Should I use ac3, or transcode to mp3?

[plokm]

I'm ripping a DVD into avi format, and I need to know if there's a good reason to use mp3 instead of the ac3 I demux from the VOBs. I plan on playing this on my computer (where it seems to work great), but I might also in the future play it on an MPEG-4 compatable DVD player. Would I have any trouble playing my files on these?

[jordisound]

mp3 and ac3 are compatible with DVD players. If you don't care the size of the avi, choose ac3!!
If you want small size (1 cd rip) choose mp3

[plokm]

Thanks, I'm sticking with ac3, because I prefer quality over small size.

[setarip_old]

@plokm

Hi!

There have been many postings reporting that after converting to .AVI (DivX-compressed or otherwise). the .AC3 audio volume was far lower than that of the original DVD. Therefore, I'd suggest that after conversion, you play the .AVI before burning it.

[plokm]

Hmm, now that I think about it, the volume was lower than the original. What's the fix? Is there another thread that covers this?

[tebasuna51]

There have been many postings reporting that after converting to .AVI (DivX-compressed or otherwise). the .AC3 audio volume was far lower than that of the original DVD. Therefore, I'd suggest that after conversion, you play the .AVI before burning it.
But the problem is always different settings in the player for DVD and the player for avi.

The same ac3 in DVD or avi with the same player sounds exactly equal, don't worry.

[Pookie]

Downmixing and transcoding with Foobar would probably be one of the more easier methods.

And tebasuna51 is right...

[chromium]

For standalone compatibility, stick to mp3 CBR. I have a Sony RDR HX725 DVD recorder, and it will not play ac3 audio in AVI's. It does play VBR mp3's but after seeking, the audio can get out of sync. The player is DivX certified. Indeed, it seems that DivX certification requires mp3 support, but not ac3 support.