Can't get ac3 into MPEG2

[deb]

Hi,
I'm new to ripping and can't seem to get audio into my file for burning.

So far, I've extracted one epsiode of Sopranos using Smartripper. It created a .ac3 and a .m2v file. I renamed to thesame prefix and used DVD2AVI to make a .d2v file. I set it to also make a .mp3, but only the .d2v was made. When the file was done, the box that lists all the info about the file did not list any sound info.

Next I converted the .d2v file to a fake .avi in VFAPI. Now this file I can play in my players, but it has no sound. I thought maybe I could join the files together - the .avi and the .ac3 in TMPGEnc, but it won't read the .ac3 file. Don't suggest spruce up because I can't seem to get the full version and the demo also can't read .ac3 audio.

Did I do something wrong in one of the earlier stages? Any suggestions? I'm at a loss at this point.

Thanks for any help!
Deb

[leebo]

why dont u start by telling us exactly what u want to do?

Are you making a DVD?
An SVCD?
VCD???

Are the programs you're using compatable with AC3 audio?

You may need to convert the AC3 b4 you can use it in your programs.Tmpegenc can convert it into Mpeg1, level2 (I think thats correct).

[deb]

I'm making a DVD from a DVD.

I don't think I have ANY programs that are compatible with .AC3. The SmartRipper created the .ac3 audio file when I ripped the DVD. I don't have the full version of SPruce Up and the ripping guides seem to use that.

Deb

[bugster]

AFAIK, Spruce up is the only practical way of putting 5.1 chan AC3 audio onto a DVD. The only other apps that seem to support cost thousnads of dollars. If you cant use Spruce, convert the .AC3 to wav with HeadAc3he and work with that. It will only be stereo tho.

[deb]

I don't know how to use Headache - it is not an executable file - it has an .rar ending. Do I use this as an add-in to another program?

Also - is there any way to get Spruce working in full mode? I would register, but I read that it is no longer for sale.

Thanks for the help!
Deb

[greengate69]

The .rar extension just means its a compressed file (similar to .zip). You will need to download winrar to decompress it (www. rarlab.com). Then you can decompress the file and you will end up with an executable for headac3he. Run the executable and use the ac3 as your source file, you can set it to give you a wav or mp2 file as your output. You should be able to use the output file for what you want.

[leebo]

If you are simply ripping a DVD to re-burn to DVD-R, I don't understand what the problem is.

You don't need spruce because you are not authoring, right?

Rip the DVD to your hard drive (this will leave you with VOB files).
Burn all the files (VOB, IFO, BUP) to the DVD-R.

If you can't fit the whole DVD, read up on using IFOEdit.

Why are you messing with AC3 files???

If you for some reason are re-authoring a ripped DVD, use TMPEGEnc to convert the AC3 into an mpeg1 layer 2 audio file.

[deb]

Hi Leebo,

If there is an easier way to do this, I'd love to hear it because this is far too complicated.

I used Smartripper to rip the DVD using the directions in the FAQ for ripping a DVD larger than 4.5 GB. Unfortunately the Guide assumes that you have Spruce. Using the Guide and Smartripper, you end up with two files - an .m2v and a .ac3 - both of which can be ready by Spruce (and I think DVDit PE) , but which I don not have. The demo version of Spruce will not accept a .ac3 file - it has to be registered and they no longer sell it.

TMPGenc will not take either the M2v or the ac3 file. I was able to get the m2v converted to an avi, but it does not have sound because nothing I have will read the ac3.

Any ideas?

Deb

[Nelson37]

You can either re-encode and then you must either use Spruce for AC3 or else downmix to stereo, or you can leave out some of the features and extras, if that is small enough to fit, you're OK - that's where IFOedit comes in.

Spruce can sometimes be found steeply discounted, but you have to look hard.

[FiEND]

why not bbmpeg? it will encode .ac3 and m2v into the format of choice.

and I did a svcd+ac3 multiplex with tmpegenc yesterday with no problems, just used the mpeg tools.

view this guide.
http://www.vcdhelp.com/miniDVDAC3/minidvdac3.htm

edit: I also did a test run with dvd2svcd on BlackHawk Down and set it to _not_ decode the audio but use the ac3 file instead and all 3 cd images worked fine.