Is it possible to hear a movie in 5.1 surround?

[amir77a]

I read here through the forum but couldn't get exact answer.

Assume I have Xvid file, which its audio encoded in ac3.

I am converting the movie to DVD-Video.
Whatever I do the resulting sound inthe resulting movie file, is always heard in 2.1 speakers (2+subwoofer), instead of 5.1 The rear speakers are always silent.

I encode to DVD using Nero VisionExpress 2 (choosing to encode audio in Dolby Digital (AC-3) 2.0). Alternately I tried to encode with TMPGenc, after seperating the ac3 file using VirtualDubMod. The software recognize the audio as 5.1 Ch, I also choose the audio format "Dolby Digital (AC-3), but again the result is again 2.1 instead of 5.1.

How can I cause the resulting movie file to be burn, so I will able to hear all speakers?

What can be done if the source audio is mp3?

Many thanks for your comments.
Amir.

[Baldrick]

don't convert the ac3 at all and author with a tool that support 5.1 ac3 like tmpgenc dvd author

guide
https://www.videohelp.com/forum/userguides/186739.php

[mats.hogberg]

If the original AC3 is 5.1, you just separate it from the video as a first step. (VirtualDub, Audio -> direct stream copy, File -> Save WAV, rename whatever.wav to whatever.AC3, run thru AC3Fix)
Encode AVI video only to m2v. (TMPGenc, MainConcept...)
Author m2v + AC3 using some authoring app like TMPGEnc DVD Author.

/Mats

[amir77a]

I will try that.

Thanks.

[amir77a]

Excellent. It is working very good.

Few last questions:
1. Why can't Nero Encode in 5.1 (or 6) channels - while selecting audio encode in AC-3?
2. Is it possible to use movie, which its audio encoded in mp3, for 5.1 encoding? just to make my self clear ; I just want to hear the audio in all speakers, I know it will not be a "real" surround.

Thanks again.
Amir.

[guns1inger]

It is either easier to process 2 channels, or more likely, cheaper to license only 2 channel processing from Dolby, which is why 2 channel has become common in 'home' DVD software, but 5.1 is still hundreds of dollars.

If you want a stereo mp3 audio track to be heard through the rear speakers, you have a couple of choices

1. Use something like Vegas with the AC-3 pack, or surcode's DD encoder, and create true 5.1 audio. You won't get true surround effects or seperation, but it will be a compliant 5.1 AC-3 audio track.

2. Try using be-sweet and ac3fix to create a 5.1 AC-3 audio track. Probably a lot more work that 1., but possible.

3. Buy an AV amp that supports Pro-Logic II, and let it create the false surround field for you.