alternative PC AC3 decoders

[vvlad]

Hi
Does anybody try use alternative AC3 decoders instead of InterVideo's?
For example
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/programs/ac3filter/ac3filter_eng.html

[ookzDVD]

@vvlad,

Thanks for the info, I never try that one before,
I'm using Moonlight (http://www.elecard.com).

InterVideo cheat on the speaker channel mapping ;(

[ookzDVD]

@vvlad,

I just try that filter, and I think it's more stable than Moonlight
from Elecard, and more control for settings.

Thanks.

[Valex]

Hi, I am the author of that filter.
Any suggestions and citics are welcome.

@DSPguru
what a weird interpertation of the GNU GENERAL PUBLIC LICENSE.

But it works. I do not want to publish the sources by now, but I still can attract attention of other programmers, what helps me a lot in bug-digging.

[Palikrovol]

@Valex

Congratulations. For me the filter works flawlesly (much better than the intervideo filters). :D Good work. Hope you improve them with some good features, with the help of this forum (welcome aboard).

@ookzDVD

I just tried the Moonlight Odio Dekoda (just couriosity), but doesn't works. I have used graphedit for some testings and when i try to connect the audio stream (AC3 5.1) to the DirectShow Filter "Moonlight Odio Dekoda" it gives me an incompatibility error.
:confused: Maybe the filter only decodes 2 channel AC3?

Anyway, i will be using valex's ones.

Once again. Congratulations

btw. When will they support multichannel in Win98? (a guy in the spanish forum has Win98 and has some problems with AC3)

Bye

[ookzDVD]

@Palikrovol,

You have to install the filter from the package,
the Moonlight Ac3 need additional filter try download the whole
package from http://www.moonlight.co.il/download/EMpgDec20beta.zip

Make sure not to install the WinDivx filter.

Good luck.

Win98 issue, I never success playing Ac3 to analog, the only thing
that work is using SPDIF ;(

[int 21h]

Originally posted by Valex
Hi, I am the author of that filter.
Any suggestions and citics are welcome.

@DSPguru


But it works. I do not want to publish the sources by now, but I still can attract attention of other programmers, what helps me a lot in bug-digging.

You specifically state that your program is a deriative of a GPL project. However, in your program you do not publish the original copyright. You must display credit to the original work somewhere in the dialog box of your program. You must clearly state, contact me for the source code, and you must give it to anyone that contacts you. That's how the GPL works.

HOWEVER, this in mind, more than likely the GPL cannot be entirely applied to this program or even the original library because AC3 is patent encumbered.

Great work though ;)

[Rrrough]

@ Valex:

I'm impressed by your decoder, it's doing a decent job. Do you think it would be possible to add "Dolby Surround II" decoding to it ? That would make it the most wanted decoder...

cheers

[Valex]

@int 21h
Thanks for pointing at this problem. It is really my weak point I need to think more about. I don't want to publish code now not because I don't want to publish it at all, but because now it is huge of code changes, so it would take much time to prepare it for publication at each new version. But anyway, thanks for critics.

@Rrrough
I'm now prepare version with direct control of mixing matrix and add new modes for stereo to muiltichannel mixing, based at ideas described at (http://www.dolby.com/tech/L.mn.0002.5.1Guide.s.pdf). As I understand the terminology it is Dolby Surround mixing (I am slightly confused with all that Dolby* terms :). I would be glad if you can point to other sources.

[sebus]

I do not know why, but on my setup XP SP1 with SB Audigy I simply can not use the filter. It crashes the machine (blue screen on XP?!) in e10x2k.sys driver (each time)

I use VaroDVD Audio Decoder Dolby AC3 - ONLY Audio & it plays AC3 fine

Regards

Seb

[Valex]

@sebus
If you are interested try this:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_0_52b_debug.zip.
You'll need to unregister old version and register this. Then import included .reg file. It will make filter to create log file c:\ac3filter.log. Try to play some file with .ac3, then send this log to me (xvalex@mail.ru).

[Rrrough]

@valex

I've found this document from dolby, it's specialized about Dolby Surround II, but I guess not detailed enough... take a look :

http://www.dolby.com/tech/l.wh.0007.PLIIops.pdf

Anyway, I'm no audio-professional BUT there's the possibility to do an AC3->DSII downmix by those fine programs like BeSweet, HeadAC3he, Vorbis Winamp Plugin, so there should be a possibility to go that road backwards...
Maybe one of the audio-demigods on this forum can help out, like DSPguru, Dark-Avenger, Peter Pawlowski, anyone ???

best regards

[kauffmbe]

valex...

great idea for someone to try their own decoder. I remember when we were trying to encourage someone to port azid into a playback decoder a while ago. Unfortunately on my system with my Philips acoustic edge, it does not work at all. Only digital beeps and buzzes come out of the speaker. Before you ask, the Intervideo (from WinDVD4) decoder works very well. But I encourage you to continue development of this project. I'm surprised more people aren't excited by this idea. Good luck!!!

[falcon_b]

Is it possible to use SP/DIF and send out AC3 directly?

Anyway it is a nice work.

BS

[ookzDVD]

@falcon_b,

the Valex's is not net support SPD/IF,
Intervideo and Moonlight does support the SPD/IF.

[MaTTeR]

Nice find and seems to work very well.

It's too bad SPDIF isn't supported though since most of do playback AC3 over it.

@sebus
That file thats causing the BSOD seems to be part of your sound card drivers. Make sure you have the latest driver, though I've read many problems with them. I've also read the Compaq version of Audigy drivers are "far" more stable.

[Valex]

I did not wrote here, so if somebody do not know I released a new version with matrix mixer.

@Rrrough
Thanks, I already found it in my doc archive..

@kauffmbe
When I started this project I tried some different decoders and AZID too. And I have working version of filter based on it :).


@falcon_b
@MaTTeR
Main problem is that I have no SP/DIF output :(.

[MaTTeR]

@Valex

Check your PM box:)

[Valex]

If anybody wants to help me with spdif implementation (and if you have spdif equipment), please try this:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/spdif_test.zip
It is simple ac3 to spdif router to test spdif output. Just run .exe with some .ac3 as parameter. Does it work (something from speakers)?
Email me to mailto:xvalex@mail.ru?Subject=SPDIF

[MaTTeR]

Valex,

No sound on my system at all. The external amp didn't recognize a PCM signal or anything. My test AC3 does play using Core Media Player over SPDIF running Win2k. Sorry :-\

Edit- The sound card I'm currently testing with is a TB Santa Cruz.

[Valex]

@MaTTeR
Try to run it with this file:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/spdif_dump.zip

[jansb000]

Tried it on my system too: WinXP/Audigy/Inspire5.1

There is no sound at all. The stream is not recognised as AC-3 or anything else (there are indicators on the Inspire5.1 - they remain dark).

Just for fun I tried to send a short WAV as well. The WAV was only 130K big. The counter on the screen kept on running however - I stopped it when it was well over 2M.

[MaTTeR]

Great news Valex! The external amp detected the AC3_dump file you posted for some reason. The Dolby Digital light comes on properly and static noise was played out of the 6 discrete channels as expected. Strange that your AC3 worked and mine didn't though.

Anyways great progress and keep up the good work:)

Edit- I suspect your AC3 file wasn't suppose to give just white noise out of each speaker so still a strange problem exists.

[Valex]

It was a preprocessed .ac3 in format needed for spdif (it was a dump from intervideo spdif output ;-). I understand everything except for strange 8-byte header each ac3 frame preceded with. Unfortunately I did not find any specs for data transmitted over spdif :(. Anyway, I'll try to implement this with header from intervideo, but it may not work in some cases.

[MaTTeR]

Hehe..that was quite a nifty trick, it left me scratching my head a for a few minutes.

I thought I had a good document on SPDIF specs a few months ago. Let me try to hunt for it later today after work. If I recall correctly it took me a long time of searching the web for them also.

[Valex]

I found only one good doc about spdif (and much of mirrors):
http://www.mtsu.edu/~dsmitche/rim420/materials/Interface.html
But it is nothing about non-PCM format over spdif there....

[DSPguru]

Originally posted by Valex
I found only one good doc about spdif (and much of mirrors):
http://www.mtsu.edu/~dsmitche/rim420/materials/Interface.html
that's garbage.
search Crystal Semiconductor's site for an application note on IEC-958.

[Valex]

@MaTTeR
Try this dump:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/dump.zip

If it will work, then you can try this:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3fitler_spdif.zip
This is spdif-only test version of filter.

@jansb000
Does it work with
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/spdif_dump.zip?

@DSPguru
Thanks, I'll try to search there.

[MaTTeR]

Thanks Valex, I'll give it a go in about 5-6hrs when I arrive home from work...uhg have to install Solaris on 3 boxes today.

Looks like the test filter link might not be working in your above post though. Dump link works fine though.

[Valex]

@MaTTeR
Ups, just a little misprint. It is here:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_spdif.zip

[frank]

Search for my thread to Dolby Surround II Matrix.
There I explain the DS II matrix parameters.

Then you can implement DSII decoding like BeSweet.

[PietroPizzi]

@Valex

This is a great filter!

Works well unter XP (no SP1) and CMI8738 On-Board AC3 Dec. Card.
Special for Me is the Matrix feature because I have to choose 5.1 Speaker Setup (because i want LFE) but I have NO Center Speaker ---> no Voice channel !
So I took Matrix feature, made a 1 @ C->R and C->L and - voilá - I can hear people talk !
I really missed that feature in other decoders - so again - great !!

Greets
PP

[MaTTeR]

Valex it seems you have succeeded implementing SPDIF properly. The alpha version filter I downloaded is now outputting AC3 over SPDIF properly:D Nice work mate!

A minor bug spotted-
* SPDIF is turned on in filter dialog no matter if it's checked or not.

I'll report more as I use it to watch a movie tonight. Thx again man!!

[Rrrough]

@frank

that'd be a dolby surround II downmix then, right ? no real decoding... one of the audio-demigods on this forum told me that downmixing is rather trivial, decoding (2ch -> 5ch) highly complicated. any idea ?

cheers

[jansb000]

@jansb000
Does it work with
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/spdif_dump.zip?

I tried to play spdif_dump.ac3 with my favorite AC3-player from Creative. Result: I hear L/C/R/RR/RL and then the voice says LFE but I do not hear anything (am I supposed to hear bass-noise from the subwoofer?). The Creative AC3 player crashes at this point.

if I try this: "spdif_test spdif_dump.ac3"
I get this error: "Cannot create sound buffer"
Note: this may be an after effect of the crash described above?

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by jansb000
The Creative AC3 player crashes at this point.

LOL..interesting that Core Media player, BSplayer and Zoom Player play the file just fine for me. Will Creative ever get there act together and make something useable and stable? *sigh*

BTW- You will not hear noise from your subwoofer, you will just hear the word "LFE" stated in the left front speaker. This is normal behavior on the 5.1 test file. Use the alpha filter thats posted above and try playing a movie with 5.1, you'll see that SPDIF should play fine and the LFE is alive and well:D

Edit- I too would love to see DPL II(DS2) decoding implemented but I think that might be asking a bit much here. DPLII(DS2) downmixing has been in HeadAC3he and BeSweet for awhile now, decoding is another beast altogether I think.

[jansb000]

http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_spdif.zip

Do you mean this zip-file? It contains a file with extension .ax - what do I have to do with it?

[MaTTeR]

@jansb000
The .ax file is the AC3 filter you need to install on your system. At a command prompt register the filter with regsvr32 /s ac3filter.ax

After it's registered you should be able to use it with your favorite player.

@Valex
Is it safe to assume that when using SPDIF that all the other features of your filter will be disabled such as DRC, gain, etc? I'm pretty sure the AC3 stream can't be manipulated like this but thought it might be worth asking.

[Valex]

@MaTTeR
We did it!!! Thanks!!!
As I said it was a spdif _only_ version (I was to lazy to implement switching).

Is it safe to assume that when using SPDIF that all the other features of your filter will be disabled such as DRC, gain, etc?

I do not do any modification to ac3 frames. But I found that intervideo does! Try to binary compare intervideo dump and mine: >fc /b spdif_dump.ac3 dump. You'll see some differences. I do not know what kind of modification it does. In IEC 61937 it is nothing about it (I did not find standart itself, but I found source declared to comply this standart, if somebody interesting: http://www.tnt.uni-hannover.de/org/whois/wissmit/purnhage/software/autools/)

I'm pretty sure the AC3 stream can't be manipulated like this but thought it might be worth asking.

It is hard, but possible.

@jansb000
I tried to play spdif_dump.ac3 with my favorite AC3-player from Creative.

As I said it is _not_ a real .ac3 file. So some players can play it (and it is strange), some not. This file is special for spdif_test.

Do you mean this zip-file? It contains a file with extension .ax - what do I have to do with it?

You can copy install.bat from last release to directory with this .ax file and run it.

@frank
Great thanks!

@PietroPizzi
You can use downmix to 4.1 channels (2/2 with LFE). (In next version I'll make default speaker setup independent from Control panel settings). Automatic mixer matrix is better because different .ac3 strems can contain different center to left/right mix level.

@all
Does anybody have probelms with center channel or subwoofer (no sound from it)

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by Valex
[B]@MaTTeR
We did it!!! Thanks!!!
As I said it was a spdif _only_ version (I was to lazy to implement switching).
Well actually you did it ;-) Good work indeed.


I do not do any modification to ac3 frames. But I found that intervideo does! Try to binary compare intervideo dump and mine: >fc /b spdif_dump.ac3 dump. You'll see some differences. I do not know what kind of modification it does. In IEC 61937 it is nothing about it (I did not find standart itself, but I found source declared to comply this standart, if somebody interesting: http://www.tnt.uni-hannover.de/org/whois/wissmit/purnhage/software/autools/)

It's interesting they modify the frames somewhat...not sure what the purpose would be as I see nothing in the filter itself(Intervideo) thats configurable when using SPDIF. Oh well, I was just curious. Once you release a stable/beta version I'll update the AC3 FAQ thread recommending this filter for use. This will certainly solve a lot of issues people have with getting AC3 working. Thx again Valex.

[Valex]

@MaTTeR
I think I'll prepare new release at this weekend. If it will be some time I'll trace what kind of changes Intervideo filter does in ac3.

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by Valex
@MaTTeR
I think I'll prepare new release at this weekend.

Great! Hrm..I was thinking Doom9 might want to make the new release available in his "Audio" download section as well. Once you have the release I'll send him a PM on the subject and also send him a new update of the AC3 FAQ.

[jansb000]

I installed the filter "ac3filter.ax". Now when I play the file "spdif_dump.ac3" with my creative player it plays noise in this order:

L/C/R/RR/RL/LFE/L/C

and then it stops. The voice, naming the channels, sounds clear. After this my PC is very slow and I have to reboot.

Next I tried this command in a DOSBOX:

spdif_test spdif_dump.ac3

I get the same as before, also stopping when the center speaker is used for the second time. The voice, naming the channels, sounds very metallic with a vibrato in it. When the speaker-cycling stops at the C-channel the voice keeps on echoing endlessly.

Nice thing is that your SPDIF program crashes in a XP-friendly way. That saves me the trouble of the reboot.

Just for fun I tried to use spdif_test with an ac3 that I ripped from a DVD. There was no sound at all!

[PietroPizzi]

@Valex

Thank's for the idea of downmixing to 4-chan + LFE. I realized C to be splitted in ~0.70 to L+R and not with 1 when set to automatic.

Again, this is a great filter !

OT: Concerning Speed_machine:
Worked great, mixed a german mp3 to engl. AC3 (Center disabled, no speech) with Speed 104% for 25/24 frames difference...
Is there a possibility that you code it to about 3 digits after comma so I could enter 104.297% for example ? Would be more accurate...

Again: with your filters I could do the best German-English fake Dolby-Digital AC3 sound ever ! Great !

Greets
PP

[Valex]

Here is prerelease of new beta version:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_prerelease.zip
I need to know 2 things: does it work at all :-) and does it work at w98? Can somebody test spdif output at w98?

@jansb000
Thanks, now I know that it is working not only at MaTTeR's computer :). spdif_test is just a quick test so distortions like you describe may occur on some systems.

I did a big mistake when I name this dump file as .ac3 :). I think Creative player uses its own ac3 decoder (because with DirectShow this file cannot be opened) and this decoder crashes on this file.

Can you try prerelease at real films?

[Valex]

I made some experiments with W98 and I think I near to solve W98 multichannel problem. Just one trouble remains. It is how to make WaveOut Renderer to be default renderer instead of DirectSound Renderer. Does anybody know?

Everything is working after I installed 269601USA8.EXE patch and use WaveOut Renderer. When I use DirectSound Renderer (that used by default) it is silence in speakers. So if it possible to make WaveOut Renderer to be default problem to play multichannel ac3 under w98 is solved!

[jansb000]

Thanks, now I know that it is working not only at MaTTeR's computer :). spdif_test is just a quick test so distortions like you describe may occur on some systems.
Do you also have an explanation for the symptom that playing stops at the centre spreaker in the second cycle?
I did a big mistake when I name this dump file as .ac3. I think Creative player uses its own ac3 decoder (because with DirectShow this file cannot be opened) and this decoder crashes on this file.
Yes, packed with the Audigy card comes a player "Creative PlayCentre". It plays files generated by BeSplit and the extracted audio from DVD2SVCD. So I am quiet happy with it.
Can you try prerelease at real films?
I installed the new filterversion (would be nice if you add some version number). I tried "spdif_test spdif_dump.ac3" with exactly the same result as before. I also tried "spdif_test santana.ac3", using my test file generated by BeSplit. This results in complete silence. Also, the DD indicator light in my 5.1 amplifier stays dark, indicating that the signal (if any) is not recognised as AC3.
By the way, my file "santana.ac3" has 48khz. Can this influense your test-program?

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by jansb000

By the way, my file "santana.ac3" has 48khz. Can this influense your test-program?

The AC3 must stay at 48kHz to be DD compliant, so that should definitely not be a problem. Have you not tried playing a movie with AC3 with a better player such as TCMP, ZP or BSP? I think you'll find them much more useable and less problematic.

[MaTTeR]

@Valex,

Not sure what happened to the pre-release but only 2/0 Stereo is selectable now. SPDIF is not able to be used. I went back to the version before and it works fine though, even with my AC3 XCD's:D Something happened to the pre-release but not sure what.

I also had MasterChief try it with his Hercules GTXP sound card and he had the same problem. I had him try using the previous version and he got only white noise from speakers when he hit the pause button and no sound at all during normal playback. Any ideas why it doesnt work at all on his system? I have a Hercules Fortissmo II with SPDIF card here also but no way of testing it without mucjing around with my systems.

[Valex]

New version:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_0_54b.zip
Also I tried to support multichannel in w98 in this version.

@MaTTeR
Not sure what happened to the pre-release but only 2/0 Stereo is selectable now. SPDIF is not able to be used. I went back to the version before and it works fine though, even with my AC3 XCD's Something happened to the pre-release but not sure what.
Yes, I forgot. I implement other speaker switching mechanism. Now it is a ac3speakers.exe program to switch speakers.

I had him try using the previous version and he got only white noise from speakers when he hit the pause button and no sound at all during normal playback. Any ideas why it doesnt work at all on his system?
What OS does he use? And I need the same test at his system (spdif_test.zip with dump.zip).


@jansb000
Do you also have an explanation for the symptom that playing stops at the centre spreaker in the second cycle?
End of file ;-)

Would be nice if you add some version number.
Now it is version number at filter's dialog box.


I installed the new filterversion (would be nice if you add some version number). I tried "spdif_test spdif_dump.ac3" with exactly the same result as before. I also tried "spdif_test santana.ac3", using my test file generated by BeSplit. This results in complete silence. Also, the DD indicator light in my 5.1 amplifier stays dark, indicating that the signal (if any) is not recognised as AC3.

Ok I try to explain. spdif_test program does not use any of installed ac3 filters. It just get file and send it to spdif. Nothing more. First I thought that I can send raw ac3 stream to spdif and it will work. So the very first test was to check it (spdif_test with real .ac3 as parameter). It did not work. So before sending ac3 stream needs some preprocessing. After this processing ac3 become something other than ac3 (it is IEC 61937 stream). So when you try to start spdif_test with .ac3 you get silence (because it require IEC 61937 stream). And when you try to play dump files with Creative Player it crashes (because this dumps are _not_ .ac3, but IEC 61937 streams).

To test filter itself you need to open some media file contains .ac3 (.avi with ac3 stream or .vob) or run DVD player that uses DirectShow.

[jansb000]

Concerning DD audio CD's I received different replies (in different forum threads). I enclosed quotes from this thread and from the other:
http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=15309

Originally posted by jansb000
It also says that CD sampling frequency = 48khz (should be 44.1 ???) ... snip ...
Originally posted by DSPguru
Sampling Frequency should be 44.1khz, Channels count should be 2.
try plaback that wave in winamp/wmp and check its properties.
if sampling frequency is different than 44.1khz - that's the source to your problem.
Originally posted by MaTTeR
The AC3 must stay at 48kHz to be DD compliant, so that should definitely not be a problem. Have you not tried playing a movie with AC3 with a better player such as TCMP, ZP or BSP? I think you'll find them much more useable and less problematic.
@MaTTeR & @DSPguru
As a junior member of the forum I am a bit confused. Should a audio CD, that I create with BeSure in AC3 format, be 44.1khz or 48khz?

[DSPguru]

music on CD is always 44.1khz.
music on DVD is always 48khz.

i guess we both (MaTTeR & I) right :)

[MaTTeR]

@jansb000,

Sorry for the confusion, Dg is correct in the post above. I have a bad habit of assuming all posts here are DVD related;)

@Valex,

MasterChief's PC is running WinXP. I'll have him try the AC3 dump tests this weekend when he returns home hopefully. As for me, I'm getting ready to test your latest version with the speaker change tool.

[MaTTeR]

@Valex,

Just tested the latest 0.54b filter out and it works perfectly on my Win2k/TB Santa Cruz system with SPDIF. Maybe a stupid question...Anyway at all to report interleaving values used for the AV muxing on a container such as Ogg or AVI (ie. NanDub preload, etc)? Wish I knew how to extract this information in some fashion but I'm not even sure it's possible. Just a thought:)

[Palikrovol]

Originally posted by Valex
New version:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_0_54b.zip
Also I tried to support multichannel in w98 in this version.


I'm having problems to download anything you post here ("Document not found"). Is the server down at night in GMT+1 (Madrid)?

(Now i can't download it)

[MaTTeR]

Just checked here, link works fine.

[Suiryc]

@Palikrovol
I have the same problem to access hotbox.ru (any links goes to "Document not found").
But maybe your ISP is like mine and don't like hotbox.ru (or maybe hotbox.ru don't like our ISP) because using an anonymizer this works :/

[MaTTeR]

@Valex,

Still having problems getting SPDIF to work on MasterChief's system. He is running WinXP(Service Pack1) on an single CPU AMD system. The audio card is the Hercules GXP fully featured with the latest driver(v5.02). Had him try to play an AVI/AC3 and he just gets garbled sound when SPDIF is selcted in SpeakerSetup, using the filters 2/0 mode worked fine though. I also had him try the CLI spdif_test with spdif_dump and it errors out stating "can't create sound buffer". So using the CLI app he was not able to hear anything at all due to the error. Hercules audio drivers are sometimes strange(not worse than Creative though;) ). I hope this helps a bit...let me know if you need any other info or testing.

[Valex]

@MaTTeR

"can't create sound buffer" - it means that DirectSound does not support multichannel format :(. (drivers?) Maybe waveOut will work? To set WaveOut as default renderer run set_waveout.bat (and then restart!).

@all
Maybe someone know good hosting?

[DSPguru]

Originally posted by Valex
Maybe someone know good hosting? you'll get more responses if you had posted in here ;) :
http://forum.doom9.org/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=8

[Apfelstruhdl]

i'm currently using dekoda for ac3 and it is working afaik pretty well. but when someone is doing the work :D i'd really like to use the new thing he's creating. but is it stable atm or would it be better to wait some more time until theres a more or less complete version??
what will be implanted in the near future?
i don't know if it is allready implanted but audio dekoda has't got a thing like dynamic compression. would be cool if that would be in.

[MaTTeR]

Dynamic compression, gain, etc. is already implemented in this filter. In fact it has features I would have never thought of...

Stable? Stable enough to allow me to use it on a daily basis now and never have a problem over SPDIF. Its very easy to install and give it a go.

[Brandon1984]

I am unable to change from 2 Speaker setup option to any others with the AC3Filter v0.54b. The radio options will not change when clicked. I am using WMP6.4, any idea why I am having this problem?

[Valex]

@Brandon1984
Try to setup speakers before with ac3speakers.exe program.

[Apfelstruhdl]

the current download location seems to be broken. maybe too much traffic. ( i couldn't understand any of that russian stuff)
so is there an alternate homepage???

[Alestrix]

Originally posted by Apfelstruhdl
the current download location seems to be broken.
I tried accessing Valex' page unsuccessfully several days (a week?) ago. Seems like the user "xvalex" is deleted from hotbox... :-(

@valex:
Any luck with new webspace? I'd give it to you if I had some.....

EDIT:
Ok, site's up again at http://xvalex.hotbox.ru - just disregard my post above...

- aL

[stargazer]

Is there any way to disable DRC (or any other feature) by default?
Maybe a registry hack?

I don't use DRC so it's complicated unchecking it every time my movie starts... or am I just blind and don't see something that's just in front of my face? ;)

[Valex]

@stargazer
Maybe you use old version. Last versions save settings to registry.
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_0_54b.zip

[stargazer]

@valex

As I've said: it was in front of my face! :)
Great job done, man!

Thanks

[Apfelstruhdl]

sorry but i think the page is down again....

[Suiryc]

@Apfelstruhdl
If you have a "Document not found" Page (written in Russian, that redirect you to hotbox.ru main site 5-10 s after) I have the same problem.
But as I said earlier this seems to be a problem between my ISP and hotbox (maybe it is your case too) because when using an anomymizer I can access the page ... :(

[Alestrix]

@Suiryc:
Wow, I kept having the same problem over and over, but after using the-cloak.com, I could few the content and download the filter from the page again. Using a proxy also worked (but 212.250.159.129:80 is a weired one, fast pings but blocks content from special sites - like the-cloak.com :-) ).

Anyway, thanks for the good hint...

- aL

[Satlover]

http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/programs/ac3filter/ac3filter_eng.html

[Valex]

Because of hotbox hosting have problems with availability outside of Russia I moved project to Sourceforge. New addresses are:

http://sourceforge.net/projects/ac3filter or
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net

[ookzDVD]

@Valex,

Thanks,

btw, about your winamp plugin for ac3,
I got the wrong channel mapping on my machine.
It seems the sounds only from left channel.

[Valex]

Strange. Is it the same on all ac3s? Can you try test file:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3test.zip

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by ookzDVD
I got the wrong channel mapping on my machine.
It seems the sounds only from left channel. I thought I remembered reading about this before some months ago, it had to do with Creative drivers mapping the input/output channels incorrectly when playing back Vorbis 5.1; not sure about AC3. Unfortunately I dont remember which driver versions was causing the problems. Are you using a Creative card? SPDIF?

[ookzDVD]

@Valex,

No, it's not the DS filter problem,
I got the problem with the Winamp's plugin.

[Valex]

@ookzDVD
I understood, and I need some more info about problem, because at my computer everything works well.

[ookzDVD]

@Valex,

I'm using Peter's out_ds.dll Ver. 2.2.6 for output.
My card is Creative Audigy, Win2k Sp3.
Windows's Speaker setting: 5.1 Speakers.

Ps.
I can use InterVideo, Cyberlink, & Moonlight DS filter
with no problem.

I also try on my other PC with 2 speaker system,
same problem, most sound is heard from the left channel.

[exrty]

GREAT tool ! congratulations

But it has creashed my windows 2000. While i was setting to stereo and just at the moment i click on subwoofer radio button : blue screen.

Another thing. This is not possible while un 3_2 mode to change LFE, voice or surround gain. The buttons move but the matrix is not updated.


Regards


exrty

[Valex]

2exrty

Sound card? (Audigy?)
What happens if set speakers with speakers.exe before playing or it crashes only when you press on LFE checkbox at propery page? Does it crash when you just change speakers (not LFE)?

What is the input ac3 format?

[exrty]

standard SB Live 5.1!

It has crashed one time. I've try to redo the same thing but i has no crash. It seems to be more complex to reproduce and to determine the reason of crash.

Is it normal the gain control of LFE, surround and central seems not to be activated in 3_2 mode ?

exrty

[Valex]

@exrty

Is it normal the gain control of LFE, surround and central seems not to be activated in 3_2 mode ?

No it is bug. Strange that nobody did not report about it before.

It has crashed one time. I've try to redo the same thing but i has no crash. It seems to be more complex to reproduce and to determine the reason of crash.

If you'll find crash conditions please give me know.

[Trebort]

Valex

Fantastic job, works realy well for me in 2K with a cheap CMI8738 based sound card. I am not using SPDIF but get good AC3 playback to the 6 line outputs. It would be great to get access to the individual outputs with other software, the CMI8738 is very popular, maybe you could write a multi channel wave driver!!!:) :eek:

Cheers

Rob

[FLeXO]

This filter seems to work just fine .. tough i had some problems with it while watching bad company the audio stops over something like 15minutes when i press the pause button and then resume the movie the audio works again! (audigy1 card with the latest drivers)

[dTb]

This filter's working great for me with 5.1 ac3 downmixing to 2 channels. I'm having a problem with a 2 channel ac3 though.
When playing the file it's a little bit like the balance between left & right is varying, maybe more to do with gain jumping up & down. For awhile I thought the headphone jack was faulty as it sounded like the problem you can have with one channel cutting in and out.
The file plays back fine if I uninstall the filter.
Any help would be appreciated.:)

Forgot to mention the ac3 in particular is a live Queens of the Stone Age concert from the dvd included with their latest album. I tried listening to a 2ch movie soundtrack and it didn't seem anywhere near as bad, maybe generally unnoticeable. Could be the nature of the music highlights something you usually wouldn't notice watching a movie.

[Valex]

@dTb
Yes, it was a bug with stereo ac3 files decoding just found and fixed in my winamp plugin.
Now I did a quick bugfix of ac3filter too:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_0_55b.zip
It is not a new version I'm now working on, but simple bugfix of v0.54. I did not test it at all so it is not published at my site by now and I would be be glad if you can test it.

You also can try to turn DRC off.

@exrty
Gain controls are also fixed.

@FLeXO
Is it errors in stream? (You can see it at main configuration page).

@Trebort
Thanks!

[dTb]

Just tested 0.55b and it sounds good. Tried listening to the track alternating between this version and the default cyberlink filter and couldn't notice any difference.:D
I'll use this version for now, should I grab it again once you put it up on your site?

Btw, I assume listening to something like this concert I'm better off leaving most of the options like 'DRC', 'Voice Control' etc. unchecked. Is this correct?

Thanks for the speedy response!

[666luc]

@xvalex:

First many thanks for the great filter and sorry for the technical stupidities I'm about to blurb about below:

1) Can you please :) add a feature to save the matrix information for poor people like me (have a 6 channel analog out card and 5.1 speaker system but no surround sound processor - Pro Logic or so).

When I play a 2 channel (stereo) AC3, the matrix defaults to 5.1 channel out.

When I play a 2 channel (surround) AC3, the matrix defaults to 2 channel out and wouldn't it be better to have the same matrix here as for 2 channel stereo (sort of poor's man Pro Logic or something like that?)

2) Is there any way to add mp3 decoding then process them through the same matrix as a stereo AC3? (2 channel mp3 to 5 channel upmixing)? (maybe use the MAD project decoder source here...)

[Valex]

@666luk
When I play a 2 channel (surround) AC3, the matrix defaults to 2 channel out and wouldn't it be better to have the same matrix here as for 2 channel stereo (sort of poor's man Pro Logic or something like that?)[i]

Will be in new version.

[i]Is there any way to add mp3 decoding then process them through the same matrix as a stereo AC3? (2 channel mp3 to 5 channel upmixing)? (maybe use the MAD project decoder source here...)

I planned to make matrix mixer as an independent filter so it can be connected to any audio source (not only mp3). And the only problem to do this is lack of free time.

@dTb
Btw, I assume listening to something like this concert I'm better off leaving most of the options like 'DRC', 'Voice Control' etc. unchecked. Is this correct?

Voice Control and Expand stereo are just mixing options. So if you want to listen stereo concert with all speakers you have you may want to enable it (it acts like Dolby Surround decoder). But if you want to listen it is it was recorded you need to disable it.

DRC may be noticable with good equipment so in this case you need to disable it. But on other hand DRC values are set by audio producer made this record, so in most cases it does not make sound worse.

[666luc]

Originally posted by Valex

I planned to make matrix mixer as an independent filter so it can be connected to any audio source (not only mp3). And the only problem to do this is lack of free time.




Thanks again :)

Would it be feasible to have the Matrix Mixer as a pseudo-sound card driver?

[Alestrix]

I planned to make matrix mixer as an independent filter so it can be connected to any audio source (not only mp3). And the only problem to do this is lack of free time.

Before possibly reinventing the wheel have a look at the Channel Downmixer at Trombettworks' page:
http://www.trombettworks.com/directshow.php

- Alex

[Alestrix]

I just created a surround-upmix matrix which should work with the Trombetworks Channel Downmixer (which can also upmix channels :) ) to create 5 output-channels from two input channels similar to a simple surround processor.
I don't have 5.x equippment so I can't test it and maybe one of the people more knowledgable about this stuff can have a look at the matrix.
I also edited the original downmix matrix some time ago to create a DPLS2 output (just for fun, only have a DPLS1 amp :) ), which I also added to the archive. No warranty for that one either...

Have fun with it, ;)
Alex

Attachment visible once approved by mod.

[Alestrix]

Hi all...

so I see the file has been downloaded 16 times during the last 2 1/2 days - can anyone confirm or (whatever the opposite of confirm is) whether it works or not?

- Alex

PS: Just in case (name not displayed) :) reads this - this post is not in violation of rule 12... *g*

[666luc]

so I see the file has been downloaded 16 times during the last 2 1/2 days - can anyone confirm or (whatever the opposite of confirm is) whether it works or not?

It's ok very nice I might add... Now if I could also put winamp & games through that...

[Snakeisthestuff]

@Alestrix

If tested you Mix Matrix with 2ch ogg, mp3 and ac3 files, all works great! got good sound in my FrontCenter Speaker, many thx for this!

btw mentioned a bug in Trombettworks' Channel Downmixer:
if i open an avi with mplayer2, and then open an second avi in the same player window the sound from the first avi wont stop, so i have the sound for the avi i watch and the sound from the avi watched before :) .

[Valex]

New version of AC3Filter 0.6b was released. It was much changes in decoder and some new features was added: equalizer and audio delay adjustments. Also it now supports different output sample foramts: PCM 16 bit, 24 bit and float. Frequently asked Dolby downmixes was added. And of course some bugfixes. Especially most troublesome bug with WMP9 was fixed (I hope :).

Download it here:
http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ac3filter/ac3filter_0_6b.zip?download

[MaTTeR]

Valex,

Thx so much for the new build. Looks like lots of new toys to play with, especially the DPLII downmix:) Great work!

[MCFish]

Hi Valex
I have tried most of your versions with mostly negative results.
MaTTer previously mentioned me as Masterchief and im still using XP sp1 with a Hercules GTXP. I have been using iviaudio.ax for some time now, since it has worked ok. One version i got working trough spdif was(if i remember right) 0.54b or 0.54(could be wrong), and then i had to select 1/0 mono in speakersetup for it to output ac3 trough spdif. I then had trouble when changing from ac3 to mp3(or other nonAC3) sources. Mp3 sources always sounded ok, but when playing a ac3 after some other format, it made my amp (or computer) only produce noise even tho amp recogniced the stream as ac3. So mostly i have been using intervideo's filter, but with same noise problem. Well enough about this.....

Tried your new version today, and got a strange result. I installed it without unregister iviaudio.ax. I configured it for DPL-II(curious),loaded a ac3 movie, and filter loaded ok and worked like it should i guess, sending dpl-II to my amp. Then i tried to select spdif, loaded same movie and amp recogniced 5.1 stream, but i noticed then that the player was using intervideo's filter :(
So, i unregistered iviaudio and uninstalled ac3filter.
After a reboot i installed ac3filter. selected spdif loaded movie again, and no there was no sound at all. If i selected dpl-II instead of spdif, the filter was working again. I then registered iviaudio again, and selected spdif in ac3filter, played movie, and i got 5.1 sound again but player had selected intervideo filter again.
As soon as i selected dpl-II in ac3filter, it got loaded instead of intervideo filter.
So selecting spdif in your filter, made player use iviaudio, and selecting something else in your filter, made it use yours. Tried several movies, both 2ch and 5.1 ac3's, but same thing happened.
And as i said,without iviaudio.ax there was no sound at all using spdif in your filter.
U have any clue?
Sorry for the long post, but felt like i had too.

Fish

[Chibi Jasmin]

@valex: The 'standart' preset in AC3-Filter is different from what you describe as 'standart' in the english html-doc.

Which one is really the most standart compliant setting? And you don't mention the state of the normalize under master gain control, the 'use drc control' and of 'master' in mixer settings in the html-doc for standard compliance:

Quote from doc:

Maximum standart compatibility
Recommended in all cases.

Master = 0dB
DRC Power = 0dB
BSI lock = all on.
Auto matrix = on.
Normalize matrix = on.
One-pass norm = off.
Expand stereo = off.
Voice control = off.

end of quote!

missing in the doc:

Use DRC = on/off?
Gains/Master/Normalize = on/off?
Master in mixer settings = ?

what 'standart' preset does differently (unknown for the above 3 unmentioned entries):

Normalize matrix = off.
One-pass norm = on.
Expand stereo = on.
Voice control = on.

So which are really the most standard compliant settings? :D

UPDATE: Just realized one pass normalize and gains/master/normalize seem to be dependend on each other (one off = the other off, too, and vice versa) or they are actually the same? didn't get that too clear from the readme...

And one other thing: The C, SL, SR values in the matrix (BSI lock all on) now decrease from 1 to 0.7071 on playback start, in earlier versions they stayed at 1, if I remember correctly, what has happened there? Is the value read from the audio stream or is it standard this way?

[Palikrovol]

Originally posted by Snakeisthestuff
@Alestrix

If tested you Mix Matrix with 2ch ogg, mp3 and ac3 files, all works great! got good sound in my FrontCenter Speaker, many thx for this!

btw mentioned a bug in Trombettworks' Channel Downmixer:
if i open an avi with mplayer2, and then open an second avi in the same player window the sound from the first avi wont stop, so i have the sound for the avi i watch and the sound from the avi watched before :) .

How have you tested with ogg and mp3? The AC3 filter only is loaded when there is an AC3 audio stream :confused:

[dTb]

@ Palikrovol
I haven't tried it myself but I believe Alestrix's filter is independant of the ac3 filter. Afaik it's simply a surround upmix filter.

[slolsby]

Valex,

I have a problem with the AC3filter, when playing several files on a playlist in Zoomplayer. As the first file ends, I then get an Access Violation as follows:

Access Violation at address 7401D607 in module quartz.dll. Read of Address 000000A0

I have tried removing all the filters I can, and when AC3filter is removed, the problem does not happen. Also, I only get this problem when I set Zoom to use Default Waveout Device rather than Default Directsound Device - I need to use Waveout because if I use Directsound I get occasional jumps and stutters when playing AC3 (this is set in Zoom by going to Options/Manual Filters, ticking "Use custom audio in media mode" and select Default Waveout Device). I can also reproduce this on another PC.

I am running Windows XP SP1 with a Creative Live Player. This happens both when set to SPDIF output or not.

Hope this helps

Thanks

(BTW, your email seems to be broken. If I send to the address on your web page - xvalex@mail.ru -, I get a bounce back saying your account is blocked)

[cabal]

i think this: http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/ is the new adress for valex ac3 filter ...

now v0.61

greetings cabal

[sAXIn]

I have Windows 98Se and Onboard sound based on the ALC650 chip
With your filter Valex everything works great the sound is clear I love the gain options for the surround and center cause I Always had them very low sound. Good Work for me now, it's the only one AC3 playback filter for DivX!!!

I don't get why people saying they can't get 5.1 analog output with Win98 for me everything works great I remember that once I installed some Path from Microsoft for the OS support for SDIF output and Multi channel Audi!

I can check the file if someone needs it , I have it somewhere here....

[Snakeisthestuff]

@sAXIn
yeah, that would be nice, iam using win98SE too and didnt get 5.1 sound output, except with PowerDVD :(

[yosemite]

hi,

I'e installed these AC3 filters now, but BS Player only give me the chance between INTERVIDEO AUDIO DECODER and CYBERLINK AUDIO DECODER in the "For AC3 decoding use" menu.

what is wrong?

[Valex]

Big bug with seeking is fixed in new version:
http://prdownloads.sourceforge.net/ac3filter/ac3filter_0_62b.exe?download

Too tired to say something more and went to sleep.....

[Chibi Jasmin]

Would be great, if it would be possible to somehow pass DTS-streams over to Intervideo Audio Decoder, instead of accepting and outputting silence...I understand this is not as easy as it sounds, as it would probably require building a new filter graph throwing ac3filter out and intervideo decoder in, when dvd just switches from ac3 to dts...so if it's not possible, I'd be happy with a simple switch in the ac3-filter-config to disable/enable the whole thing, so that in disabled state intervideo decoder (if installed, of course) is loaded...

[smok3]

@valex: simply amazing :) (the ds-ac3 filter on xp with sb live 5.1)

so is there a plan or an existing ds filter for somethig like:
mp3 -> decode surround -> mixer(voice/surround/lfe) -> 2ch out ? (edit: this could 'improve' the playback of the divx movies with mp3 soundtrack which were badly made/decoded from 5.1 ac3 files i imagine, usualy center is way to low)

(i know something like that was already mentioned in this thread)

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by Valex
Too tired to say something more and went to sleep..... Thx for the bug fix Valex. I'm not able to pass through SPDIF anymore with 0.62b though. I went back to 0.61b and it worked like a charm.

Win2k/SP3
Turtle Beach Santa Cruz
Direct Sound(tried Wave Out as well)

Hope you got some rest:)

[Valex]

[MaTTeR]
I'm not able to pass through SPDIF anymore with 0.62b though.

Sorry about it but it is too hard to work when you cannot see the result (as you remember I have no spdif at all). But I really found a bug that can make spdif mute on some ac3s/receivers. Try this:
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/ac3filter_test.exe

[slolsby]

Valex,

Thanks for the new version. I'm pleased to say it fixes the Access Violation I reported above. I was also just about to post that I too was not getting anything through SPDIF when I saw your post about the test version. I have just installed this and tested and I now have SPDIF working again.

Once again, many thanks for a great job!!

[Valex]

I need a regular testers for this not happen again. Not just anyone but advanced users who can test it on different players try much combinations, reproduce other's errors, work in graphedit and explain what is wrong and where if possible. It is really hard job but I cannot propose anything for it except for filter itself that will be much more stable. Write to my email with that (mailto:xvalex@mail.ru?Subject=Tester)

[Valex]

@Snakeisthestuff
MS patch (SPDIF & multichannel under w98):
http://xvalex.hotbox.ru/download/269601usa8.exe

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by Valex
Sorry about it but it is too hard to work when you cannot see the result (as you remember I have no spdif at all). That's perfectly ok, I can't imagine how difficult it is to code blindly;)

The new test version indeed fixed the SPDIF issue, works fine now. I sent you an email offering to help do testing.

Happy Holidays Everybody!

Edit- @Valex, Thx again for this excellent filter you have provided:D

[Snakeisthestuff]

@Valex
thx, will try it immediately!

[pirata]

Hi Valex. Wonderful tool.

I guess that when you tell AC3filter that you want stereo output and the matrix is set to auto, it computes a downmix matrix.

I just thought it could be nice if the matrix currently being used by the filter was showed in the matrix display in the settings dialog, in real time.

Just tell me what you think.

[Valex]

@pirata

I just thought it could be nice if the matrix currently being used by the filter was showed in the matrix display in the settings dialog, in real time.

Yes it is showed in real time as it computes. Try to change levles and you'll se how matrix is changing.

[kauffmbe]

@Valex

Why does the filter default to setting the Voice (center channel) and the surrounds approx 3.3 lower than the LFE or mains when the auto matrix or BSI lock is selected. Is this some sort of standard output level that is specified by Dolby for playback of AC3?

[Gforce_Ti]

@ Valex

Thanks for the great tool n Merry X'mas to all. Happy Holiday :)

[pirata]

Yeah it's true. How did you determine the right coefficients for a 5.1 to 2.0 downmix?

I have also noticed that, in stereo output mode, C' = 1* LFE. What does that mean? I do not have any center speaker!

[Snakeisthestuff]

@Valex
i have tried 269601usa8.exe + Waveout under Win98 SE and it works really great! i must say better than under Win2k, cause i have no channel-jumping during video seeking. but the big problem is all the ogm stuff didn't work correctly with Waveout, maybe some sort of plugin like in winamp were useful...

[Valex]

@Snakeisthestuff
What sound card do you use? I need it for statistics about channel jumping problem.

@pirata
It does not matter. If channel does not exists at output (input) it does not matter what is in corresponding row (column).

@kauffmbe
Yes, I need to check all mixing modes. -3dB gain should appear only if center is mixed to front channels.

[pirata]

@Valex: how do you compute coefficients for downmixing to stereo or quad?

[romei]

@Valex

When using Nandub and Morgan Stream Switcher to create 2 AC3-audiostreams in 1 DivX-movie, audio plays only f.e. the first 22 minutes of a 135 minutes-movie when jumping with video-seek-function or pausing playback. When playing from start to end without breaks it seems that audio plays complete.

[falcon_b]

@Valex:

I have tried the new version but it seems sometihing wrong with it. When I play AC3 448kb the playback is erratic. When I reinstalled the v0.6.0.0 there is no problem with the playback.

v0.6.0.0 - OK
v0.6.0.1 - no SP/DIF output
v0.6.0.2 - SP/DIF plays tic...tic...tic...tic... etc.
v0.6.0.3 - erratic playback

Hope this helps a little bit

Best regards
BS

[Valex]

@pirata
It is just straightforward implementation of
http://www.atsc.org/standards/a_52a.pdf (page 92).

In case of 5->2 downmix it is just
L' = 1.0*L + clev*C + slev*SL + lfelev * LFE;
R' = 1.0*R + clev*C + slev*SR + lfelev * LFE;

where clev is center mix level, slev is surround mix level, lfelev is LFE mix level. When 'BSI Lock' is on theese factors (except for lfelev) are got from bitstream. lfelev is not defined in bitstream, so I suppose lfelev = 1.0 when BSI Lock is on. When BSI Lock is off all theese factors become adjustable gain levels.

@romei
Which version of filter do you use?
Sound Card/Windows version?
PCM/SPDIF?
Does it work without MMSwitch? (In BSP for example)
Is it errors in stream when audio stops (look in bitstream info)?
What is Master level when audio stops?

@falcon_b
Can you describe the distortions?
Does it work normally in PCM mode?
Does it work with other ac3s (384kbit for example)?
Can you try this:
ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_avisync.exe

[falcon_b]

@Valex:

I have tried v0.64b with the following results.

1. If I config SP/DIF by default -> no SP/DIF output.
2. If I config anything else + set SP/DIF on the property page then
a) 448 kbps works fine
b) 384 kbps no SP/DIF output (no digital input on my receiver)
3. No erratic playback.

regards
BS

[romei]

@valex

I use newest version 0.63b. Operating-System: Windows 98 SE with Soundblaster Audigy Player.
The error appears both in PCM and SPDIF-Mode. With MMSwitch uninstalled the error is still the same.
There are no errors in bitstream. If only one AC3 stream is used, it playes without problems! Audio stops independent from a specific position when jumping out of the first 22 minutes. When jumping within the first 22 minutes or when playing from within the first 22 minutes to the end, audio plays without problems. When the movie is splitted to 3 smaller parts there are also no problems at all.

[Snakeisthestuff]

@Valex
i use Creative Labs SoundBlaster 5.1 Live, in know its an trouble making soundcard but it works fine for me in most cases :)

[downloada]

hi,

i have encountered similar problems as romei did. with 2 ac3-tracks in one video (in my case it was xvid, doesn't matter, i think), audio seems to play fine only if i don't seek through the movie or change the active track with morgan stream switcher.

after switching the track, the video plays very choppy and jerky, it isn't smooth any more. but after some time, the audio just stops playing.

when seeking through the movie, the audio stops after playing for a while, too.

all these problems don't appear when using the intervideo audio-filter, so it has to be something wrong with your filter.

i used 0.63b of ac3filter, win2k, a terratec dmx xfire soundcard, directx 8.1 and zoomplayer or wmp 6.4 for avi-playback. i used 2.0 channel-downmixing and no spdif, i don't have a a/v-receiver connected to my pc.

cu

[marcobdivax]

@Valex
I was using your filter from the beginning, and they work well.
Just a question, to clarify myself if this is a hardware problem: if I play (PowerDVD) a dvd I note no "ripple" (little noise on low volume scenes) even if I raise the ampli volume.
But if I "rip+extract ac3+encode video+create avi with ac3(nandub)", when I play this avi with different players (and your filters) low audio scenes have a lot of noise.
Please note that the noise is concentrated on center/rear channels (and, apparently, not on front channels).
Do you have any comment?

Thanks a lot

marco

[RockoS]

Hi Valex,

I'm following this threaf for a while and I read all the FAQs but unfortunately I don't manage to get the AC3 sound as 5.1 to my SPDIF if the source isn't a DVD. (Thus playing via the PowerDVD suite and thus having an option in the soundcard management console which says digital output from: PowerDVD or main outputs)

I've installed some of your ac3 drivers, 5 minutes ago the 64b version
but it's always the same problem. When I set everything to SPDIF output I don't get anything. The only way to get a sound to my receiver is by setting output to anything but SPDIF.

Hardware: Dell Precision 340 Workstation, Hercules 7.1EX fortissimoIII soundcard. 1GB RAm

Software: Win XP SP1, BSplayer, WMP9, Powerdivx Nextgen

I'm really desperate. Your decoder shows me that my DIVX file is delivering a ac3 (3+2) output which I can nicely downmix to DSurround or anything but no way to get it to the SPDIF directly and then decode with my receiver. The DD light stays off an no sound comes out. I hoped the latest driver version from Hercules would solve that problem but unfortunately I got disappointed. Is there any help or anyone with the same mess?

thanks,
Rocko :confused:

[Valex]

@falcon_b
Can you try Moonlight Odio decoder (I looked at) will it work in SPDIF mode with 384kbps stream?
http://www.moonlight.co.il/download/OdioDec.zip

Does v0.6b have no problems with 384 kbps?

@romei
I made an AVI with 2 ac3 streams (nandub) and have no problems with it. :\

@marcobdivax
But if I "rip+extract ac3+encode video+create avi with ac3(nandub)", when I play this avi with different players (and your filters) low audio scenes have a lot of noise.

AC3 standart have a feature to enable noise at low-level scenes. It is bitstream-defined flag should channel have noise or not.

[marcobdivax]

Thanks, Valex.
Going further, how can I set this bit? Or how can I extract ac3 stream with this bit set (I've used smartripper, dvd decrypter, ac3 tools, vstrip) ?

marco

[falcon_b]

@Valex

I can't donwload. Needs l/p.

And yes. It works perfect with oooops.... while typing this words it just happend. Audio is 384kbps and after a while I have lost the signal. Now I getting the property page and press OK. The player comes back and everything works well.

So it seems it is working know. :)


Regards
BS

[rjamorim]

http://www.elecard.com/ftp/pub/OdioDec/OdioDec.zip

[falcon_b]

@rjamorim
THX.

@Valex
It works with Elecard filter. Hope it helps.


regards
BS

[ookzDVD]

@Valex,

I'm using the latest 0.63b, and having "crack" sound while pause and then play again from the ZoomPlayer.

Thank you.

[bokus70]

I think it has to do with choosing PCM 24bit or PCM float option, instead of (the default) PCM 16.

I had the same problem as you, until I reverted to PCM 16.

[ookzDVD]

Originally posted by bokus70
I think it has to do with choosing PCM 24bit or PCM float option, instead of (the default) PCM 16.

I had the same problem as you, until I reverted to PCM 16.

Thank you,
switch to PCM 16, no "click" or "crack" sound problem after pause/play.

PS.
But: "Sometimes" if I skip forward/backward the sound is played with
wrong channel mapping :(

[bokus70]

@ookzDVD:

Glad that's solved. But I'm not sure whether the problem is with the filter or with the drivers (I have sblive value)... Anyway, I didn't notice the difference regarding sound quality between those three modes.

About wrong channel mappings - this is one problem that ac3filter has to solve. It happens just the way you said and I will add the situation when I pause the movie and resume. The same thing. But this never happens in win98SE...

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by bokus70
But I'm not sure whether the problem is with the filter or with the drivers (I have sblive value)... I've tested the three modes with three different sound cards running Win2k/SP3. The results weren't a big shock...

Santa Cruz- All modes play perfectly even while changing on the fly.

Hercules Fortissmo II- All modes play perfectly even while changing on the fly.

SB Live- All modes worked but 24bit and PCM float seems to have a slight crackle when seeking. (Now I can take it back out of the machine and put it back in the closet where it belongs)

@Valex
Using the latest pre-release you sent me, well its working great even with AVI files. I guess OGM files were never really a problem in the first place. The seeking is very fast, no problems noticed yet.

[Laryllan]

I have a different problem:

The ac3filter 063b works very well for me, but when I use spdif out the video stutters in ZoomPlayer.

I´m using WinXP SP1, DirectX 9.0 and a Sb Audigy Card with latest drivers (5.12.1.253 says windows).

[MaTTeR]

@Laryllan
Is this happening with other players like PowerDivx, BSPlayer or WiMP too? If so, how did you mux the AVI file(ie. NanDub or AVImux)? The muxing is very important when using SPDIF out. I'd advise using AVImux with it's default settings and then try playing it through SPDIF, you should see much smoother playback compared to muxing with NanDub. Just a thought...

[Valex]

@Laryllan

Try this:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_avisync2.exe
or
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_avisync3.exe

It should solve problem with stuttering. I need to know is it noticable difference between these two version?

@Matter
(Now I can take it back out of the machine and put it back in the closet where it belongs)

Agree! :D

[Valex]

For everyone who have problems with jumping channels:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_mapping.exe

Does this test version have this problem?

[ookzDVD]

Originally posted by Valex
For everyone who have problems with jumping channels:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_mapping.exe

Does this test version have this problem?

@Valex,

Thank you,
I still have jumping channel problem with that version,
after play/pause.

[Laryllan]

@MaTTer
The problem occurs using BSPlayer (086.493) too. Normally, I´m muxing ac3 with Nandub, preload 500ms and interleaving every 64ms. But the video stutters on all clips I´ve tested, not only on mine.

@Valex
Both version solved the stuttering, but none of them was able to get the ac3 stream to my decoder, i.e. no sound at all in SPDIF mode. Other modes work fine with video playing smooth as silk.

[Valex]

@Laryllan
Both version solved the stuttering
Good!

no sound at all in SPDIF mode.
Did it work in v0.63b or in v0.55b?

@ookzDVD
It is it good after seeking now?

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by Laryllan
Normally, I�m muxing ac3 with Nandub, preload 500ms and interleaving every 64ms. Please try AVImux, NanDub's AC3 muxing code is not proper! Just use the AVImux default settings and see what happens.

[Laryllan]

@MaTTer
I´ve tried AVImux (1.11) with default settings on ac3filter 0.63b - it makes the video stuttering a lot better, but it´s not able remove it completely. Never tried that program but think I like it! :)

@Valex
SPDIF output works on 0.63b but the video is stuttering strongly.
0.63b was the first version I tested and since you asked my to try 0.55b I did - the stuttering is gone on SPDIF out. Odd.
So, SPDIF works in 0.55b very good and 0.63b with video stutters on all kinds of ac3 files. It doesn´t work in the avisync2 & 3 versions.

[MaTTeR]

@Valex,

I'm about to publish a major update of the AC3 FAQ but have a quick question. Do you know of any other problems besides the typical Win9x and SB driver issues we all love to hate?;)

I can email you a copy of the FAQ if you want to proof read it before Doom9 posts it. TIA

[ookzDVD]

Originally posted by Valex
@ookzDVD
It is it good after seeking now? [/B]

@Valex,
Yes... the jumping channel after seeking is gone,
only play/pause is still problem.

Thank you.

[Valex]

@ookzDVD
One more try:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_mapping2.exe

[ZeB]

What do you guys exactly mean with "jumping channels"?

[Valex]

@ZeB
When center channel jumps to left channel and vice versa etc.

[Micro]

I have the same problem with S/PDIF as described by Laryllan,
0.55b works perfectly, 0.63b stutters heavily
regardless of used AC3 muxing method.
I have Asus P4PE with onboard AD1980 codec, WinXP.
WinDVD and PowerDVD filters worked also well but I just like
Valex decoder :-)

[Valex]

@Micro
Does SPDIF works with:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_avisync3.exe
?

[NuclearFusi0n]

Dolby headphone would be excellent
http://www.dolby.com/dolbyheadphone/

[Micro]

Thanks, I'll try it today after work.

[ZeB]

Originally posted by Valex
@ZeB
When center channel jumps to left channel and vice versa etc.

Thanks for the explanation and for a very good AC3 decoder!

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by NuclearFusi0n
Dolby headphone would be excellent Especially in the WinAmp AC3 plugin:D

[Micro]

@Valex
With latest AC3Filter "avisync3" it seems,
that there are no more problems with S/PDIF out,
"stuttering" is gone.

[ookzDVD]

Originally posted by Valex
@ookzDVD
One more try:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_mapping2.exe

@Valex,

the jumping channel while play/pause is still happen. :(

[bexx]

"

quote:Originally posted by NuclearFusi0n
Dolby headphone would be excellent

Especially in the WinAmp AC3 plugin

"

I'd do anything for dobly headphone heh

btw this ac3 decoder is great, not much more you could ask for really

[Zinc]

Yeah, Dolby Headphone feature would be great!

[bokus70]

I just want to say that creative card users should try to find new audigy/live drivers in their full pack installation. I have ancient sblive value (4 channel) and these drivers work quite good. :)

So, why do you need this? Well, these drivers I stumbled upon are from 24th July 2002. - the newest up to this very moment. The official live driver pack is from 18th March 2002. and these drivers can only be installed on w2k/xp. But these new drivers are for win98se too! I tried them immediately and it all works well. Now I have the same interface and usability in win98se, just as I had in win2k (with the official livedrv pack).

Not to mention that these drivers solved all problems I had with AC3 filter in win98SE when playing DVDs. :)

Unfortunately these drivers can't be downloaded - at least I don't know where - you just have to find someone who just bought live 5.1 or audigy card and use the drivers from the CD.

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by bokus70
Unfortunately these drivers can't be downloaded OMG! I can't believe they are making people pay money for drivers now. Sounds like a complete sham, especially considering most if not all drivers they write are garbage. Maybe consumers will wake up and realize who they are dealing with and consider alternatives:rolleyes:

[Valex]

@Laryllan
One more idea:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_avisync4.exe
Does SPDIF work in this version?

[Valex]

@ookzDVD
One more test for you too:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_mapping3.exe

Please take a note of CPU usage if it will raise compared to other versions.

[Laryllan]

After installing your test version and setting output to SPDIF I heard a low-noise crackling sound in my decoder - this sound usually appears only if it switches to DD mode. So I played around a bit, seeked in my ac3 file (in ZoomPlayer) and ... it works!

But the decoder recognizes the DD signal only after the first seek operation.

So I tried your avisynch2&3 versions again - exactly the same. Sorry for not testing enough...
In ZoomPlayer pause/play doesn´t do the trick, but stop/play does.

I´m available on ICQ for further testing. So feel free to request my UIN.

[MaTTeR]

Originally posted by Laryllan
I´m using WinXP SP1, DirectX 9.0 and a Sb Audigy Card with latest drivers (5.12.1.253 says windows). Actually I don't think those are the latest...

http://www.asia.creative.com/support/drivers/newfiles.asp?region=1&sa=&NumDays=30&x=14&y=10

Fixes:
* Removes distortion during AC-3 playback
* Improves multi channel wave file playback

Features includes:
* Drivers are WHQL Certified
* Provides Dolby Digital decoding from external SPDIF Input.
AUDDRVPACK_L11

I believe these are 5.12.1.283. Worth a shot...

[Laryllan]

Actually you´re right but I´ve installed these (AUDDRVPACK_L11.EXE, 31.12.02) a few days ago but windows still states the installed drivers are v5.12.1.253 (from 12.08.2002). I completely uninstalled the drivers and reinstalled the soundcard from scratch (installation disc, then applying L11) - no effect, Windows thinks they are old.
I didn´t install all of the crappy software that came with the card, so maybe the update is for that software only. (or I do have a serious problem)

btw, as said I don´t think it´s a driver issue cause Moonlight Odio Decoda does SPDIF right.

[cca]

@Laryllan:

I also have WinXP SP1, DirectX 9 and an SB Audigy with the 253 drivers but in my case the ac3filter works perfectly. I have the Audigy hooked to a Creative DTT2500 and it immediately recognizes the AC3 signal as soon as I hit the Play button in ZoomPlayer 3 beta 5.5. So your problem must be a combination of AC3filter and your decoder. About the stutters, when you configure ac3filter for S/PDIF
you should also select the Default Wave Out Device in ZoomPlayer. If you let ZoomPLayer load the Directsound Renderer the you are certain to experience stuttering. At least this is what happens in my system.

By the way, the 283 drivers that MaTTeR mentioned are only for Audigy 2. If these drivers get installed on an Audigy 1, you can say bye bye to AC3 passthrough! The AUDDRVPACK_L11.EXE is indeed the v5.12.1.253 driver released previously but now it supports 11 languages, it has no other additions.

Congratulations Valex, excelent work!

[bokus70]

Just a follow-up to my last post - I removed win2000 and installed win xp pro sp1 just to try to sort things out with sblive problems. I used these new drivers I found and guess what - all works perfectly. No channel jumping at all.

I am not using spdif but I am positive that analog multichannel works good. And the drivers are 5.12.2.252 (notice the third number, it IS 2, not 1) with the date stamp of 24.7.2002.

So, maybe Valex has to do some more tweaking, but all in all (what a surprise ;) ) the Creative drivers seem to be the major pain.

[Laryllan]

cca is right, if I enable custom wave out audio in ZoomPlayer the stream is recognized instantly. This works for all "avisync" versions.

However, it cannot solve the stuttering effect in 0.63b.

Thanks for your insight in Creative drivers, cca!

[cca]

@Laryllan:

I don't know if it will help you with the stutters, but you may try the ReClock DirectShow filter from this thread (http://forum.doom9.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=39887). With this little tool you may also see some stutter, but if you pause and resume playback it should go away. I think it's worth a shot.

[Laryllan]

Thanks, but there is no need for that. The avisync version is doing SPDIF quite right.

[ookzDVD]

Originally posted by Valex
@ookzDVD
One more test for you too:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_mapping3.exe

Please take a note of CPU usage if it will raise compared to other versions.

@Valex,

This version is still have problem with jumping channel after
play/pause.

Thank you.

[KyleK]

Since I too had this stuttering problem when using SPDIF as output, I downloaded ac3filter_avisync2/3/4.exe which all fix the stuttering.
But, now I can't change the volume of any AC3 movies, no matter what player. I tried WMP6.4, Winamp/NiceMC and Zoomplayer 3.00b5.
It doesn't matter if output is set to WaveOut or DirectSound, both have this problem.
UPDATE: I just found out that 0.63b also has this issue.
Can anyone confirm this behaviour?

[Micro]

@KyleK,

when passing UNCHANGED AC3 stream to S/PDIF out, it should not be possible to change the audio volume with any application.
And this is the best situation as the audio stream remains untouched by re-encoding.
Do you have NForce(2) based MB ?

[KyleK]

Hi Micro,

no, i got a quite old one, with a Via KT133.
after playing around a bit with different old versions of AC3Filter i came to the conclusion that this behaviour might be on purpose/a technical reason. Still, I was kinda surprised that i never noticed before ;)

[Valex]

Second prerelease:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_rc2.exe
Should work as avisync versions. And some W98 issues fixed.

@Laryllan
Try SPDIF1/SPDIF2 modes in new version with DirectShound.

You can also try
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_maping3.exe version.

I want to understand why Odio works well with SPDIF/DirectSound. Binary output of my filter is completely the same as Odio. So cause somewhere in stream parameters I need to try one by one.

@ookzDVD
Good. One theory is completely checked and found wrong :). Will try to invent something other...

[bokus70]

@Kylek: I had the very same problem until I moved on to Windows XP pro. The problem lies in the Creative drivers. Now everything works OK, with every ac3filter version I tried, even channel jumping is gone.

[NuclearFusi0n]

not to nag or anything, i'm just curious about whether dolby headphone is being planned or whatever

thanks valex, excellent filter! :D

[KyleK]

Originally posted by bokus70
@Kylek: I had the very same problem until I moved on to Windows XP pro. The problem lies in the Creative drivers. Now everything works OK, with every ac3filter version I tried, even channel jumping is gone.

That can't be it, I'm on Windows XP Pro too ;)
SP1 is installed, and Audigy Drivers 5.12.1.253.
As I said, I can't change sound when using SPDIF as output in AC3Filter.

This leads me to another 2 questions:
I got a Creative Audigy, and using AC3Filter I have 2 options:
1) Choose 3/2+LEF 5.1channel in AC3Filter and let AC3Filter do the decoding.
2) Choose SPDIF and let the Creative drivers do the decoding
Any clue which one is "better" (if different at all)?


2nd question: I'm thinking of switching to another soundcard.
Since I only have a Creative Inspire 5.1 5300 speaker system, I wondered if there are other cards that can decode AC3?

[Laryllan]

@KyleK
As your first question is concerned, you have a third option. Disable ac3 decoding in Creative´s SurroundMixer and plug SPDIF to an external decoder.
Your question about quality is not easily answered: Normally every decoder should do the same, but small changes can cause big differences. Every decoder sounds different. I am using an Audigy too and for myself, I don´t like it´s ac3 decoding. It´s kinda overpowered, the low frequencies are washy and channel separation is not as it should be.

@Valex
rc2 does a really fine job as soon as I use ZoomPlayer´s default wave out device. No stutters and immediate playback (stream is recognized instantly as playback begins). Works in all SPDIF output modes.
With DirectSound there is no output at all.

[KyleK]

Originally posted by Laryllan
@KyleK
As your first question is concerned, you have a third option. Disable ac3 decoding in Creative´s SurroundMixer and plug SPDIF to an external decoder.
Well, yeah I left that out on purpose since i neither have the space nor the money for a external decoder ;)

[Laryllan]

Valex, I might have a clue why it doesn´t work with DirectSound. After taking a look at ZoomPlayers filters currently in use, I discovered the following:
As soon as the signal gets to my decoder a 32ms buffer is created. You can check this at the DirectSound/WaveOut device properties (in "advanced" tab). Using DirectSound there is no buffer in any SPDIF output mode.

[Jm8]

Hi,

I've been followingthis thread for a few days and I have tried to do most of the suggestions I could find.

My system is this:
PIII 600 MHz
Matrox Dualhead graphics board, LCD + Projector connected.
Creative Live 5.1 digital
Pioneer Receiver

Projector is connected to the primary VGA...

OK I know I probably have the worst setup possible for this but I've had some luck atleast.

My main problem has been that as soon as I choose SPDIF output I get sound that is interrupet several times per second and therefore sound very choppy, if that is a word. I have also noticed that the picture get less smooth as soon as I choose SPDIF. I then by accident tried to modify the settings for the graphics board during playback and voilá suddenly the sound was perfect and picture sharp as h.. I then went to fullscreen mode and that when I turned into a sad mode again, the picture was very choppy, could be due to the fact that the Pc is a bit too slow.

Sound works in these circumstances:
* Start movie
* Go into graphics settings and change dual head properties and select apply and then change back.
* Finished

This works with direct sound/Wave out/ any AC-3 filter. I tried Valex, Elegards and the Intervideo.

Is there a chance that I might get video to performe better do you think? I'm using ffdshow, but have tried the normal XVID decoder(the film is in Xvid).


I actually also tried to modify the hardware acceleration for video and that also changed the behaviour a little, when disabling DirectX
I had good sound without changing dual head properties. Haven't done thismore then one time though...

Regards,
Jm8


I've been trying all types of

[GAteKeeper]

I have a TB Santa Cruz (Technically a videologic Sonic Fury) and windows XP sp1 and i cant get the SP/DIF out to work on any versions of ac3filter (tried 0.55 0.63 and 0.64).

@Matter I see that you have used/still use a SC and i was wondering how you have it set up. I only have a digital connection to my amp and so i have the digital out enabled by default.

Edit: I have had a further play and PowerDVD can do the pass though but ac3filter cant. TB SC driver: 5.12.1.4161

TIA

GAteKeeper

[MaTTeR]

Hi GAteKeeper,

I have the TB Santa Cruz in a Win2K/SP3 box along with the 4161 drivers as well. All versions since 0.55 of AC3filter have passed AC3 & DTS flawlessly for me so far. The latest RC2 build also passes audio in all 3 of the SPDIF modes offered. Like you, I've only got a digital cable going to my external amp.

IIRC AC3filter is also using WaveOut with TBSC instead of the DirectSound render. Maybe this is the issue?? The latest RC2 build of the filter includes a script to change. BTW- I think you have to make sure the windows control panel is set to headphone speakers, sort of odd but makes since because thats the digital out port.

[GAteKeeper]

@MaTTer thanks for your reply.

I have found that ac3filter is outputting to the SP/DIF!!

Its just that its only utilising 1 channel of the SP/DIF, the right and my home built 75ohm 3.5mm Jack to RCA was using the left.

All other sounds appear on both digital channels but when a SP/DIF pass though is enabled it cuts the sound.

So i think this should be a caveat about the digital out on Santa Cruz's!

OK so back to the soldering iron for me :D

Edit: Ok after more testing rc2 only works in waveout mode (DSound give a cant connect to pin error), 0.55 works in directsound and waveout. SO i am using 0.55 to avoid the CPU load issue with the 0.63/4 versions.

Thanks

GAteKeeper

[Valex]

http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_rc3.exe

I hope this version solves DirectSound/SPDIF problem (cannot connect pins) and more stable channels switching.

ookzDVD:
It is possible that it will help with channel jumping problem too.

GAteKeeper:
I am using 0.55 to avoid the CPU load issue with the 0.63/4 versions.

Hmmm. What is about CPU load?

[ookzDVD]

Originally posted by Valex
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_rc3.exe

I hope this version solves DirectSound/SPDIF problem (cannot connect pins) and more stable channels switching.

ookzDVD:
It is possible that it will help with channel jumping problem too.



@Valex,

Just test it and I still got jumping channel while pause/play.

[Laryllan]

SPDIF output works flawlessly in ALL SPDIF-out modes.

A big THX to you, Valex!

[bflora1952]

I rip ac3 files from dvd's to make cd's and mp3's. Wimp and winamp w/plug-in both play the ripped ac3 audio files on my computer. If I connect the sp/dif out on my TB Santa Cruz to digital input on receiver, will I be able to pass the ac3 to the receiver for processing? Will I need any of the ac3 filters being discussed if I only want audio ac3?

[Valex]

Hi everybody!

I need to test new version prerelease:
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_0_67b_rc2.exe

Added saving options to file and auto-load settings from the file with the same name as movie file. Useful to create movie-specific settings files that for example can be written to CD with movie.

[KyleK]

I just tried to test your latest version, 0.67rc2, but it doesnt seem to work. The .ax file gets registered, but when i start a movie with ac3 sound, the filter won't be used (the player uses the cyberlink filter instead).
This happens both with 5.1 and 2.0 ac3 files.

I got a SB Audigy, using Zoomplayer 3.00b6 for playback.
Ah, and I set output to Waveout.

[ookzDVD]

@Valex,

The jumping channel problem after pause/play is still going.

[Valex]

@KyleK
Did previous versions work well?

[KyleK]

Originally posted by Valex
@KyleK
Did previous versions work well?

Well, yes. I have used (and using now) v0.63b and it's working fine.

[TherapyClown]

hi valex,
0.67 won't work on my system (0.66 works fine on directsound but i can't seem to get it working with waveout, 0.63 works fine on both)

when i'm trying to open a file (using zoom player 3.00 beta 6) i get an error message saying: "Invalid floating point operation"

thnx alot for your work on this great filter...

TherapyClown

btw, i'm using Audigy, WinXP sp1, also using ReClock as audio renderer

[Micro]

@TherapyClown,

This can also be caused by latest ReClock (h)
Obviously it needs lot of time and efforts to get this
filter-renderer chain to work properly.

Greetings to Valex and OGO for nice work !

Micro

[mmorselli]

From zoomplayer forum:

----------------------------------------------------------
mmorselli:

Zoomplayer 3.0 RC2 + Ac3Filter 0.68b_RC1
VMR9, ffdshow ( no reclock )...

The problem: with (and only) AVI files with AC3 Audio, fast forward don't works in zoomplayer if I set SPDIF out in Ac3filter. Setting 2.0 stereo all works fine...
Note that rewind works fine in all case...

Thats a Blight or Valex issue ?

---------------------------------------------------------
blight:

Rewind works because it's based on frame skipping. Fast-forward may or may not work if the filter does not support playback in a faster rate.

This a valex issue. Mail the author asking for support of faster play rate for the filter, maybe muting audio when non 1.0 rate is set (as he can't re-encode ac3 packet to make them sound faster).

[int 21h]

Just wanted to follow up on this and say keep up the great work Valex, and I'm glad that the source is easily available on Sourceforge and that you respect the original license :) Take it easy and best of luck on the future development of this great project.

[Hans Ohlo]

hi,

AC3Filter 0.68b, MediaPlayer classic & BSPlayer

i use a soundblaster audigy 2 do decode the spdif throughput ac3 signal. the problem is, when i seek into the avi with ac3 sound the sound gets out of sync. i testet this with directsound and wave out with no success. with the intervideo filter this works proberly, but thios filter doesnt keep the spdif setting.

@valex: great work, please go on and make it mor perfekt (like the problem i described ;))

[MCFish]

I have always had trouble with ac3filter. and therefor have not used it much. had to settle down with intervideo's filter. After a reinstall that filter wouldnt keep the spdif setting, i tried this and that, to no avail. ac3filter just defaulted to 2.0 each time i loaded a movie. I dont know what i did,(tried it all) but now ac3filter works in cooperation with intervideo. both gets loaded when i load a ac3 movie,and if i remove one of them, the other wont work.
Have selected spdif in ac3filter, and it now sticks. should it be like that?

xp + gtxp 7.1

Fish

[Doom9]

@valex: 0.68b finally allows for 5.1 output on AVI/AC3s on my Abit AT7 Max2 board. Good job.