Dramas are usually based on a good script. Too many noticeable gaps in the story will reduce the quality of the drama. As segmenters, although we can’t prevent any storyline gaps, we can prevent the small gaps between segments which result in a “jerky” effect. When there are small gaps between segments, the subtitles flash in and out rather than smoothly transitioning, and this reduces the enjoyment for our audience.
Our topic of interest today is what gaps are and how we can reduce the flashing of subtitles caused by them.
Our topic of interest today is what gaps are and how we can reduce the flashing of subtitles caused by them.
We distinguish between three times of gaps:
- Small Gaps - When there is a 0.5 seconds or less distance separating two segments.
- Mini-Gaps - When there is a 0.1 second distance separating two segments. These can usually be seen at 100% zoom and are very noticeable when zoomed in over 150%.
- Micro-Gaps - When there is less than a 0.1 second distance separating two segments. These are rarely seen at 100% zoom and are usually only visible at a 200% or more zoom.
What the different types of gaps look like:
Timer at 100% zoom. Small gaps and mini-gaps are noticeable, but micro-gaps cannot be seen.
Timer zoomed in to show micro-gaps in addition to the small and mini-gaps.
First, lets figure out how these gaps are created. Different segmenting methods create different problems, but mini and micro-gaps typically come from either the individual segmentation method (creating one segment at a time) or from the Shift + Spacebar continuous method. The only method that is currently 99% gap proof in most browsers is the XXL method.
So what’s the best way to remove the gaps? Think of the ends of each segments as having sticky tape on the ends. The only way to use the sticky tape is to use the keyboard shortcut keys (CTRL + ↑→↓← ) and move the segment to the right and left, pushing the other segment over. Once this segment has been “pushed”, it will join with your selected segment. Now you can move your segment back into its original position and the gap will be removed.
Please watch the following tutorial for a demonstration:
So what’s the best way to remove the gaps? Think of the ends of each segments as having sticky tape on the ends. The only way to use the sticky tape is to use the keyboard shortcut keys (CTRL + ↑→↓← ) and move the segment to the right and left, pushing the other segment over. Once this segment has been “pushed”, it will join with your selected segment. Now you can move your segment back into its original position and the gap will be removed.
Please watch the following tutorial for a demonstration:
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