Best audio settings for MP4 on Win Media Center & Mobile Players?

[thefiddler]

Hi, I'm in the process of converting all my DVD's to MP4 for playback on a media center PC connected to my TV, but would like to retain compatibility with portable players. I'm fairly familiar with Handbrake and would prefer to use it. I also know video fairly well and can handle that part. What I don't know (and can't fully test right now) is the audio part. What's the best way to convert audio so that its readable by Windows Media Center, retains surround sound, and is playable on portable devices like my new Droid X?

I'd prefer not to convert all movies twice. I assume the X, and most portable players don't support dolby ac3, so I can't use the ac3 passthrough, or it will eliminate playability on the X/mobile players. On the other hand if I just convert to AAC stereo, then I've lost my surround. Anyone know of a good solution and settings?

[jagabo]

Does the Driod X support 5.1 AAC? What about including both the original AC3 and a stereo AAC track?

[thefiddler]

I dunno, will that work most likely? Will Windows Media Center know to play the AC3 automatically?

[jagabo]

I don't know the answer to either of those questions. I suggest you just try it out with a short video.

[thefiddler]

Okay, whenever I do AC3 passthrough, Windows Media Player doesn't like it (I assume that means WMC wont either). It'll try to play but stops. So I guess for starters, what are my best settings for surround on Windows Media Center? Anyone?

EDIT: I'm sure WMP/C decodes AC3, as it plays DVD's. Does it just have issues with AC3 in MP4?

[jagabo]

Try installing a DirectShow AC3 decoder like AC3 Filter. Or maybe you need an updated MP4 file reader/splitter. AC3 was only added to the MP4 spec a year or so ago. So some software doesn't work with it yet.

[thefiddler]

Okay, I'll try that. I have the Shark 007 codec pack installed, I assumed it would have anything needed. Just tried a file encoded with AAC surround (6 discreet channels) only. It played fine in WMP, but the Droid X didn't like it... maybe discreet and stereo? But I'll try the AC3 decoder. I'd rather not recompress audio if its avoidable.

[thefiddler]

Think I've got it figured out. If anyone's interested in settings, let me know.

[jagabo]

Posting what you did may help someone else in the future.