Where are all ac3 encoders?

[Baldrick]

Some few authoring tools have ac3 support like sonic dvd it pe, neodvd but I haven't seen any video encoders or cheap audio encoders with ac3 support.

So where are all "cheap" ac3 encoders?????? WHy aren't anyone making one?

Does dolby digital require some extra high fee??? Anyone know???

[Gees]

I think it must require a high fee, Baldrick.

I know just to add it to Ulead DVDWS is $199.00 (lowered to $149.00 right now): http://www.ulead.com/dws/ac3.htm

And I believe I've read the explanation on other software bundles/upgrades that they incur a licensing fee to provide it and pass that cost along.

[Dragonsf]

Dolby's minimum license fee is 10000$ (just to start the thing).If you go into production, they ask for even more.IMHO that's why they don't make these small little decoders anymore.You can can/must ask more money, if you build in some fancy stuff (like 5 amps or DSP) into a decoder.
Calculated on the bill of material, a decent DD/DTS decoder would cost around 50 $, but the license costs will kill you then.

[freestyler]

With regards to encoders, the cheapest AC3 solution I am aware of is integrated into Sonic Foundry's Vegas Video 4 software.

[Dragonsf]

When you put Chili on a Hot Dog, does it become one food, or is it still two different foods that you eat at the same time?
.

OT: when my dog is hot and I make him chilly , he's becoming a normal dog.To answer your question:
That's no food at all.Chili on a Hot Dog is just a temperature change and therefore an illusion.

[Nelson37]

BeSweet has been working fine for me, AC-3's play on PC and Standalone. Can't beat the price.

[Baldrick]

Dolby's minimum license fee is 10000$ (just to start the thing).If you go into production, they ask for even more.IMHO that's why they don't make these small little decoders anymore.You can can/must ask more money, if you build in some fancy stuff (like 5 amps or DSP) into a decoder.
Calculated on the bill of material, a decent DD/DTS decoder would cost around 50 $, but the license costs will kill you then.

Doesn't ffmpeg(/besweet with ac3enc) has to pay that also??? Or how does that work?

[Dragonsf]

Maybe they get away with not saying Dolby or DTS anywhere.I don't really know.

[Gazorgan]

I know that AC3 support is an extra option (ie pay more for) in PowerDVD. The bundeled version doesn't support it. I rolled back to the prior clunkier/buggier version to keep mine when I got a 5.1 card. My version of PowerVCR doesn't support it without a $$$ and a download.....sigh.... I sound like a scottsman :P