Visual representation of the subbing fan process studied in a sociological key
While rippers break down the time barrier of television distribution, fansubbers help break down the language barrier by translating and adapting the original content. To the work of the latter is added that of hardsubbers who instead imprint the text file (Fansub) on the video, and then re-distribute the video «harsubbated» in file sharing networks or streaming video portals.