Soft Encode Questions

[GParent]

My NLE has no AC3 plug-in. I am saving audio as a WAV file. Now I am going to use Soft Encode to make an AC3 2/0(L,R) channels.

The ausio content is a jazz music quartet.

(1) Is data rate 192kbps or 224kbps the most compatible with the widest range of home theater equipment?

(2) The following is what I get for defaults. Do I change any of these?

Bit Stream Mode ==> Set to COMPLETE MAIN

Dialog -27db; Audio Bandwidth 20.30 khz

----- DO I NEED THIS CHECKED? Why? -----
Audio Production Information (CHECKED)
105 db spl; Room Type UNSPECIFIED

DOLBY SURROUND MODE; Not Indicated

Original Bit Stream; This is Checked

----- How do I know if this should be on? -----
Deemphasis Filter is NOT CHECKED

(3) Can I assume that having a stereo WAV file as input will only be able to produce the 2/0 AC3 file, and I can't have this program generate a (2/0 + LFE) file?

[tiki4]

I'm afraid I can't help you, but please read the first sticky thread in this forum about AC3 encoding.

Cheers,

tiki4

[GParent]

Thanks, that was the first plac I looked. I wanted to get insight from someone who has specifically encoded:

WAV Input ==> AC3 Dolby 2/0 Output.

The sticky primarily addresses Dolby 5.1 surround.

I personally think the majority of home brew users compromise for creating what I am doing. To opt for Dolby rather than go with a LPCM audio track when authoring a DVD.

If I had the big bucks, I would buy the Sonic Foundry AC3 Surround for Vegas 4. That's the ideal for me, IMHO!

[tiki4]

If you author a PAL DVD you also can use MP2 as it is offered by tooLame or BeSweet with mp2enc.dll (and also toolame.dll). This should be compliant to the PAL DVD standard.

tiki4

[echooff]

Why not go ahead and encode as a 5.1 ac3. It has compatibility and the amp will out put 2 channels on playback if needed. The output size is comparable to a mp2.