Yongmei Liu wrote:
2 regular VCR recorder-players; a "genlock"; a free PC subtitling program (Sub Station Alpha)
A genlock is a device that mixes 2 sources of video signals. (This is the unit that I bought
http://www.avtoolbox.com/avt-3170.htm - you can probably find cheaper ones)
The process is: prepare timed translation script on SSA; play source video on VCR A; at the same time play your script on SSA on a PC; the script will be superimposed onto your source video and be recorded onto VCR B.
As of now, the quality is quite bad, because I can't afford good-quality VCRs.
Taking the all-digital route might be the better way to go: convert source onto your hard drive, manipulate using Adobe Premier etc, output to tape, VCD or DVD. By the way, you should be albe to directly edit DVD files to add subtitles.
Gotta go, but interesting topic. Will be glad to hear other pros' input. Good luck!