DVD audio question

[sdsumike619]

Is it safe to use MPEG Layer 2 audio when encoding my MPEG videos for authoring onto DVD? I've heard the good thing about AC-3 files is that they're smaller, but if I have the space, is it just as good to use the layer 2 for audio? What about as far as compatibility goes with other DVD players? I used AC-3 for some previous videos, and I was having some kind of issue with the volume being lowered significantly after it was encoded, so I just said f*ck it and went to MP2 instead, sounds fantastic on my home system...All input is greatly appreciated!

MiKe

[guns1inger]

If you are authoring for PAL land, then it is not much of an issue, as most PAL players (certainly in Europe) can recognise and play it. For NTSC it is not in the DVD Spec, and there is no guarantee it will play.

My preference is for AC-3 because I can more easily author multi-channel (5.1 or EX) output, and can mix these with stereo (2 channel) AC-3 on the same disk without any problems. If you try to mix mpeg audio and AC-3 audio on the same disk things become a little trickier.

As with anything though, if it works for you, and you are happy, stick to it.