Why subtitles go out of sync
- The subtitle was timed for a different release of the movie (for example a cinema cut, a version with an intro or a different frame rate).
- The video has extra seconds at the start, such as a logo or an ad.
- The frame rate differs (for example 23.976 vs 25 fps), so the delay grows slowly as the movie plays.
Quick fix in VLC
While the video is playing, press H to show the subtitle later, or G to show it earlier (each press changes the timing by 50 ms). This changes the timing only while you watch, it does not change the file.
Fix it permanently with the SinSubz Sync tool
If you already have a Sinhala subtitle, the Sync tool can correct its timing for your exact movie file:
- Upload your Sinhala SRT file.
- Select your movie file. Only the file name is used to find the right release, and the video is never uploaded.
- Pick the English subtitle that matches your release from the list.
- SinSubz compares the timing of the two subtitles, corrects the Sinhala timing (offset and frame-rate difference) and lets you download the new file. The Sinhala text is not changed, only the timestamps.
Check the result
Play a few scenes near the beginning, the middle and the end. If the subtitle is in time in all three places, the sync is good. If not, try a different English subtitle as the reference.
Related guides
Translate a subtitle to Sinhala
Frequently asked questions
Does syncing change the Sinhala text?
No. Only the timestamps are corrected. The Sinhala text stays exactly as it is.
Is my movie file uploaded?
No. Only the file name is used to find the matching subtitles. The video never leaves your device.