5.1 encoding tips?

[broaddd]

I usually just do passthrough when I'm encoding tv episodes with 5.1 sound, but perhaps I should reencode the AC3 5.1 audio track if I can lower the bitrate without appreciable quality loss.

What is the suggested bitrate for a 5.1 track? I notice on DVDs it is often 448kbps.

Should I stick with 48000, and CBR when encoding 5.1 AC3?

Cheers,
Bruce

[major]

The recommended bitrate for 5.1 ac3 is indeed 448 kbps.

[rpg]

what file size are you going for? 2cd? 1 cd? most hdtv caps use a 384kbps data rate, which imo is just perfect. Anything lower than that and you will start to see a loss in quality, especially since you are re-encoding. I would just keep the ac3 at 384, and fit the hour of video on the other 600mb of the cd.