AC3 Filter

[BobbyScot]

Anyone installed AC3 Filter free software? what actually is its function? suggestion as to the various settings.
Your comments on this software will be grateful.

[El Heggunte]

AC3Filter is, first of all, a DirectShow decoder for DTS, MPEG-Audio, LPCM, and AC3.
Secondly, it may work as a sound mixer. The latest versions (which I do not like)
include a graphic equalizer as well. It also allows the playback of multichannel
AC3/DTS Audio CDs. Version 1.46 is quite stable, and does not have the bugs
presented in the versions 1.6x .

[BobbyScot]

Thank you for help on AC3 Filter, and as you mention for file media that I don't involve in.
I have involved myself in the sound mixer part of the software.
I have entered the various strength numbers by moving the sliders. However, the correct numbers to be entered is a guess.
Trying out my DVD decoder - PowerDVD I don't hear much difference, as PowerDVD is only for two speaker systems and my system is 5.1 Dolby Pro logic.
I invested in another DVD decoder system - Roxio CinePlayer, that has proved to be "dud", not install on hard drive.
Regards BobbyScot.

[El Heggunte]

Thank you for help on AC3 Filter, and as you mention for file media that I don't involve in.
I have involved myself in the sound mixer part of the software.
I have entered the various strength numbers by moving the sliders. However, the correct numbers to be entered is a guess.

Most "template matrices" available on the Web are intended for stereo downmixing,
and often use the coefficients "sqrt(2)/2" and "sqrt(2)/4".

Trying out my DVD decoder - PowerDVD I don't hear much difference, as PowerDVD is only for two speaker systems and my system is 5.1 Dolby Pro logic.
I invested in another DVD decoder system - Roxio CinePlayer, that has proved to be "dud", not install on hard drive.

I prefer the following combination:
Media Player Classic (Homecinema) ++
DScaler_5 (for DVD-Video decoding only) ++
AC3Filter (for AC3 ++ MP2 decoding && Stereo Downmix) ++
ffdshow (for adjusting brightness, contrast, gamma correction, etc.).

It's been working fine thus far.

[jagabo]

PowerDVD may be using its own AC3 decoder. If so, changing settings in AC3 Filter won't make any difference when using PowerDVD.

You should also check the system audio driver and make sure it is set up for 5.1 speakers and not downmixing.

[Noahtuck]

Trying out my DVD decoder - PowerDVD I don't hear much difference, as PowerDVD is only for two speaker systems and my system is 5.1 Dolby Pro logic.

Then you must have something set up wrong because powerdvd will absolutely decode 5.1 DTS & 5.1 DD & play it through a 5.1 audio system.

[BobbyScot]

Please can you advise as to how I can check that PowerDVD has been setup properly.

[Noahtuck]

Well, obviously you need to have your soundcard/onboard audio set up for 5.1 speakers.

& under both versions i have used of powerdvd, 6 & 9, there is a little icon that looks like "tools", hammer & screwdriver ?

Check under that and there should be a audio tab with settings to choose between headphones, 2 speaker, 4 speaker, 6 speaker, ect.

[guns1inger]

Please can you advise as to how I can check that PowerDVD has been setup properly.

How do you have your computer connected to your amplifier ?

[BobbyScot]

Amplifier : Desktop Theater 5.1 DTT2500 Digital Cambridge SoundWorks Dolby Digital.
Amplifier rear has two wires (black)+(green) that are connected to the Audigy2 sound card. A further wire SPDIF connects to the sound card.

I better mention that copy of PowerDVD was pre-installed by Sony and shows as PowerDVD XP 1964. This could be reason for not seeing 5.1. speakers as now shown as 2 speakers.

I presume that PowerDVD 9 would operate on my computer. Can a disc version of PowerDVD 9 be obtained easily?
Roxio CinemaPlayer proved to be a lame duck, unable to install and no support from Roxio.

AC3, what setting should be set in sliders, for 16'x14' room, for good results?

[BobbyScot]

I have ununstalled AC3 Filter from the computer, until such times I can find the proper settings for the slider columns.
However, since removing AC3 Filter, PowerDVD now loads up with large icons showing on start up screen.
Movies appear to play OK as is the sound.
Reinstalling PowerDVD has no effect in opening screen format.
How can this error be fixed?