DTS or DD5.1 or both?

[ForeverDuke]

Hi there.

I've started to make some DVD backups with DVD2DVD-R (works great btw :)), but I'm wondering which audio tracks I should choose.

Am I right that I need to have a DTS decoder to be able to hear any sound at all, if I only choose the DTS track? But if I choose the AC3/DD5.1 track, I can hear the sound even, if I don't have a DD5.1 decoder? If so, when do one need the 2 chanel audio that normaly also is on the original DVD?

Finaly, is AC3 the same as DD5.1?

Thanks for your help - ForeverDuke.

[mpucoder]

AC3 is the old name for standard A52, which is Dolby Digital. It stood for "audio candidate 3". Dolby Digital can be 5.1 or 2 channel (with or without surround), and many other configurations (like the 4 channel karaoke).
Now, which to include - for NTSC compliant DVD you need to have at least one LPCM or DD track. Considering the size of DTS tracks (larger than the equivalent DD) a lot of disks will either have only DD5.1, or, if the author is a fan of DTS, a DD2.0 track and DTS.
Also, because DTS is not mandated, and decoders are optional (and the license fee is considerable), not all players can decode it.
If a disk has both DD5.1 and DD2.0 tracks, the DD2.0 is usually director's commentary. You should listen to it first to decide. There isn't any other real reason for both kinds of tracks since 2 channel with surround can be produced from 5.1, if needed for an older (Dolby surround, or Dolby ProLogic) sound system.

[ForeverDuke]

Thanks alot :).

I'll include the DD track then (and maybe the DTS track, in case I get myself a DTS decoder someday).

Cheers - ForeverDuke.