Proofreading: Procedures
Load the English Master file in ORIG, and load the Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1. Save the
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA.UNS
You should use the video with the English audio during the proofreading. The video with the
audio in your language should be used as a reference only.
Follow the regular proofreading procedures. If you find a mistake, correct the text and
indicate the correction with a green check and a blue note.
Do not remove any of the checks and notes inserted by the translator when missing
text was added.
Resave your file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.
Dubbed Typing Acceptance: Procedures
Load the English file in ORIG, your Dubbed Typing file in TRANS1 and the proofed file in
TRANS2.
Save the file in TRANS2 by adding your initials prior to making any changes to the file.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNDTBB9xvzBA9BB.UNS
Do not remove any of the checks and notes for missing text during the Acceptance phase.
Resave the file in TRANS2 by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.
Typing from Dubbed Video Summary (for all clients, except Universal and
Warner)
is not important.
Red Checks TRANSLATION: Red checks should be inserted when missing text is added. They
should not be removed during the Proof or Acceptance phase.
Green Checks TRANSLATION: Green checks should be inserted only when OUT is left because the
missing text is not important.
PROOF: Green checks should be added when translation mistakes are corrected.
Green checks inserted by the translator (for OUT) should not be removed by the
proofer.
Lang. Rules Softitler language rules must be followed.
350934832.doc 85
Chapter XII CD Typing
A CD Typing is performed when you receive a video file (CD) with English audio and translated burn-
in subtitles on the video. You must type the text of the subtitles on the video screen into a blank UNS
file that has the same structure as the English Master file.
A CD Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written on the video
into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to our English
Master file. If necessary, you can make additional text changes to match the translated file to the
English file.
The copyright rules for a CD Typing are less restrictive, because text changes dont need to be
submitted to the client for approval. Therefore all the necessary changes can be made into the same
file.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you see on the
burn-in subtitles. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency
Sheets.
For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a CD Typing Report which

The video file with English audio and translated burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from
SOL).
The video file with English audio without burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from SOL).
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xvz.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A CD Typing is not proofread.
350934832.doc 86
Rules to follow

Translation
Missing text:
Extra text:

OUT
OUT should not be used in CD Typing files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even

Shorten the text when a box becomes alarmed due to duration, following the regular duration
standards for your language. You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when
shortening text.
Boxes alarmed due to length (red lines):

If the subtitle becomes alarmed due to length (red line), change the line division in order to
remove the red line. If it isnt possible to change the line division, you should shorten the text.
You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.
CD Typing: Procedures
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB.UNS
Load the video with the burn-in subtitles.
The video with burn-in subtitles doesnt have an incorporated sync file. You should click on
Cancel when you are asked to load the sync file.
Press Play on the video window and watch a section of the movie. Type the burn-in subtitles
into the blank UNS file. Divide the text and make the necessary adjustments so that it
corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file. Make sure to follow the rules outlined
above when typing the text.
350934832.doc 87
CD Typing: Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on CD Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
using the video without burn-in subtitles and the subtitles of the file after Spell Check and Syntax
Check.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the CD Typing
REPLY TO ALL when sending it back.
CD Typing Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)
OUT OUT should not be used in CD Typing files for Universal and Warner. All missing
very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should not be used in CD Typing files for Universal and Warner.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used in CD Typing files for Universal and Warner.
350934832.doc 88
Chapter XIII CD Typing

A CD Typing is performed when you receive a video file (CD) with English audio and translated burn-
in subtitles on the video. You must type the text of the subtitles on the video screen into a blank UNS
file that has the same structure as the English Master file.
A CD Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written on the video
into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to our English
Master file.
The copyright rules for a CD Typing are less restrictive, because text changes dont need to be
file.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you see on the
burn-in subtitles. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency
Sheets.
For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a CD Typing Report which

The video file with English audio and translated burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from
SOL).
The video file with English audio without burn-in subtitles (to be downloaded from SOL).
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A CD Typing is not proofread.
350934832.doc 89
Rules to follow

Translation
Missing text:
missing text".
Extra text:
English file (a few subtitles or complete scenes) and not important or repeated words such as
Eh, Ha-ha!, Heeeeelp! , If if if etc.
Exception! Subtitles containing credits from other

subtitling companies should not be deleted. Add a box
and insert the credits and insert a green Burn-In
narrative tag. The QC Department will check the timing.


shortening text.
350934832.doc 90
the red line. If it isnt possible to change the line division, you should shorten the text. You
dont need to add any checks or blue notes when shortening text.
CD Typing: Procedures
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB.UNS
Load the video with the burn-in subtitles.
The video with burn-in subtitles doesnt have an incorporated sync file. You should click on
Cancel when you are asked to load the sync file.
Press Play on the video window and watch a section of the movie. Type the burn-in subtitles
into the blank UNS file. Divide the text and make the necessary adjustments so that it
corresponds to the boxes in the English Master file. Make sure to follow the rules outlined
above when typing the text.
CD Typing: Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on CD Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
using the video without burn-in subtitles and the subtitles of the file after Spell Check and Syntax
Check.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNCTBB9xv.UNS
350934832.doc 91
Zoom
function.
Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the CD Typing
CD Typing Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)
is not important.
not important.
350934832.doc 92
Chapter XIV Script Typing
A Script Typing is performed when you receive a script (electronic or hard copy) that contains the
dialogue of the film. You must type the dialogue from the script into a blank UNS file that has the
same structure and timing of the English Master file.
A Script Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written in the
script into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to the
English Master file.
The copyright rules for a Script Typing are less restrictive, because text changes dont need to be
file.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you read in the
script. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency Sheets.
For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Script Typing Report which

The video file with English audio (to be downloaded from SOL).
The electronic or hard copy of the script of the film
The English Master UNS file.
English file.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xvz.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A Script Typing is not
proofread.
350934832.doc 93
Rules to follow

Translation
When you type the text from the script into the blank UNS file, you should shorten and
change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file. You dont need to
add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.
Missing text:
Extra text:

OUT
OUT should not be used in Script Typing files. All missing subtitles should be translated, even

shortening text.

Script Typing: Procedures
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB.UNS
Type all of the text from the script into the blank UNS file. Make sure to follow the rules
outlined above.
When you have filled out all of the boxes, you should complete all of the Final Checks before
sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.
350934832.doc 94
Script Typing: Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Script Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Script Typing
Script Typing Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)
OUT OUT should not be used in Script Typing files for Universal and Warner. All missing
very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Script Typing files for Universal and Warner.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Script Typing files for Universal and Warner.
350934832.doc 95
Chapter XV Script Typing
A Script Typing is performed when you receive a script (electronic or hard copy) that contains the
dialogue of the film. You must type the dialogue from the script into a blank UNS file that has the
same structure and timing of the English Master file.
A Script Typing requires the creation of one final file. You must type the text as it is written in the
script into the UNS file, making sure to divide the text in the boxes so that it corresponds to the
English Master file.
The copyright rules for a Script Typing are less restrictive, because text changes dont need to be
file.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over what you read in the
script. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency Sheets.
For some special projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Script Typing Report which

The video file with English audio (to be downloaded from SOL).
The electronic or hard copy of the script of the film
The English Master UNS file.
English file.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. A Script Typing is not
proofread.
350934832.doc 96
Rules to follow

Translation
When you type the text from the script into the blank UNS file, you should shorten and
change the translation where necessary in order to match the English file. You dont need to
add any checks or blue notes when changing the translation.
Missing text:
missing text".
Extra text:

350934832.doc 97
shortening text.

350934832.doc 98
Script Typing: Procedures
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB.UNS
Type all of the text from the script into the blank UNS file. Make sure to follow the rules
outlined above.
When you have filled out all of the boxes, you should complete all of the Final Checks before
sending your file back to the Scheduling Coordinator.
Script Typing: Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Script Typing files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNSTBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
Important: Send the file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Script Typing
350934832.doc 99
Script Typing Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)
is not important.
not important.
350934832.doc 100
Chapter XVI Remastering
A Remastering is a movie that has already been delivered to the client in the past, but that needs to
be redone because the client has sent a new tape with a different version of the same film. Such re-
edits might be requested for the home video circuit or in-flight airing. To accommodate the different
audiences, some text or scenes might have been changed or deleted.
You need to adjust the translation of the first version of the movie to reflect the changes in the new
English file, translate all missing subtitles and delete all extra text. Do not change the rest of the text,
unless you detect serious translation mistakes.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the
original Remastering file. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create
Consistency Sheets.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g. WE_6705Barry_ITNRSAA9xv.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Remasterings are not
proofread.
Procedures
Load the English file in the ORIG column.

Load your languages file in the TRANS1 column and save it by adding your initials to the end
of the file name.
Proofread the translation file, paying close attention to the English file. Several changes might
have been made to the English file and the translation needs to be adjusted accordingly.
Make sure that the new translation file exactly matches the English file. If not, redistribute the
text in order to match it to the text of the English Master file.

the next subtitle.
350934832.doc 101
Adapt the use of punctuation, quotes, italics and narratives to the current Softitler standards.
You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when making such changes.
Translate all green Burn-In and purple Principal Photography narratives, even if the
translation is the same as the English file (or very similar). You dont need to add any checks
or blue notes when adding narratives.
Translate all subtitles that contain spoken text that have been added to the English file. You
dont need to add any checks or blue notes when adding translation.
OUT should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner.
If some text has been deleted from the English file, delete it also from your languages file. If
its a whole subtitle, delete the box. You dont need to add any checks or blue notes when
deleting extra text.
When matching the text to the English file, you can make the following corrections to the
existing translation without using any checks or blue notes:
- Typos, spelling and grammatical mistakes
- Translation mistakes
- Punctuation mistakes and inconsistencies
- Missing italic or narrative tags (following the English file)
Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Remastering files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9x.UNS
Video Simulation
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9xv.UNS
Zoom
function.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRSBB9xvz.UNS
350934832.doc 102
Remastering Summary (for Universal and Warner ONLY)
OUT OUT should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner. All missing
very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used in Remastering files for Universal and Warner.
350934832.doc 103
Chapter XVII Remastering
A Remastering is a movie that has already been delivered to the client in the past, but that needs to
be redone because the client has sent a new tape with a different version of the same film. Such re-
edits might be requested for the home video circuit or in-flight airing. To accommodate the different
audiences, some text or scenes might have been changed or deleted.
You need to adjust the translation of the first version of the movie to reflect the changes in the new
English file. Do not change the rest of the text, unless you detect serious translation mistakes.
other files that belong to a series. Consistency sheets always take priority over the text in the
original Remastering file. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create
Consistency Sheets.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g. WE_6705Barry_ITNRSAA9xv.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Remasterings are not
proofread.
Procedures

of the file name.
Proofread the translation file, paying attention to the green checks in the English file. The
changes to the English file are marked with green checks. Adjust the translation accordingly.
Make sure that the new translation file exactly matches the English file. If not, redistribute the
text in order to match it to the text of the English Master file.

the next subtitle.
350934832.doc 104
Translate all green Burn-In narratives, even if the translation is the same as the English file (or
very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue note that says
Added narrative.
Translate all purple Principal Photography narratives, unless the translation is the same as
the English file (or very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue
note that says "Added text". If you leave OUT a narrative that is the same as the English file
(or very similar), add a red check and a blue note that says Narrative the same as in English
(or very similar).
Translate all subtitles that contain spoken text that have been added to the English file. Mark
all translated subtitles with a red check and add a blue note that says "Added text".
If some text has been deleted from the English file, delete it also from your languages file. If
its a whole subtitle, delete the box.
When you detect any serious translation mistakes, you should correct them. Mark the subtitle
with a red check and add a blue note that says Translation mistake corrected.
When matching the text to the English file, you can make the following corrections to the
existing translation without using any checks or blue notes:
- Missing punctuation
- Changes to reflect the current Softitler standards for the use of quotes, italics, etc.
Final Checks
Prolong
boxes. Prolong should always be done on Remastering files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator
tells you not to.
Spell Check
Syntax Check
Video Simulation
Zoom
function.
350934832.doc 105
Remastering Summary (for all clients, except Universal and Warner)
OUT To be inserted when the text of a purple Principal Photography narrative is the same
as the English file (or very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should be inserted when missing text is added, when translation
mistakes are corrected and when a purple Principal Photography narrative is left
OUT.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used.
350934832.doc 106
Chapter XVIII - Correlation
A Correlation is a translation that is protected by copyright provided to Softitler by a client. The
difference between a rematch and a correlation is that in a Correlation, the clients translation already
has linear time codes (LTC) for the subtitles.
The translation has rules which differ from normal Softitler Language Rules, and may be based on an
English file not prepared by Softitler. As a result, the spotting of the file might be different from the
Softitler English file. There also might be text in the translation file that is not in the Softitler English
file but is in the audio. Some text from the Softitler English file might not be in the translation file.
Since a Correlation file is protected by copyright, Softitler is required to follow very strict procedures.
In fact, major text changes need to be submitted to the client for approval. In order to quickly identify
the boxes where the translator wants to change the translation, the Correlation procedure is split into
two different phases, during which two different files are created:
In the first Correlation phase, the translator must check whether the text in the boxes of the
Correlation file corresponds to the text in the boxes of the English file. At this stage, all
necessary changes must be made to the text, except for translation mistakes and the addition
of missing text.
The use of punctuation, speaker hyphens and italics and narrative tags might be
different from the Softitler standards. You should not conform the punctuation and
speaker hyphens to the Softitler standards and rules. You should only check whether
the use is consistent throughout the whole file and change in case there is no
consistency. As for the use of italics and narratives, please see the rules outlined
below.
In the second Correlation phase, the translator should make the necessary changes to the
translation and add the translation of missing subtitles. Red checks must be inserted when
making such changes or corrections.
Refer to the Correlation Procedures on the next page for file naming conventions and detailed
instructions.
Correlation file. See also Chapter III General Translation Rules How to Create Consistency
Sheets.
For some projects the Scheduling Coordinator might send you a Correlation Report which includes
instructions that are pertinent to this specific project. You must read the report carefully before you
begin working on the file. The instructions in the report always take priority over the instructions
outlined in this chapter.
The file name contains the initials CL after the initials of the working language.
E.g.: WE_5073MagicSword_ITNCL.UNS
Software to be used
Spell Check

E.g.: WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBoriginal9v.UNS
WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBwithchanges.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Correlations are not
proofread.
350934832.doc 107
Correlation Procedures
A Correlation requires the creation of two files. The first file is created in Phase 1 and consists of
the video simulation of the file to check if the subtitles in the Correlation file correspond with the
text in the English file. The second file is created in Phase 2 and consists of making the
necessary text corrections to the file created in Phase 1.
Phase 1
Load the Correlation file in TRANS1 and save it by adding your initials and the word
ORIGINAL to the end of the file name.
E.g.: WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBORIGINAL.UNS
You should check whether the translation in the Correlation file corresponds to the subtitles in
the English files. Since the Correlation file hasnt been originally created by Softitler , the
boxes are not always aligned with the boxes of the English file. The easiest way to check
whether the subtitle appears on time onscreen is by watching the video with the subtitles of
the file opened in TRANS1.
Load the video with the subtitles of the file opened in TRANS1. Save the file opened in
TRANS1 by adding a V to the file name.
E.g.: WE_5073Magicsword_ITNCLBBORIGINALv.UNS
Do a Video Simulation and proofread the whole file. Make all of your changes on the file
loaded in TRANS1.
During this phase, you can correct the following mistakes and make the necessary formatting
changes.
Remember that you should not follow the Softitler Language Rules for your language,
but the internal consistency of the file. For example, if there is always a space before a ? !
: ... and you find a sentence where this space is missing, you must insert the space.
You dont have to add checks nor notes when making the following corrections:
- Inconsistent punctuation
- Inconsistent use of quotes
- Inconsistent use of speaker hyphens
- Italic and narrative tags (follow the English file)
When you detect a translation mistake (a translation that is objectively incorrect), insert a
red check and DO NOT make any changes to the text. During Phase 2 (see below) a blue
note should be added and the text change should be made.
Prolong should never be done on a Correlation file!
350934832.doc 108
During the video simulation, when you detect subtitles that dont appear at the right moment,
the timing of that box must be corrected by our Quality Control Department. Insert a blue
check and add a blue note that says Wrong LTC-In (if the subtitle enters too early or too late
on the screen) or Wrong LTC-Out (if the subtitle stays too long or not long enough on the
screen) as well as the box the subtitle corresponds to in the English file.
Important: You should only add a blue check if the timing is off for more than 1 second.
Resave your file open in TRANS1 by adding a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check. It is
not necessary to add green or red checks when you make a spelling correction.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBoriginalv9.UNS
Rules to follow during Phase 1

In a Correlation file, the use of punctuation, quotes and speaker hyphens, etc. might be
different from the Softitler language rules and standards. You should check the internal
consistency of the file, not adapt the file to the Softitler language rules and standards.
Do not change:
- Translation and style: Never change the translation unless it is objectively wrong and
the translation is relevant to the film.
- Numbers: If in the Correlation file the numbers are approximately the same as in the
English Master file, leave them as they are unless the discrepancy can be considered
a mistake.
If a number is different in the Correlation file, make sure to always verify with the
audio. When you change a number, leave a red check and a blue note for the QC
Department.
E.g.:
Missing text:
No missing text should be added during Phase 1. If important text is missing, such as a
complete scene or several subtitles in a row, you should add it during Phase 2 (see below).
Extra text:
Boxes that contain extra text should be marked with a blue check and a note explaining in
English the meaning of the subtitle and whether it is in the English audio or not.
Exception! Subtitles containing credits from other subtitling

companies should not be deleted. Add a box and insert the
credits and insert a green Burn-In narrative tag. The QC
Department will check the timing.
350934832.doc 109
Missing green burn-in Narrative should be added during Phase 2 (see below). Missing purple
Principal Photography narratives should be added during Phase 2, except when the
translation is the same as in English (or very similar).

Boxes alarmed due to duration should only be shortened if the duration is 01:20 or more.

Phase 2
After completing Phase 1, load the same file (i.e. saved with your initials, the word ORIGINAL
and V) in TRANS2, so that you have the same file opened in both columns.
Save the file in TRANS2 by removing the word ORIGINAL from the file name and by adding
the words WITH CHANGES.
E.g.: WE_6705Barry_ITNRMBBwithchanges.UNS
This way you will have two files opened in your language. The content is identical, only the file
name is different. Make sure to make all further changes only in the file opened in TRANS2.
The file opened in TRANS1 should not be changed any more, it is to be used as a reference
only.
In TRANS2, go to the red checks inserted during Phase 1 when you detected an objective
translation error. Correct it in the file opened in TRANS2. Insert a red check and an
explanatory note in English in TRANS2 to indicate the correction. Remember not to make
any changes to the text in TRANS1.
If a complete scene or several important subtitles are missing in a row, add empty boxes and
translate the missing subtitles, mark each box with a red check, and insert a blue note
"Added missing text".
To add a box, place the cursor in the subtitle box after which you want to add
it and click on TRANS1 > Subtitle > Insert.
Note that inserted boxes have a standard duration on minimum 1 second.
The distance between two subtitles must be minimum 2 frames.
If there is not enough space to insert a box, place the additional text in the
preceding box. Add a red check and a note explaining the meaning of the
text.
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Important: Send both of the files back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the Correlation
REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.
We must receive both files from you so that we can check what has been changed in the file and
create a report for the client. Remember that this translation is protected by copyright, so the client
must be informed if and why any changes have been made.
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Correlation Summary
Red Checks Phase 1 Red checks should be inserted when you detect a translation
mistake.
Phase 2 Red checks should be inserted when a translation mistake is
corrected or when missing translation is added.
Blue Checks Phase 1 Blue checks should be inserted when the subtitle appears too early
or too late on the video or if the subtitle stays too long or not long
enough on the video.
Phase 2 Blue checks should not be added during Phase 2.
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Chapter XIX Time Format Conversion
A client might ask for the translation of a movie in one time format, for example NTSC, and a few
months later ask for the translation of the same movie in another time format, for example PAL.
A new English file in the new format is prepared based on the new video file and the translation is
converted from one format into the other by Softitler . The translator needs to make sure that no
errors were introduced during the conversion and that the subtitles appear on the screen at the
correct moment. No additional changes should be made to the translation, as it has already been
consigned to our client.
Software to be used
Spell Check
UNSTools

E.g. WE_6705Barry_ITNTFAA9xv.UNS
Note that you will be the only mother-tongue person working on the file. Time Format Conversions
are not proofread.
Procedures

of the file name.
Proofread the translation file.
Translate all green Burn-In narratives, even if the translation is the same as the English file (or
very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue note that says
Added narrative.
Translate all purple Principal Photography narratives, unless the translation is the same as
the English file (or very similar). Mark all added narratives with a red check and add a blue
note that says "Added text". If you leave OUT a narrative that is the same as the English file
(or very similar), add a red check and a blue note that says Narrative the same as in English
(or very similar).
Translate all subtitles that contain spoken text that have been added to the English file. Mark
all translated subtitles with a red check and add a blue note that says "New translation".
If some text has been deleted from the English file, delete it also from your languages
file. If its a whole subtitle, delete the box.
You dont need to add any red checks or notes when you make the following corrections to
the existing translation:
- Missing punctuation
- Changes to reflect the current Softitler standards for the use of quotes, italics, etc.
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Final Checks
Spell Check
Syntax Check
Video Simulation
Zoom
function.
Time Format Conversion Summary

OUT To be inserted when the text of a purple Principal Photography narrative is the same
as the English file (or very similar).
Red Checks Red checks should be inserted when missing text is added or when a purple Principal
Photography narrative is left OUT.
Green Checks Green checks should not be used.
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Chapter XX - SDH Files
SDH files are Subtitles that are created for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing. These files have the
name of the speakers if they are not visible onscreen at the time they are speaking, as well as cues
for sounds made by characters, background sounds, and music. The cues are added to help people
who are hearing-impaired gain a better understanding of the film. The added material is a means of
communicating to the hearing-impaired the atmosphere that the audio offers to the audience. The
cues are quite short and should describe only sounds, not what is happening onscreen.
The sound cues are often the same in different films. We have created a list of Recurring Terms for
your reference. You are not required to translate the cues exactly as they appear in the Recurring
Terms list, but they should be helpful as a reference. Contact the Help Desk if you have not received
the Recurring Terms list.
Partial SDH Translation

Often we are required to deliver both the SDH and the non-SDH file. In this case, once the original
(non-SDH) file is translated and has been accepted, the SDH file is created by the Softitler
Scheduling Coordinator: The non-SDH translation is inserted into the blank SDH UNS file and empty
boxes are inserted into the original translation based on where sound cues have been inserted into
the English file when the English SDH file was created.
If a change is made to any of the preexistent boxes of the English file, a red check is added to help
you see where you must modify the translation of a box that is from the original (non-SDH) translation.
When translating or proofing an SDH file, you must follow the English SDH file.
Please refer to the Partial SDH Translation Procedures outlined below for more details.
Complete SDH Translation

Occasionally we are required to deliver the SDH translation of a movie, without the non-SDH
translation. In this case, you should translate the entire English SDH file into your language.
Please refer to the Complete SDH Translation Procedures outlined below for more details.
Software to be used
TetatetPlus FOR SDH TRANSLATION AND PROOF
Subtitle Editor (Eddie) FOR SDH PROOF ONLY
Spell Check
UNSTools
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Difference between SDH and non-SDH Files
The file name of the SDH file has a different language abbreviation than that of the translation
file: It finishes with an H.
E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ENH.UNS
WE_2345Shaft_ITH.UNS
The name of the speaker is added in front of the text if you cannot clearly see who is
speaking. The character name is written in capital letters and is followed by a colon and one
space.
E.g.: JOHN: Hi, how are you?
There are extra boxes in comparison to non-SDH files that contain sound cues. They are
written between squared brackets and which have no final punctuation. You should always
follow the English file when translating sound cues as far as the use of upper cases,
punctuation and style tags is concerned.
E.g.: [Footsteps]
There are more boxes with italics in comparison to non-SDH files. Italics are used when an
off-camera speaker, whose name has already been written, continues speaking uninterrupted
for several consecutive boxes. You should always follow the English file.
How To Insert Speaker Names

In order to quickly insert speaker names in a file, follow these steps:
Put the cursor at the beginning of the line where you would like to insert the speaker name.
Press the F1 key. The dialogue box Film names: TRANS will appear.
Click on New and type the speaker name in all capital letters (note the number 1 at the upper
right-hand corner of the box).
E.g.: JOHN
Place the cursor in the Final box and type a colon plus one space. (: )
Click on Save.
Click on Apply and the name as well as the colon and one space will automatically be inserted
into the box where you have your cursor.
From this point on, the name JOHN: will be associated with the number 1. Whenever you
need to insert the speaker name JOHN: just press 1 + F1.
To insert more speaker names, follow the same procedure. The program automatically
assigns progressive numbers for each name that you insert. If, for example, after John you
want to insert the name Mary, MARY: will be associated with the number 2. Press 2 + F1 to
insert MARY:
Remember to write down which names are associated with which numbers. For practical
reasons, we suggest that you insert a moderate number of names, the ones most often used
in the film.
Note: This feature can only be used in the Subtitle Editor TetatetPlus, not in Eddie.
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Partial SDH Translation
Translation
You dont need to read through the entire file. You only have to read the boxes that have to
be/have been changed. These subtitles have been marked with a red check by the
Scheduling Coordinator. Use the Go To function to quickly find all of the red checks.
The standard translation rules outlined in Chapter III should be followed.
Procedures
Open TetatetPlus and load the English file in ORIG and the translation file in TRANS.
Before translating or making any changes to the file, you must check with the video file the
subtitles that are marked with a red check.
Before adding any names or making any changes to the file, you must check the consistency
throughout the file. If a name is already used somewhere in the file, you should make sure to
spell it in the same way throughout the file. You can use the Go To function to search for
words or expressions in a file.
Do not delete any of the red checks inserted by the Scheduling Coordinator.
If a box becomes alarmed due to duration or length when you add speaker names, you must
shorten the text, insert a green check and a note for the proofer (modified for
duration/length).
If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies in the translation file, you should make the
correction and add a red check and a blue note explaining what you have changed. This way
the QC Department will make sure that the mistake is also corrected in the non-SDH version.
If you notice any mistakes or inconsistencies in the English file, you should post a suggestion
on Softitlers database. Refer to Chapter III for detailed instructions on how to post a
suggestion.
Final Checks
Prolong
boxes.
Prolong should always be done on translation files, unless the Scheduling Coordinator tells you
not to.
Spell Check
E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ITHBB9.UNS
Syntax Check
Open your file in UNSTools, save it by adding an X to the file name and run a Syntax Check. Pay
special attention to the SOUNDS and SPEAKERS sections. They give a complete list of all the
sound cues and speakers used in the UNS file, and can be used to find inconsistencies in
SOUND and SPEAKER spellings.
It is not necessary to add a green/red check when you make a correction in UNSTools.
E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ITHBB9x.UNS
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Proofreading
Only one proofreading will be performed on the file.
You dont need to read through the entire file. You only have to read the boxes that have been
changed by the translator. Use the Go To function to quickly find all of the green and red
checks.
The standard translation rules outlined in Chapter III should be followed.
Procedures
Open TetatetPlus or Eddie and load the English file in ORIG and the translation file in
TRANS(1).
You must check the subtitles that are marked with red and/or green checks with the video file
before making any corrections.
For boxes with green checks: If you agree with the change made by the translator, remove
the green check. If you have additional changes to make to the subtitle, leave the green
check and add a blue note.
Do not delete any of the red checks inserted by the Scheduling Coordinator.
Acceptance
Create the Acceptance file from the file on which the proofer worked:
Open TetatetPlus or Eddie and load the English file in ORIG, your translation file in TRANS1
and the file from the proofer in TRANS2.
Save the file opened in TRANS 2 (proof 1) by adding your initials to the file name.
Use the Compare Files function in the TRANS2 Column Menu to find all of the changes that
were made to your translation. Compare TRANS2 (proof 1) with TRANS1 (your translation).
All of the subtitle boxes with changes will be automatically marked with red checks. Go
through the red checks using the Go To > Red Checks function and make the necessary
changes in TRANS2.
After you have done a Compare Files, go to all of the green and red checks on the proofers
file. By doing this you can see if the proofer has accepted your translation suggestions as
well as view all of the changes made by the proofer.
When you have finished your Acceptance, clear all of the green checks.
Do not remove any of the red checks and notes that might be helpful for the QC Department.
If you need to leave a message for the QC Department, insert a red check and write a blue
note.
You have to do the final checks (Spell Check, Syntax Check) one more time to avoid sending
the file to us with unnecessary mistakes.
Save the file with the appropriate initials before doing each check.
Zip and send only the Accepted file back to the Scheduling Coordinator who sent you the
assignment. Use the message you received from the Scheduling Coordinator and make sure
to REPLY TO ALL when sending back the file.
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Complete SDH Translation
Translation
The client does not require the non-SDH file, so you should translate the entire English SDH
file into your language. Refer to Chapter III General Subtitling Rules and Chapter IV
Translation for detailed instructions on how to proceed.
As far as the special SDH features such as sound cues and speaker names are concerned,
refer to the first page of this SDH chapter.
Since the file needs to completely translated, you must perform all of the final checks
(Prolong, Spell Check, Syntax Check, complete Video Simulation, Zoom). Make sure to save
the file with the correct initials for every check.
E.g.: WE_2345Shaft_ITHBB9xvz.UNS
Proofreading
Two complete proofreadings will be performed on the file.
Refer to Chapter III General Subtitling Rules and Chapter V Proofreading for detailed
instructions on how to proceed.
Acceptance
Refer to Chapter IV Translation for detailed instructions on how to proceed.
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Chapter XXI Image QC
After a UNS file has been translated, proofed, and accepted by the translator, we run our standard
quality checks on it, in our QC Department. The file is converted into the final Image format that will
be burned onto a DVD. An Image file is composed of the pictures of the subtitles that appear on the
screen when the film is played.
A mother-tongue translator must do an Image Quality Check (Image QC) on every film or Added Value
on which Softitler works in order to find any conversion errors that may have occurred when the file
was converted from the UNS format into the Image format. This type of assignment is coordinated by
our Image QC Department. The translator also reads through the Image file to check for spelling
errors, missing accents, extra spaces, unusual characters, or any unusual detail in a subtitle. While
doing an Image QC, the translator should not correct the style of the translation. If something
"doesn't sound good, you should leave it as it is.
When doing an Image QC, you do not have the same tools as the translator or the proofers, such as
the video and the audio. You must take into consideration that some mistakes may have been
deliberately put into a file based on the audio (a play on words, puns, etc.). The Image file you
receive may also be a copyright-protected translation (usually a Correlation or a Rematch) from one of
our clients. In such cases, you can only correct what is objectively wrong. Since the Image QCer is
generally the third mother-tongue translator that works on a file, you should not be looking for
translation mistakes. No stylistic corrections are allowed at this phase. Image QC is not a
proof.
Receiving an Image QC Assignment

Image files are too large to send via email, they must be downloaded from Softitler s database.
Therefore, Image QC will be assigned only to translators that have a fast download connection (DSL,
ADSL, cable, broadband or a T1 Internet connection).
You will be contacted by the Image QC Department a few days before the assignment, to check
your availability and coordinate the assignment. There wont be any attachments to the email, as the
files will need to be downloaded from the database on the date specified in the email.
The necessary Image files will be made available for download from the database on the day of the
assignment.
Make sure to note the assignment in your agenda, as you wont be receiving any reminders.
Make sure to carefully read the assignment email your receive from the Image QC Department, as it
will contain all the necessary information regarding when the files will be available for download and
when you need to consign the corrected file (usually on the same day they are available for
download).
Make sure to download the Image files on the date mentioned by the Image QC Scheduling
Coordinators (not before or after) and to send the corrected files back within the delivery time outlined
in the email.
You dont need to download the ASF (video) file for Image QC assignments, even though it is
available for download on your assignment page.
If the Image check is taking you more time than expected and you think you might not be able
to meet the deadline, you must contact the Image QC Scheduling Coordinators immediately.
In case unexpected difficulties or special requests come up on the day of the assignment, the Image
QC Department will let you know by email. Therefore you are asked to check your email regularly on
the day of the assignment.
Software to be used
QC_Image
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Image QC Procedures
Downloading the Image files from Softitler Online

Visit our site at http://sol.softitler.com to download the necessary Image and UNS files.
A Security Warning might pop up asking

you to install the newest version of the
Softitler download software.
You must always click on Yes, otherwise
you wont be able to download any files
from our site.
If you experience any problems during file download, you must immediately contact the Image
QC Department and send a copy of your email to the Help Desk.
On your Active Work Assignments Page, click on the TIFF QC link. Dont click on the ASF link.
A window will open with several files listed:
You must download the file with extension .zip and both UNS files (one in your language and one in
English). Select the folder where you want the files to be downloaded. When you click on Save, the
download will start.
You dont need to download the ASF file.
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Loading the Image file
Do not unzip the Image file, as only zipped Image files can be loaded in QC_Image.
Note that Image files can only be loaded in the QC_Image application, not in any other
Softitler programs. It isnt possible to load .UNS files in QC Image.
Open the QC_Image application. Insert your name, the files title and ID number into the
dialogue box and click on OK. The program window will open:
Double click on Double click to load Script file.

Click on Yes when asked to continue without sync file.
Browse for the folder where you have saved the downloaded zip with the Image file and
select the zip file.
Click on Open.
(The text and background colors may be different from the ones in the examples below).
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Checking the Image file
To move forward one image, click on the right arrow or press number 6 on the number pad.
To move backward one image, click on the left arrow or press number 4.
You can also use the mouse wheel to scroll back and forth.
Pay attention not to accidentally scroll with the mouse wheel or press the number 4 or 6 key
too long, as you will skip subtitles without reading them.
To go to a specific subtitle number, click on the subtitle number field, insert the number and
click on GO TO or press Enter.
If you need to check more than one subtitle file, make sure to close the application and then
open it again. If you load a second file without closing the application, make sure that the first
subtitle displayed is box number 1.
If the yellow rectangle around the Image subtitle (and in the upper part of the screen) is larger
than usual, the subtitle is split into two groups: The first group will appear in the upper part of
the screen and the second group at the bottom of the screen. Use the slide bar to scroll down
and read the text of the second subtitle group.
Corrections Allowed
Image QC is not a proofreading, therefore only objective errors should be corrected:
Conversion errors
Spelling mistakes
Missing or extra punctuation that alters the meaning of the subtitle
Very bad grammar and translation mistakes
Missing or repeated words
Corrections Not Allowed

Translation suggestions and stylistic changes, unless the subtitle is objectively wrong.
Structural changes to the file, such as adding or removing subtitles. If you think a subtitle
should be added or removed, do not change the file, but inform the Image QC Scheduling
Coordinators.
Creating and Saving a Log file

If you find a mistake in a subtitle and would like to make a suggestion, check the box next to
the type of error found (Spelling, Grammar, Conversion, Translation) and write a note in
English in the white notes section.
Note: It is not possible to edit the text of the Image file. Text changes must be made in the
UNS file in the Subtitle Editor (see below).
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Every time you make a suggestion, click on the Save Log button in order to save your error
log and notes.
The first time you do so a prompt will appear. Add CORR to the file name as shown in the
example below and click on Save. The file will be saved in the same folder from which you
loaded the Image file.
E.g.: BackToTheFuture_Trailer_ITNCORR.log
After you save the log file for the first time, all of the other suggestions will be automatically
saved in this file when you click on Save Log.
You must always inform the Image QC Department whenever you find:
- a subtitle in your file that is in any other language that is not your language.
- a subtitle in your file that contains OUT
Provide the box numbers of any subtitle you might find containing a different language in your
file. The Image QC Department will then check to make sure that the foreign language use
was intentional.
It is extremely important that you inform us about this issue in order to make sure that
these boxes have not been inserted by mistake.
Closing QC Image
To exit the application, click on the X in the upper right-hand corner of the
screen and click on Yes.
Note:
In the upper portion of the screen, you will see three yellow rectangles and red lines; this is
normal. Do not worry about the upper portion of the screen.
If you have a 15-inch screen, every time that you use QC_Image, you must change the settings of
your display, otherwise you will not be able to see the full view of the application window.
To change the display settings, go to Start > Settings > Control Panel > Display >
Settings.
Under Screen Area, slide the bar to increase the resolution to 1072 by 768 pixels.
After having finished a QC_Image assignment, you can restore your old settings.
Making Corrections in the UNS file
After checking the Image file and adding the corrections in the Log file, you must make your
corrections in the UNS file in the Subtitle Editor (Eddie).
Open your languages UNS file that you have downloaded from SOL in the Subtitle Editor
(Eddie) and resave the file by adding the abbreviation CORR. Make sure not to add any
hyphens, spaces or other characters to the file name.
Do NOT add your personal initials to the filename, only CORR. This is a final Quality
Control, not a proof or translation, so no personal assigned initials should be used.
Make all of your corrections in the CORR.UNS file. Whenever you make a correction, leave a
red check and a note (in English) explaining the type of correction you have made (spelling,
typo etc.). If there is something objectively wrong with the translation, write a note explaining
what was initially written and the change you have made.
Save your file, zip it and send it, together with the Log file, back to the Image QC Department.
Make sure to always insert a red check and a blue note when making a correction.
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Make sure not to make unnecessary structural changes to the UNS file, such as adding
or deleting boxes.
Chapter XXII - DVD Menus
One of the great advantages of watching DVDs is that you can view the film with subtitles, you can
watch a specific scene, and you can see Added Value material. All of these options are displayed on
a list, usually in your language. We call this list a DVD Menu.
Software to be used
Microsoft Word
Spell Check
Internet Explorer (For First and Final QC only)
Translating a DVD Menu

Refer to the Glossary that is sent to you with the Softitler Language Rules for your language.
The Glossary contains terms that have been accepted by our clients for the translation of DVD
Menus. Do not change these terms, and apply them throughout your translation. Carefully read the
Glossary and consult it while translating a DVD Menu. If you do not receive this document,
immediately inform the Scheduling Coordinator that sent you the assignment.
Some terms in your language have already been inserted in the Translation column and are
highlighted in yellow. They can also be found in the Glossary. Do not change these as they have
been specifically requested by the client.
Notes are written in blue. Notes are information for the translator and are not to be translated.
DVD Menu Translation Procedures

Double-click on the Word document you have received and save it by adding your initials.
You will see five columns: the English column, the Translation column, the Proof 1 column,
the Notes column and the Acceptance column. You will work in the Translation column.
If you would like to write any notes for the proofers, do so by adding your comments in the
Notes column. You should remove these notes during the Acceptance phase.
Do not change any of the terms that are highlighted in yellow. These terms are included in
the Glossary and have been specifically requested by the client.
Add a 9 to the file name and run a Spell Check after you have completed the translation.
Note: Pay special attention to the notes regarding any titles of reference films, TV shows, theater
pieces, etc. Do not translate them, unless asked otherwise.
Proofreading a DVD Menu

If you need to correct something, refer to the Glossary that is sent to you with the Language Rules for
your language.
Do not change any of the terms that are highlighted in yellow. These terms are included in the
Glossary and have been specifically requested by the client.
DVD Menu Proofreading Procedures

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the Notes column and the Acceptance column. You will work in the Proof 1 column.
Read the entire translation and check for objective grammar, spelling, and translation
mistakes. If you need to correct something, write your correction in the Proof 1 column in the
box corresponding to the one you want to correct in the Translation column. Otherwise leave
it blank.
In the Notes column insert a note explaining the type of correction that you have made (for
example, grammar or punctuation). In the same column you may answer questions asked
by the translator.
Resave the file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.
The Acceptance of a DVD Menu

DVD Menu Acceptance Procedures
Double-click on the Word document you have received and save it by adding your initials
again.
the Notes column and the Acceptance column. You will work in the Acceptance column.
Check the corrections inserted by the proofer.
Copy and Paste all of the translation into the Acceptance column, including the accepted
corrections made by the Proofer. The final, corrected and complete version of your
translation should appear in this column. Do not insert any notes in this column.
Resave the file by adding a 9 and run a Spell Check.
First QC and Final QC of a DVD Menu

Two mother-tongue translators have to check the DVD Menus after the translations have been
inserted into the image files.
Note: You must be connected to the Internet while performing a First or Final QC of a DVD Menu.
DVD Menu QC Procedures

You should see a chart with links to an Internet site on the right side. The links will take you to
a web page that has the images of the DVD Menu pages.
Click on these links. Internet Explorer will be launched and a dialogue box will open.
Insert the login and password given to you by Softitler .
Check the Menu pages for spelling mistakes.
- If you do not find any mistakes, put an X on the Word file chart under the Correct
column.
- If you find a mistake, put an X under the Incorrect column, write the type of error that
you found, and indicate how it should be corrected in the appropriate column. If
necessary, you can insert a comment under the Comments Column.
Save the Word file and send it back to Softitler.
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Glossary
Added Value: Bonus materials that are included with a film on DVD, such as Directors
Commentaries, Featurettes, Making Ofs, Trailers, etc.
Alarmed box: A box that is alarmed due to duration. This is when there is not enough time to read
the subtitle text relative to the amount of time that it appears on the screen. You will see that a box is
alarmed when the numbers in the upper right-hand corner of the box are red and are highlighted in
yellow.
ASF: The format of video files.
Bad Line Division: Inappropriate division of the text within a box.
BCK: The format of a backup UNS file (automatically created by the subtitling editor Eddie).
Bitmap: The image file of a subtitle that is printed on the movie.
Blue check: A blue marker that is inserted on a box in the subtitle editor Eddie and UNSTools.
Box: Subtitle box.
Burn-in Narrative: A subtitle that contains text added after filming that is written on-screen and is
pertinent to the plot of the film. The text of Burn-In Narratives is colored green.
CD Typing: The transcription of subtitles that appear in a movie on the video into an UNS file.
Correlation: The procedure of proofing a copyright-protected subtitle file with its own time codes
that is provided to Softitler by a client.
Deleted Scenes DLS: A type of Added Value; the scenes that were cut from the final version of
the film, but were put onto a DVD as bonus material.
Scheduling Coordinator: A member of Softitlers staff. The person who is in charge of dealing
with and distributing all of the materials for a particular client (Universal, Warner, Sony etc.).
Directors Commentary DRC: A type of Added Value that allows you to view the film while
hearing the directors comments.
Dubbed Version Typing: Transcription of the speech heard in a dubbed version of the film into an
UNS file.
Duration: The total duration of time that a subtitle appears on the screen. The duration is indicated
by the number between the LTC IN and the LTC OUT (in the upper gray part of the box in the Subtitle
Editor).
DVD: The DVD medium (Digital Versatile Disk).
DVD Menu: A text file that corresponds to the interactive menu of a DVD-ROM.
Eddie (short for Editor): The name of Softitlers proprietary program to create and edit subtitle
files.
English Master Department: The Softitler department that creates and edits all of the English
Master files.
English Master File: A UNS file created and edited by the English Master Department that contains
the subtitles of the feature in English.
Feedback: An objective evaluation of a translator or proofers work. Feedback is requested on the
work of all new translators and in the continuing education of translators to help improve the quality
of their work. Feedback is to be considered as training, not criticism.
Featurette - FTE: A type of Added Value. A small feature on a DVD that relates to the feature film.
Frames: Units forming seconds. There are 25 frames per second in PAL format, and 30 frames per
second in NTSC format.
Green check: A green marker that is inserted on a box in the subtitle editor Eddie and UNSTools.
Initials: Personal initials that are assigned to each translator by the Softitler Human Resources
Department. These initials must be inserted in the file name every time a translator or proofer works
on a file.
Italic: A type of text style. The text of Italics is colored blue.
Language Rules: A table that contains information about particular features in each language.
LTC: Linear Time Code. The LTC-In is the exact moment in which the subtitle will appear on screen,
the LTC-Out is the exact moment in which the subtitle will disappear from the screen.
Making Of: A type of Added Value about how the film was made.
Menu Page: A DVD Menu that contains a significant amount of text to translate or proof, such as
actors' biographies, titles of related films, information about the director, etc.
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Mode: The format of a feature film (PAL, NTSC and NTSC DROP).
Notes (Blue Notes): Notes that are inserted in the lower part of the header of a box to aid the
translator. They are also called blue notes because the color of the text is blue; Notes that are
inserted by the translator who works on the file to leave a message for Softitlers staff or for
colleague translators.
NTSC: The format of films for the American and Asian market. This format is characterized by
having 30 frames per second.
NTSC Drop: A type of NTSC format, typical of films and shows for television, where drop spaces
have been inserted to accommodate commercials. This format is characterized by having 30 frames
per second.
Off Screen: When the speaker is not shown on screen, or when the dialogue is not a part of the
scene that is on screen, such as the voice of a narrator or a voice-over.
OLD: The file format of a backup file automatically created by the Subtitle Editor.
OUT: The word inserted when a translator decides that a particular purple Principal Photography
subtitle does not need to be translated. Any subtitle containing an OUT will be deleted by our Quality
Control Department and will not appear in the final product.
PAL: The format of films for the European market. This format is characterized by having 25 frames
per second.
Principal Photography Narratives: A subtitle that contains the title of the film or text that is
captured during filming, such as street signs, newspapers, restaurant names, etc. The text of
Principal Photography Narratives is purple.
Proof: The act of proofreading and editing a translation.
Proof 1: The first proofreading of a translation file.
Proof 2: The second proofreading of a translation file.
QC: Quality Control. Our Quality Control Department does a final check on all of the files to make
sure that there are no discrepancies within a file and between all of the translation files for a
particular title. For example, the QC Department checks to make sure that all of the character
names are consistently spelled in the same way throughout a file as well as in the other translations
of the same file. The QC Department also checks for discrepancies in the representation of
numbers, the structure of the file, and the subtitle tags.
QC Image: A final Quality Check of the Image file done by a mother-tongue translator. This check is
done in order to find any conversion errors that may have occurred when the file was converted from
the UNS format to the Image format.
Red check: A red marker that is inserted in the subtitle editor Eddie and UNSTools..
Rematch: The procedure of conforming and proofing a copyright-protected translation that is
provided to Softitler by a client.
Remastering: The procedure of adapting an existing translation file to a new version of the English
file.
Script Typing: Transcription of the dialogue written on a paper script into a UNS file.
SDH: Subtitles for the Deaf and the Hard of Hearing.
Spell Check: An automatic check that allows one to find any spelling mistakes in a file.
Split Groups: A subtitle split into two groups. The first group appears at the top of the video screen
and the second group at the bottom of the video window.
Style: Four different kind of styles can be used for subtitles: normal (black), italics (blue), principal
photography narratives (purple) and burn-in narratives (green).
Sync File: A file that synchronizes the subtitles with the video/audio when working in the subtitle
editor Eddie. This sync file is embedded in the video file, except for Dubbed and CD Typings. If you
are working on a Dubbed or CD Typing and an application asks you to select a sync file, click on No
or Ignore. If you are loading an Image file in the QC Image application and you are asked if you want
to continue without the sync file, click on Yes.
Syntax Check: A structural check done on a file using the program UNSTools.
Tag: Colored flags inserted by Softitler staff used to identify subtitles with certain characteristics.
Positioning tags are blue, special/song tags are red and forced tags are green.
Time Format Conversion: The procedure of adapting the spotting of a file from one time format
(e.g. PAL) into another time format (e.g. NTSC or NTSC DROP).
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Translator Agreement (TA): A document that must be signed every assignment a translator does
for Softitler, except for proofreading assignments or Acceptances. This document assigns the
copyright of the subtitles to Softitler Net, Inc.
Tiff: Tagged Image File Format. An image file format of a subtitle that is printed on the DVD.
Title: Subtitle.
Trailer TRL: A type of Added Value that is a promotional advertisement for the movie.
Two Lines Fit on One Line: A subtitle containing two lines of text that could fit on one line.
Typing: Typing from Dubbed Version; CD Typing; Script Typing.
UNS: Softitlers proprietary Unicode subtitle file format.
UNSTools: The name of Softitlers proprietary program used to find and fix incorrect or missing
punctuation as well as inconsistencies in the translation, including the spelling of proper names and
the representation of numbers.
VAM: Value Added Material (an Added Value)
Video Simulation: Watching the film with the translated subtitles loaded on the video and
synchronized with the audio.
Voice-Over: The voice of a narrator or the voice of a character that is not on screen.
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Manual For Subtitling March 2005

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Manual For Subtitling March 2005

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Copyright Softitler

HOW TO USE TETATETPLUS LITE.........................................................................................19

HOW TO USE UNSTOOLS.....................................................................................................25

HOW TO DO A SPELL CHECK IN MICROSOFT WORD............................................................30

HOW TO DO A SPELL CHECK IN MICROSOFT WORD............................................................31

HOW TO DOWNLOAD VIDEO FILES FROM SOFTITLER ONLINE.............................................32

CHAPTER II - HOW FILES ARE NAMED.......................................................................33

WHAT A FILE NAME LOOKS LIKE.........................................................................................34

CHAPTER III GENERAL SUBTITLING RULES.........................................................36

CREATION OF CONSISTENCY SHEETS ....................................................................................44

CHAPTER VI - ADDED VALUES.......................................................................................53

PROOFREADING AN ADDED VALUE......................................................................................55

CHAPTER VII REMATCH...............................................................................................56

CHAPTER VIII REMATCH.............................................................................................60

CHAPTER IX REMATCH FROM DUBBED SCRIPT..................................................65

CHAPTER X TYPING FROM A DUBBED VIDEO......................................................70

CHAPTER XI TYPING FROM A DUBBED VIDEO.....................................................74

CHAPTER XII CD TYPING.............................................................................................78

CHAPTER XIII CD TYPING...........................................................................................81

CHAPTER XIV SCRIPT TYPING...................................................................................85

CHAPTER XVI REMASTERING....................................................................................92

CHAPTER XVII REMASTERING..................................................................................95

CHAPTER XVIII - CORRELATION..................................................................................98

CHAPTER XIX TIME FORMAT CONVERSION.......................................................103

CHAPTER XX - SDH FILES.............................................................................................105

PARTIAL SDH TRANSLATION..............................................................................................107

COMPLETE SDH TRANSLATION..........................................................................................109

CHAPTER XXI IMAGE QC...........................................................................................110

CHAPTER XXII - DVD MENUS.......................................................................................115

How to Use Subtitle Editor Eddie

Double Click Feature

Inserting Blue Notes

Add / Remove subtitles

Loading a video file

Show Status Bar

To enable the zoom function, click on Common > Show Zoom.

Edit Box Setting

Set Video Text Color

Press F3 to go to the next item and SHIFT+F3 to go to the previous one.

Loading a text file

Additional Video Functions

Press F3 to go to the next box in the GO TO

Make sure to select the Go To function of the

Delete all Notes

Insert tags (styles)

Change LTC_OUT Red (Duration)

Inserting Red, Green and Blue Checks

Inserting Blue Notes

Click on OK and the language file will open.

Sounds (Only when checking SDH files)

Speakers (Only when checking SDH files)

Insert blue notes

Insert Red, Green, Blue Checks

Enlarge/reduce font size

Spell Check Procedures

Finishing Spell Check

Note: Windows 98 users must have a shortcut to WinZip on the desktop.

Spell Check Procedures

Finishing Spell Check

Depending on the security settings of your computer, a

If you experience any problems during file

Sometimes more than one video file is available for a project:

Download is finished only when the following message appears: