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+--- Thread: External Subtitle Sync Issue in Kodi 20: Consistent -720ms Offset Compared to Interna (/showthread.php?tid=379915)
External Subtitle Sync Issue in Kodi 20: Consistent -720ms Offset Compared to Interna - zxcvb1234363 - 2024-12-26
Hello Kodi community,
I've identified a significant issue with external subtitle synchronization in Kodi 20 and have performed detailed testing to confirm this isn't an isolated case.
**Issue Summary:**
- External subtitles in Kodi 20 consistently run 720ms ahead of internal subtitles
- This requires manual delay adjustment of +720ms for every video playback
- The issue affects all external subtitle formats (.srt, .ass, etc.)
**Detailed Testing Process & Reproduction Steps:**
1. **Reference Testing with Internal Subtitles:**
- Used PotPlayer's subtitle viewer to extract timing from internal subtitles
- These internal subtitle timings serve as our baseline reference
- Internal subtitles play perfectly synchronized in all tested players
2. **Cross-Platform Verification:**
- Created external .srt file using the exact timings from internal subtitles
- Tested on multiple players:
* PotPlayer: Slight 250ms delay (watchable)
* MX Player: Plays correctly
* Kodi 20: Runs 720ms early (requires +720ms delay)
3. **Steps to Reproduce:**
```
a. Get any video file with internal subtitles
b. Using PotPlayer:
- Extract internal subtitle timings
- Create external .srt with same timings
c. Test in different players:
- PotPlayer: ~250ms delay (acceptable)
- MX Player: Synchronized
- Kodi: -720ms offset (too early)
```
**Technical Analysis:**
- The 720ms early offset in Kodi is consistent across different videos and subtitle files
- The issue only affects external subtitles; internal subtitles work correctly
- The offset is large enough to significantly impact viewing experience
- Other popular players handle the same subtitle files correctly or with minimal offset
**Why This is a Problem:**
1. Internal subtitles should be the "source of truth" for timing
2. 720ms is a significant offset that noticeably impacts viewing experience
3. Manual adjustment for every video is impractical
4. The issue doesn't exist in other major media players
**Current Workarounds:**
1. Manually delay subtitles by 720ms for each video
2. Use internal subtitles when available
3. Pre-adjust subtitle files before playing
**Requested Solutions:**
1. Investigate why Kodi's external subtitle timing differs from internal timing
2. Add option for default external subtitle delay
3. Implement automatic sync based on internal subtitle timing when available
**System Information:**
- Kodi Version: 20
- Platform: [Your platform]
- Subtitle formats tested: .srt, .ass
**Questions for the Community:**
1. Has anyone else experienced this specific offset?
2. Are there any known fixes or better workarounds?
3. Could this be related to recent changes in subtitle handling?
I've attached sample subtitle files demonstrating this issue [if you have them].
Thanks for your attention to this matter. I'm happy to provide any additional information or testing needed to help resolve this issue.
Best regards,
[Your username]
[Optional: Add screenshots or video demonstrations if available]
RE: External Subtitle Sync Issue in Kodi 20: Consistent -720ms Offset Compared to Interna - izprtxqkft - 2024-12-26
that's some very detailed testing on an outdated version of kodi
current version is v22, backports are going to v21 - what are the results here where it would matter?
it would likely be best to test on v22 so that the currently worked on version gets the fix and then if needed it can be backported to v21
is this android or windows?
what device?
probably best to provide a Debug Log of your findings on v22 then there will be no guesswork or chasing old issues
RE: External Subtitle Sync Issue in Kodi 20: Consistent -720ms Offset Compared to Interna - Karellen - 2024-12-26
(2024-12-26, 02:28)zxcvb1234363 Wrote: 1. Has anyone else experienced this specific offset?No I haven't. I predominately use embedded subtitles and never noticed a problem.
The very few external subtitles I have have no timing issues.
Win10 Kodi v21
(2024-12-26, 02:28)zxcvb1234363 Wrote: 2. Are there any known fixes or better workarounds?No known fixes because it is not a know problem. Seems isolated to your setup, otherwise this forum and our Github repo would be flooded with complaints.
A Debug Log is needed to see what is going on.