Really confused about codecs

[dickd]

I am confused about the difference between a codec and a decompressor. I have several movies that I want to convert from divx to svcd. I have done this successfully with many divx's by following LeeBear's tutorial found on this site. Now however I get a notice (in VirtualDub) that "no audio decompressor found..." If I load the same movie file in Gspot, it says that it is a AC3 audio codec and that the AC3 codec is installed in my computer. Is the codec the same thing as a decompressor? What do I need to do to get around this problem? I can't even rip a WAV from the movie in VirtualDub the way it is now. Any help would be appreciated.

[tito13kfm]

I was having the same problem with a DivX with AC3 sound, and somebody recommended that I rip the wav using VirtualDubMod. Apparently this has support for DivX with AC3.

Also, you can try using Goldwave to extract the sound. That is the method that I find to be the most intuitive.

[Roderz]

Vdub don't like ac3 - just extract as normal then run it through ac3fix to give you a good ac3 file.
then use Ac3Tool to convert it to a wav. (if a wav file is what your after)

[dickd]

I appreciate your answers, but I am still confused. First, is VirtualDubMos a plugin for VirtualDub or is it a newer version ( mine is v1.5.4}? Also, when you say "extract as normal" do you mean just rip the wav from the movie with what program?

[tito13kfm]

I appreciate your answers, but I am still confused. First, is VirtualDubMos a plugin for VirtualDub or is it a newer version ( mine is v1.5.4}? Also, when you say "extract as normal" do you mean just rip the wav from the movie with what program?

Do you see the way the Word VirtualDubMod is all red and glowing?
Click on it.. It's kind of a collaboration of about 3 other modified versions of VDub all rolled into one.

"extract as normal" I think he means do a direct stream copy using VirtualDubMod. But I can't speak for Roderz

[ZippyP.]

Use Goldwave, like in this guide.