Question on mpeg-1 layer 3 aka mp3.

[cpthk]

If I'm trying to convert my DVD into XVID, and I encode the audio part using mp3. Is mp3 possible to carry 5.1 surround sound? Or it can only have 2.0 regular stereo sound?

Thanks.

[setarip_old]

Hi!

Is mp3 possible to carry 5.1 surround sound?No...

[Ranguvar]

It is possible for MP3 to have 5.1 sound. Google around.

However, it's not really a good idea. If you want to keep the 5.1, it's recommended to keep the original AC3. You won't really get much compression out of MP3, or even AAC (which is better for this, still) without sounding crappy, therefore you should probably just keep the original. Plus, neither 5.1 AAC or MP3 is very well supported, but many hardware players can do AC3.

Try encoding to 5.1 AAC or MP3 yourself, though. See how low of a bitrate you can go before you can see the difference, then ask yourself if it's worth it :)

[setarip_old]

For a clear explanation of what is actually available, read the following old Doom9 thread:

http://forum.doom9.org/archive/index.php/t-88350.html

[Ranguvar]

Ah, thanks, did not know that it was just stereo+.