PCM vs. Mpeg 1 Layer II audio on stand alone DVD players

[apollo1980]

Hi all.

I have been burning DVD's for a month or so now on my PC, and I'm aware of the two possible audio formats to burn, PCM and Mpeg 1 Layer II.

I've read that supposively all DVD players will read PCM audio, but it's a mixed bag with Mpeg 1 Layer II, with usually older players not being able to play back mpeg audio. I have a Pioneer DV414, and initially, I got no audio when playing back mpeg 1 Layer II from my dolby receiver connected by an optical cable to my dvd player (it played back correctly on my tv with analog rca cables going from my dvd player to my tv). I dug into the settings of the Pioneer DV414 and toggled on MPG>PCM, and I was then able to play back mpeg 1 Layer II audio from my DVD player to my receiver through an optical cable.

Here are my questions:

1.) Is there a list of which DVD players accept PCM and/or Mpeg 1 Layer II audio playback on this page, or anywhere else? I don't see audio playback options listed under DVD Player compatibility.

1.) Are store bought DVD movies all recorded in PCM to ensure compatibility?

2.) Is PCM being phased out in favor of Mpeg 1 Layer II?

Thanks in advance.

[apollo1980]

Opps, sorry, I posted in the wrong forum. But come to think of it, whether I use PCM or Mpeg 1 Layer II audio when converting COULD be posted here, since I do need to convert a PCM gradded audio source to Mpeg. If this message is moved, I do apologize posting in the wrong area.

[ghoster]

the store boughten dvds have ac3 for audio. i have never found a store boughten dvd with pcm for audio. its eats up alot of space. as far as i know as long as the audio is 48000 kps it shouldn't matter if its ac3 mpeg or pcm audio they all should play it.

[Gazorgan]

PCM runs 700 MB/80 minutes (think about it). I can't recall a DVD with PCM, unless it's that bottom 2 channel track p

You won't get any PCM audio out of your dobly digital reciever and an optical cable, that's only for AC3.

[Cornucopia]

@Gazorgan:

You DD Reciever will take what ever stream is coming through the Optical/Coaxial Digital input. It always can read PCM and decode AC3; DTS and MP2 depend on the model.

Depending on your player and its SETTINGS, this stream could be AC3 only, or PCM, or Mp2 or DTS, or multiples. Apollo1980 specifically said that after switching the settings, Mp2 was possible.

Contrary to the above, there are SOME titles that are PCM. Most are short, not feature-length. Some Concert/Music Video stuff, documentaries. Some are older shorter movies done by 2nd rate studios.
Obviously, many home and corporate titles are PCM, since that might be all they may have available to author with.

@apollo1980:
Most all newer players will play Mp2, but not all will if it's specifically the only soundtrack available. The player vendors should have info regarding mp2 playability on their own sites. But always test before buying!

Scott