2ch or 6ch ac3 audio?

[kalvnhobbz]

Obviously 6ch is better, but are there any issues when playing a dvd with just 6ch in a dvd player that's only capable of 2?

Would it be best to include both and risk losing quality in the video? Will a dvd player know which one to play?

[2COOL]

Playing 5.1 audio on a stereo TV produces a lower audio volume with some details lost. That's my 2 cents.

[mikeb2168]

Hi, Please correct me if I'm wrong here, but I thought Dolby 5.1 automatically downmixed to stereo when there's only 2 speakers?
P.S. - shouldn't this post be in the audio forum?

[malum]

5:1 does downmix to stereo (DTS doesn't). If there is an option on the audio, when you rip, for 2 channel sound or 6 channel then the 2 channel is a commentary or a dub into a different language it is not the same soundtrack in stereo (the exception being music DVDs where and uncompressed PCM stereo soundtrack may be included because it is better quality)

[DJ Bobo]

Leave the 5.1 track only. Every dolby decoder is capable to downmix to stereo.

The 2.0 track is just a waste of bitrate (I hate when they include a 2.0 track besides the 5.1 track on a DVD, I hate it!!)

[SkyCAM]

DTS > DD 5.1 > DD 2.0 is preferrable.
DTS needs a lot of space though so it will usually need to go when you rip to DVDR. Six channel audio is always downcompatible to a regular stereo system so it would still be the first choice for ripping. You can select the applicable audio stream usually just through the audio menu or via your dvd player remote's audio button.