DVD Encoding, Audio question regarding AC3, PCM, MP2

[Exiler]

Allright, I am pretty new with DVD encoding and have been wondering
about the audio encoding when making a MPEG-2 File for DVD authoring using TEMGEnc.

There are 2 options when making (Converting from other video format) a MPEG-2 file for the audio, PCM and MP2 file. Now I think PCM is uncompressed audio (WAV file) so you can only burn 155 Min and it must work in all StandAlone DVD Players, but what about the MP2 file? Does it work it all DVD Players? Is it like AC3 format? Also how come there is no option to create AC3 file in TMPGEnc?

My DVD Player is a Sony DVP-NS300.The worst DVD Player ever, can't read SVCD, XVCD wont work, BUT it can play DVD-R Media (Ritek), and I've seen it work with Audio with AC3, does that mean MP2 audio will work?

[roach76]

TMPGEnc just don't support AC3, it's primary function is video, and it's audio encoding is not the best, pretty crap actually that is why they give the option for external programs when it comes to audio.

If you must use TMPGEnc for audio make sure you download SSRC for the sampling rate convertor and toolame for encoding to MPEG2 (Layer 2) audio and change TMPGEnc's external program settings to point to SSRC for converting the sampling rate and toolame for encoding the audio (under Options->Environmental Settings >External tool). ALOT BETTER than using TMPGEnc's own encoder and just as easy.

As for compatability with MPEG Layer 2, it is not a problem with PAL players. But with NTSC you must have at least 1 PCM or AC3 audio track on there as well.

[Exiler]

Hi,

Thanx for the reply, you saved me from making a coaster, regarding the atleast 1 PCM or AC3 audio, can I have the menu (backgroud sound) use an AC3 or PCM audio, will that work with NTSC StandAlone DVD Player?

Or maybe if that will not work, can I have maybe a chapter (very small one MPEG-2 Video WITH AC3 audio) before the menu appears work?
This video will be forced to run before the menu appears.

On another note, if I made a PAL MPEG-2 with an AC3 file into it, it won't cause any problems right? If played on a StandAlone PAL DVD Player?

The reason for the PAL questions is, I'm making a Family video for both NTSC and PAL, so it can be played whatever the country I am.



Also thanx for the Audio suggestion, yeah I've been using LAME for quite a while (VCD).

[roach76]

I can't test that personally because I live in the PAL Territory. But from how I interpret the definition of the NTSC DVD Standard, I think an AC3 or PCM track must be present not just a section. But give it a test on a DVD+/-RW and post your result here. Your player could be one of those few NTSC Players that don't have a problem playing a disc if none of those 2 tracks are present.

For the PAL question you have to have at least 1 audio track of MPEG-1 Layer2, Dolby Digital AC3 or PCM Audio. You don't have to have one of each, just one of them. So it wouldn't cause a problem at all.

Most DVD Players, I know for PAL Territories anyway can play both NTSC and PAL. The important thing is the disc is 'Region Free'.

[auenf]

Originally posted by Exiler
There are 2 options when making (Converting from other video format) a MPEG-2 file for the audio, PCM and MP2 file. Now I think PCM is uncompressed audio (WAV file) so you can only burn 155 Min and it must work in all StandAlone DVD Players, but what about the MP2 file? Does it work it all DVD Players? Is it like AC3 format? Also how come there is no option to create AC3 file in TMPGEnc?

first, the abbrev. MP2 is offically for MPEG 2 Program streams (ie the same as M2P), and mpeg layer2 audio is actually called M2A.

as has been said, TMPGEnc doesnt support creation of AC3 files, cause TMPGEnc is primarily a MPEG creation program (but it does allow muxing of mpv and ac3 together to a program stream).

M2A is supported by ALL DVD players sold in PAL regions, but in NTSC, the player doesnt have to support it.

even tho all PAL DVD players support M2A, doesnt mean they can decode it to the digital out, which is the only audio connection people use if they have a good reciever. instead the DVD Player sends the RAW M2A stream thru the speedif, and the reciever doesnt know about it, and doesnt play anything. then the user thinks the disc is bad.

the MOST compatible format is PCM, but thats huge, which is why AC3 is the preffered format.

Enf...