SMPlayer

I switched to this mode, but it cannot grow -- it is already maximized. But
this option does what it says "it adds black borders". But in this context
of course it is not suitable -- there is room to show subtitles.

What autoresize are you using? (preferences->interface)

I think that if you used "Whenever it's need" that wouldn't happen,
because then the smplayer window would grow.

Ah, SF reformats text :-(

Ok, here is the first screenshot:
http://www.imagebam.com/image/0633a944068071
and with added borders:
http://www.imagebam.com/image/bf165a44068073

I am not saying the name of the filter is incorrect. I am saying it would
be good to add such values to subtitles position
* top of the movie, top of the player, middle, bottom of the movie, bottom
of the player
so user could focus on what task she/he has in mind, not how smplayer
solves this issue.

But back to problem:
Let's denote smplayer frame by =# and movie frame with |-.

So, normally I have:

==================
# #
#----------------------------#
# #
# #
# #
#----------------------------#
# #
==================

Now, when I do add black borders I get this:

==================
# #
# ------------------ #
# | | #
# | | #
# | | #
# ------------------ #
# #
==================

I hope these drawings are clear what is happening, in any doubt I can
attach real screenshots.

I agree that the name of the option is not obvious (but it's what it does:
add black borders), but I can't see that shrinking problem. The video keeps
the correct size.

Could you please reopen this report -- it is true that adding black borders
allows to show subtitles below the movie, but it also shrinks entire video.
So it is not solution really.

The point is to show subtitles below the movie without shrinking it --
i.e. using _already_ existing unused space, not making even more space just
for subtitles.

And another story is -- usability. The path from "subtitles below movie"
to "add black frames" is far from obvious.

So I hope you agree with me, and revive this issue.

Video->Filters->Add black borders.