Convert DTS-HD to AC3 or not?

[ChrisBensch]

I keep seeing people who are converting their DTS-HD tracks from a BluRay to AC3. I have a very powerful MediaCenter type PC that I watch my movies from as well as an audio receiver with HDMI and a DTS-HD decoder. Other than filesize, is there a good reason to convert to AC3, am I missing something?

[setarip_old]

Hi!

You've answered your own question - Those who don't have DTS audio output capability...

[Blue_MiSfit]

Yeah, that's about it :)

If you're trying to save space, AAC is a much better option. AC3 is pretty restrictive.

~MiSfit

[tebasuna51]

If the filesize isn't the problem and:

- Your receiver support DTS-HD, preserve the DTS-HD
- Your receiver only support DTS standard (or only SPDIF input), extract the DTS 'core' or convert the DTS-HD to AC3 640 Kb/s (maybe you obtain more quality than DTS standard).
- Your receiver don't support DTS but AC3, convert to AC3 640 Kb/s

[Blue_MiSfit]

Well put as usual, tebasuna51!

Note that for "best" DTS-HD decoding (aka getting access to the "HD" part of the stream), you will need ArcSoft. If you don't, it's not a huge deal to be honest. The DTS core can always be extracted.

~MiSfit