TMPGEnc Author 1.6. Do I need the "plug in's" to copy Dolby??

[MikeT58]

I have a Sony DVD 403 that records in 5.1 Dolby Digital. As I have written in other posts, I copy the MPEG files from my camera to my computer using the "Picture Package" software, edit and combine the files using "Video Redo" then write the files using TMPEGnec Author. After doing all this the Dolby sound "seems" to play well on my DVD player. I am thinking of purchasing these products (I'm using the trial versions now) But I have been reading that I need a "Plug in" in order to get the Dolby sounds. Is it just my imagination that I am hearing the Dolby sounds playing on my speakers? Do I need to purchase the Plug In's to copy the Dolby sounds? Thanks to all again....
Mike

[TBoneit]

Assuming it works like the 1.5 version I use, and I believe it does.

You do not need to the plug-in to author a DVD with AC3 if the Video already has AC3 sound

You do need the plug-in if you are using mp2 or LPCM sound and you want it converted to AC3 while authoring the DVD.

You also need the AC3 plug-in if you want sound form a video with AC3 when you preview it in the chaptering window.

So to summarize if you already have AC3 sound no plug-in needed for authoring. Only if you want to hear it in TDA whilest authoring or if you want to convert other audio to AC3


Hope this helps.

[TBoneit]

Addnendum: Why buy 1.6 when the new version includes the AC3 plug-in unless the 1.6 is cheaper?

[MikeT58]

The video camera manual says that it uses "The Dolby Digital 5.1 Creater" in the camera to compresse sound effectively while maintaning high quality sound. So it sounds like it has the AC3 audio? Can I tell my looking at the file properties??
Mike

[thevoelk]

Jut add the file in TMPEG DVDAuthor. When looking at the source clip(s), it should say 6 channel under the audio filename.