Gaming

VLC Media Player will soon allow for real-time AI translated subtitles

Published

6 hours ago

January 11, 2025

VLC Media Player developer VideoLAN has revealed an exciting new feature that will revolutionize the way users experience subtitles. Through the power of AI, users will soon be able to receive translated subtitles in real-time, opening up a world of possibilities for non-Japanese speakers.

For anime enthusiasts, this development is especially significant as it will grant access to titles that may not have been officially localized by western publishers. Additionally, users who prefer to avoid potentially biased translations will have the option to rely on machine-generated subtitles instead.

VLC’s upcoming feature will enable automatic subtitles generation and translation using local AI models, offering support for multiple languages. The best part? This functionality works offline, without the need for an internet connection! Check out a demo at the #CES2025 booth in Eureka Park. pic.twitter.com/UVmgT6K4ds

— VideoLAN (@videolan) January 8, 2025

One of the key advantages of this feature is its local operation, ensuring that users can enjoy AI-generated subtitles without relying on an internet connection. This shift towards AI translation comes at a time when many anime fans are questioning the authenticity of western localization efforts.

Concerns about potential censorship and alterations to the original content have prompted fans to seek alternative translation methods, with AI emerging as a promising solution. Japanese publishers have already begun experimenting with AI translations, with popular series like The Ancient Magus Bride embracing this new approach.

While AI-generated subtitles may not always capture the full nuance of a scene due to their lack of contextual understanding, many fans view this trade-off as a way to directly support Japanese creators and preserve the integrity of the original work. As the anime industry continues to evolve, AI translation is poised to play a significant role in bridging language barriers and preserving artistic vision.