eac3to: error converting 6.1 ch DTS -> AC3

[KushSmoka420]

When trying to change the audio from an .MKV file from DTS (6.1ch) to AC3 I get the following error:



I'm assuming that 6.1 and 7 CH / 5.1 and 6 channel are the same? I know the .1 or.X is the low freq. channel(s) but its still a diescrete channel. BTW, I use the eac3toGUI v2.00. So I tried selecting the downmix to 6ch option, and again, it didn't work. Then I tried selecting the downmix to 2ch option and it DID work:



However, I'd prefer to have 6ch. I'm wondering Why I can't downmix to 6ch? I have used eac3to several times successfully, but I'm pretty sure its always been with 5.1 DTS -> AC3. So I'm assuming that its that extra channel that is screwing things up? Is there anyway to convert the 6.1ch DTS into 6 or "5.1" ch AC3? Possibly with another program? Or am I way off base on what the problem even is? Would appreciate any help, advice, etc. Thanks.

[fritzi93]

I generally extract main movie with Clown_BD, (which uses eac3to) and convert the audio to AC3 5.1 at the same time. Every now and then I have a Blu-Ray with problematic audio. When that happens there are log entries like "sync byte missing" or sync discontinuity" or "clipping detected", etc.

I've found that if I extract main movie first with audio *unconverted*, I can then convert the audio the second time. The only difference I can see is that all the m2ts files are now joined into one. And I'll just bet your main movie is spanned across multiple m2ts files.

Another possibility, though unlikely, is that you have a rotten BD reader. I've had the above happen when my Lite-On BD-ROM was failing, whereas my LG BD-RE was able to read the files correctly. But it's happened on my LG too, although rarely.

All I can suggest is try to extract main movie using Clown_BD, with audio unconverted. Then demux the audio and have a go. Good luck.

[KushSmoka420]

I'm starting with a digital file (.MKV), Manually extracting the audio (unconverted) with MKVToolNix/MKVExtractGUI2, then trying to convert with eac3to, then manually remuxing.

[fritzi93]

Decoder issue then. Did you make this MKV yourself? Maybe it's buggered.

[KushSmoka420]

Well If memory serves... it's only happening on the versions of DTS that are 7ch (6.1), And I always get that "the Libav dts decoder doesn't decode the back channels" message. And it says the arcsoft and sonic decoders don't work. Are there any other decoders besides these 3 that will work better?

[El Heggunte]

Check what version of the ArcSoft DTS decoder your eac3to is using.
Mine is 1.1.0.1, but I also have 1.1.0.0, 1.1.0.7 and 1.1.0.8.
All of them have limitations (read: incorrect or unsupported decoding for certain channel layouts).

Are there any other decoders besides these 3 that will work better?

Yes, the "official" DTS StreamPlayer, which is not freeware of course.