DVD Spec - Audio Rules?

[GeorgeW]

Hi,

A while ago, I heard that the specs for the Audio formats were changed regarding PAL vs. NTSC, and whether PCM, AC3, or Mpeg audio were required / optional (the new Book B from a couple of years ago?).

Alot of places like the "What is DVD" link up top list that PAL requires one audio track to be mpeg, DD, or LPCM, and NTSC requires one audio track to be DD or LPCM.

Is this still the case, or are the rules now the SAME for both formats, it's just that nobody knows it yet...

For instance, do the new rules say that both formats now require at least one audio track to be LPCM or DD, and mpeg audio is an OPTIONAL format for both? (even though I don't know of any PAL DVD Players that won't support an mpeg-audio only dvd).

Can anyone with the Official DVD Spec post the current rules in this regard?

TIA

[yoda313]

Just use ac3 and you'll never have a problem. Mpeg is more compatible for pal but mpeg only is VERY compatible in the ntsc players.

Check out https://www.videohelp.com/dvd

I don't know how current it is but it is very accurate.

[Wile_E]

MP2 (MPEG 1 Layer 2), is an old audio format that was used for VCD, and is not officially supported for NTSC DVD. But still most NTSC players can play it, but are not required to do so. If you are making NTSC DVD, choose Dolby AC3. It is superior in quality (comparing bitrate to bitrate) to MP2, and officially supported. Even better, PCM, if you have the room.

[yoda313]

Even better, PCM, if you have the room.

But pcm won't allow for multichannel surround sound, correct? (would be a better alternative for stereo only sources)

[edDV]

Even better, PCM, if you have the room.

But pcm won't allow for multichannel surround sound, correct? (would be a better alternative for stereo only sources)

Correct for 5.1 surround player compatibility but you can have up to 8 PCM tracks on a DVD. Players usually deal with 2 PCM at a time but authoring games could be played for computer use.

[GeorgeW]

Everyone, thanks for your reply and opinions. I understand the pros/cons of the different formats

I'm really looking for the official audio rules (if anyone happens to have the actual specs).

I'm trying to avoid misquoting the rulebook by saying stuff like:
"mpeg audio is a PAL Standard, but not a standard for NTSC" -- which I believe used to be true, but I recall someone mentioning that the rule changed a couple of years ago (and I think it's now mpeg audio is considered an OPTIONAL format for both PAL and NTSC).

So that is why I am asking if the actual current rules for dvd-video audio can be posted (and only if that's ok to do based on copyright concerns).

Thanks