Correct bit rate for AC3 on DVDs? Does it have to be 5.1?

[killmore]

What is the right/compatible bitrate for AC3 for DVDs?
Basically what are the most compatible setting?

[txpharoah]

I set all of mine to 2/0 stereo and 192k or 224k.
No use to make it 5/1 if the source is only 2/0.

[killmore]

Are there any specs anywhere for DVD compatible AC3?
BeSweet seems to do 384 kbs.

[RWANDREWS]

I use BeSweet for my AC3 encoding and use the 224K setting at 2 channels and have acceptable volume levels. Many posts have complained of inadequate volume levels esp. at lower bit rates. I do not know if this problem has been fixed. Experimentation is in order.

Curiously, adding gain does not seem to affect MY volume levels. perhaps I do not understand the concept. Normalizing makes everything sound the same. Again, my limited experience.

I do not think there is ONE setting for DVD compatibility. Just as in bit rate for video, the amount varies the quality.

[adam]

The DVD standard supports several different types of audio encoding standards at different bitrates. In regards to Dolby Digital, it supports anything from 64kbits to 448. 2 channel DD is almost always 192kbits and 5.1 channel DD is usually either 384kbits or 448kbits.