Why do I need AC-3 ?

[EAO]

Newbie time.

I have done a lot of mpeg2 file to dvd creation using TMPGenc DVD Author.

I have never used any AC3 filter. All my DVD's play fine on my DVD player and on everyone else's DVD player that I've lent them too. No problems. Ever.

I understand that it helps make a DVD more compliant, but other than that why would I need it if it all my DVD's play fine everywhere? Does it help the audio sound playback quality?

At this point...several 100 DVD's later I'm really confused about the benefits of buying this to use.

[junkmalle]

If you're selling DVDs you want the highest compatibility, use AC3. And of course AC3 supports more channels.

But just about every DVD player can handle MPEG audio these days so it's fine for personal use. Just be sure your next player supports it or your whole library will be useless!

[EAO]

Thanks for the info.

For the record. Not selling anything.

[guns1inger]

mpeg1, layer 2 audio can support up to 8 channels (7.1), although most available encoders just do stereo/2.0.

It takes up roughly the same amount of space as AC3 at the same number of channels and bitrate, although with a high quality source AC3 is generally a better option.

The issue of compatability is mixed. In Europe and Australia, most (all ?) DVD players will playback mpeg audio. Outside of these regions, and especially in NTSC regions where it is not part of the spec, expect to find more players that won't accept it. even in PAL regions all is not rosey. My Pioneer standalone plays it quite happily, but my JVC AV amp won't take a native mpeg signal. I have to set the Pioneer to output PCM for mpeg audio.

[junkmalle]

mpeg1, layer 2 audio can support up to 8 channels (7.1), although most available encoders just do stereo/2.0.

As I understand it MPEG1 Layer2 supports only two channels. MPEG2 audio extensions allow for 7.1.

https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?M#MPEG%20Audio

[EAO]

So if the bizarre happens and I get a new player that will not handle mpeg2 audio, are ther programs to convert it and can I use something like video redo to keep it all in sync?

[SLK001]

When are you going to tell us exactly what format you ARE using? Is it LPCM?

[Cornucopia]

mpeg1, layer 2 audio can support up to 8 channels (7.1), although most available encoders just do stereo/2.0.

As I understand it MPEG1 Layer2 supports only two channels. MPEG2 audio extensions allow for 7.1.

https://www.videohelp.com/glossary?M#MPEG%20Audio

That's correct, but the MPEG2 extension is backward compatible with MPEG1 and anyway DVD spec supports both. It's just players/receivers that may or may not support 'em.

Scott

[bugster]

but my JVC AV amp won't take a native mpeg signal. I have to set the Pioneer to output PCM for mpeg audio.

Thats pretty normal. I am sure they exists somewhere, but I have yet to see a standalone Amp/receiver with and mpeg-2 decoder built-in. Its not a problem as any DVD player that supports mp2 audio will quite happily convert it to PCM.

[EAO]

SLK001,

Not sure I understand. I'm capping MPEG2 and pulling it into TMPGenc DVD Author. It converts it. I assume it leaves it in MPEG2.