The removal of ZZZ mode

[chenlung]

I propose that ZZZ mode (i.e. milliseconds) be removed from Tero Subtitler. [Note: users would, of course, still be able to import and export millisecond-based formats (SubRip; WebVTT, etc.) and others.]

Millisecond-based formats are historic, accessible, frame-agnostic, and supported by most media players, hence enthusiasts have tended to use them. Until the advent of TTML and derivative formats (containing support for frames/milliseconds, etc.), frame-based formats tended to be the preserve of studios (e.g. Spruce Technologies/DVD Studio Pro).

However, videos (which we typically synchronise to) are naturally frame-based (or indeed interlaced), as are video editors, so I believe the GUI of Tero Subtitler should only be frame-based, following in the footsteps of other subtitling solutions that tend to be favoured by high-end users/production environments (Annotation Edit, CaptionMaker, Cavena, EZTitles, Fab Subtitler, Ooona, SoftNI, Spot, Subtitle Horse, SubtitleNEXT, and Wincaps).

Ultimately, millisecond-based formats are intended for delivery; and unless I miss something, I cannot see an advantage in editing the numbers of milliseconds directly (i.e. without the frame infrastructure), so I think there should be a general discouragement of this in software because it has the potential to cause hassle which has to be fixed (diverting time and resources).

• Tedious and imprecise.
• The different calculations between ZZZ and FF cause discrepancies internally (including false errors about gapping and CPS) and, potentially, between colleagues or clients.
• Eliminates the need for Round times... (would be done automatically, correcting mistakes).
• Convolutes Conventions.
• ttp:clockMode isn't an option (in the context of balance).

It might seem controversial to those long used to editing in milliseconds (here and in other applications), but I think a move towards FF-only is inevitable and would be a positive one: encouraging uptake by professionals and enabling higher-quality output from others in training (minimising the learning curve; encouraging better practises, etc.).

[chenlung]

As a compromise in the meantime (until perhaps the next major version), I propose that SMPTE be at the forefront of Tero by default:

• It would no longer be an option during the initialisation of Tero Subtitler. Advanced users could still display Tero Subtitler in media mode, but only explicitly (via Settings>General>Time code mode).
• Upon load of a non-SMPTE format, the user is prompted with Yes and No options to round timings (with a recommendation towards doing so), enabled by default in Settings (minimising discrepancies which won’t always be immediately apparent, especially to the non-savvy).