Heeeeeelp !!!! 5.1 DVD authoring

[Gusss]

Hello all -
I work with audio mainly so if anyone would be so kind Id appreciate some advice. I have done this before but it has been a while. I need to put a 6 channel surround sound mix (which I have been running on off my 6 output soundcard) onto a 5.1 DVD. I have done it before but its been a while.
So heres some facts and questions :

1. I use a PC.
2. I cannot use Sony software ( some unusual system problems - cant go into it now )
3. Whats the best way to put 6 wav files into a 5.1 AC3 format (or any other format that will do the job) ? (cheap or free software considered but must play on all DVD players - anything except sony)
4. What program can I use author the AC3 file onto a DVD ?
5. Can I author an Audio DVD only (without picture) ?
6. Whats the highest Bitrate I can get away with - could I use wave file quality (1411kbps) ?

[Baldrick]

2. Try EncWAVtoAC3 or a commercial dolby converter like surcode.
3. guifordvdauthor,muxman,dvdauthorgui or commercial software like dvd-lab.
4. I'm pretty sure you need video(if you want to work on standard standalone dvd players), but it could be a still picture so it shouldn't take much space.

[yoda313]

As far as audio here is your range for bitrate:

Audio:
48000 Hz
32 - 1536 kbps
Up to 8 audio tracks containing DD (Dolby Digital/AC3), DTS, PCM(uncompressed audio), MPEG-1 Layer2. One audio track must have DD or PCM Audio.


Thats from what is dvd link on the left of the page.

Ac3 maxes out at 448kbps for regular dvd (bluray is higher but thats a different subject).

DTS I think is the one that maxes out at 1536kbps.

Besweet and its assorted variations can also mux and demux ac3/dts files.