AC3Filter prerelease version (ac3/dts/lpcm support)

[DKDIB]

Pogo stick wrote:
> I may be wrong, but Tuning didn't mean that AAC shouldn't be
> included in AC3Filter.
> [...]

Sorry, you're right! ^^''
I misunderstanding Tuning because I read his post after this one:

Valex wrote:
> Planning [AAC N.d.DK] (and OGG too)... Moreover it is no troubles to
> add new decoders anymore.

[Valex]

@Mitchjs
I couldnt get a .DTS file to pass its 44.1k sampling...
Which sound card? My experiments at ixbt forum show that some sound cards cannot work with 44100Hz SPDIF output sample rate...

could you make a option to disable all AC3 encoding...
You're right...

[Valex]

@Shayne
Try rc2 version...

[Valex]

@yablo
Unfortunately in this version the feature just teases me. It will work for a short amount of time (less than 30sec) before the audio cuts out.

If you have some free time to perform testing just write to my email...

[SeeMoreDigital]

Although you've confirmed that your apps name will remain AC3Filter, I have to say I would still love to see AAC LC and HE decoding incorporated.

There are precious few 'hardware' amplifiers that can accommodate: AC3, DTS, LPCM and AAC streams. So having an piece of 'software' that could do it would be a big bonus.


Cheers

[Valex]

@arty
how about DTS encoding instead of DD (or together)?
It will require too much time. And AC3 decoders are more widespread...

[Valex]

@Solo
I battled to get my external amp to recognise my AC3 audio track last night.

yes, SPDIF output is still buggy...

The SPDIF (disabled) check box confuses me With old filter I just selected spdif out from drop down menu and all OK. Is spdif then enabled but default ?

The problem is:
1) SPDIF output is not always possible.
2) Filter should correctly switch between formats.

If I have DVD with AC3 and LPCM audio tracks I have to switch from AC3 passthrough mode to LPCM mode and vice versa. So you cannot just set SPDIF output, because it is not always possible to use it and SPDIF output state may change during opertaion. It is very complicated problem and it is why I need your help with SPDIF testing...

[Valex]

Forgot to say thanks to Josip Tosic for new 'splash screen', it is much more pleasant :) (I'm not too good designer :) )

[Valex]

I will be out till monday. Hope somebody could make some tests with new version.

[Soulhunter]

Very nice, THX... :)

Btw, would it be possible to add a limiter/compressor for each channel ???


Bye

[Tuning]

Originally posted by Valex
Because it replaces MatrixMixer functionality and can do post-processing for any audio source. To disable this disable 'Use AC3Filter for PCM' option at 'System' page. [/B]

Thanks valex,

Greetings!:)

[rjamorim]

Originally posted by Valex
Layer 1/2 formats are mandatory for DVD playback.

Layer 1 is mandatory for DVD? O_o

I thought the only mandatory layer 1 usage was in Philips DCC circa 1992-1996

Anyway, do you plan to support MP3 decoding (with MAD, hopefully ;) )?

Why? It is good and well-known 'brand' :)

But it no longer reflects the filter's capabilities. It's like calling ffdshow "mpeg4decoder", but it's far from being only that. It decodes other formats, postprocesses, applies subtitles...

[SeeMoreDigital]

Originally posted by rjamorim
...But it no longer reflects the filter's capabilities. It's like calling ffdshow "mpeg4decoder", but it's far from being only that. It decodes other formats, postprocesses, applies subtitles... Agreed... Nice analogy!

This is now 'one hell of a filter'. And needs a name to reflect this!


Cheers

[jorel]

thank you Valex, AC3Filter very cool! :) waiting for the equalizer(again).
...why don't upload the download link(new versions)in the first post?

[Tanshu]

Thanks Valex, AC3Filter is the best. The process PCM part is really great.

[MentholMoose]

Originally posted by rjamorim
But it no longer reflects the filter's capabilities.AC3Filter will decode, passthrough, or encode AC3 streams. How is the name not accurate? You might be confusing some of the wording used in the thread... it does not decode formats such as AAC and MP3, rather it can serve as a post-processor for them (in which case it will be encoding an AC3 stream).

It's like calling ffdshow "mpeg4decoder", but it's far from being only that. It decodes other formats, postprocesses, applies subtitles... Its no worse than calling ffdshow "ffdshow", because ffdshow does a lot more than implement stuff from ffmpeg into DirectShow.

[Rash]

Wow, is this awsome or what!? Thank you so much Valex! ;)

May I make a tiny request? :) Would you mind adding tooltips for the options? I, for example, don't know what bass redirection does. :(

[Mitchjs]

Valex

With RC2

I got 44.1 DTS to pass, when i switched my Renderer to DIRECTSOUND
when in WAV out it didnt pass

and I was using WAV out cause RC1's AC3 had problems with my DIRECTSOUND

now all WORKING GREAT!!!

Thanks again!

yes, please add the disable AC3 Encoding checkbox

Wonderful work!
if your taking any donations... point me to ya!

mitch

[timeismoney]

Valex

I compared AC3 Filter and InterVideo Audio Decoder

to decode DTS, AC3 Filter's Voice is louder than InterVideo

to decode AC3, AC3 Filter is too silence... I have to "gain" to get sound can be loudness enough just like InterVideo...

[rjamorim]

Originally posted by MentholMoose
AC3Filter will decode, passthrough, or encode AC3 streams. How is the name not accurate? You might be confusing some of the wording used in the thread... it does not decode formats such as AAC and MP3, rather it can serve as a post-processor for them (in which case it will be encoding an AC3 stream).

:rolleyes:

It already decodes DTS, LPCM and MPEG audio lI and lII. Valex also reported that he plans to support AAC and Vorbis in the future (so, you are confusing what you read in this thread), and I guess MP3 will be supported too. Sure, calling it AC3filter is not incorrect. But, as time goes by and more formats and features are added, this name starts representing only a small fraction of what it does. So, sticking to it now that it no longer represents the scope of the filter is retarded, IMO.

Its no worse than calling ffdshow "ffdshow", because ffdshow does a lot more than implement stuff from ffmpeg into DirectShow.

But the decoding formats mostly come from ffmpeg, if not all of them. Some of the other routines also come from ffmpeg. And - what is MOST important, and you are completely missing the point - is that the name ffdshow isn't tying the filter to any format or process. AC3filter is tying it to a format.

[Jerry_Sm@rt]

But it does not work when choosing dolby prologic.

[MoonWalker]

Just tried RC2 and AC3 passthrough works ok, but I am a little confused..When I change the speaker settings the output changes.Why is that?If you have an AC3 Extrernal decoder you have 5.1 speakers (or more) so why if I set it to 2/0 the output sound changes(or at least is seems to changes, because the sound makes a "flashing" when a change it").Also when I set the output tou 16bit when using passthrough it changes to disabled and when I set it to 24bit or 32 it's ok.

Great work valex

MoonWalker

[Valex]

http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_1_01a_rc3.exe

Fixed problem with AC3 encode mode and bug with switching between SPDIF and PCM output.

[Valex]

http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_1_01a_rc4.exe
Fixed bug with Dolby Surround output (filter did not load)

[Josip Tosic]

Originally posted by rjamorim
:rolleyes:
It already decodes DTS, LPCM and MPEG audio lI and lII. Valex also reported that he plans to support AAC and Vorbis in the future (so, you are confusing what you read in this thread), and I guess MP3 will be supported too. Sure, calling it AC3filter is not incorrect. But, as time goes by and more formats and features are added, this name starts representing only a small fraction of what it does. So, sticking to it now that it no longer represents the scope of the filter is retarded, IMO.
[...]
What's in a name? That which we call a rose by any other name would smell as sweet. :)

[Tanshu]

Thanx Valex for the great codec, but can I make one very small suggestion. Can you please put the RC version in the actual codec. With these releases, it will make it just a tad bit easier to check the version installed if the codec shows the version along with 1.01a in the config box.

[neo75903]

hey man,

great work!
k just donwloaded rc3 an hour ago! :) donwloading rc4 right now.

RC3 works fine with AC3 input, the only output i got from 5.1AAC is a cracking noisy sound through SPDIF, analogue output worksfine.
My soundcard is a Hercules GameTheater 6.1.

[neo75903]

Hi just did a quick test with RC4 same results with aac5.1 SPDIF out, got cracking noisy sound over again, analogue miltichan is ok.

for Game Theater users, you need to enable "PowerDVD software player" in your soundcard panel to get SPDIF output.

[Valex]

@neo75903
So, PCM and SPDIF passthrough are working ok, only ac3 encode mode still has a problem?

[yevaman]

Hey there , It's a damn wonderful job..Anyway there is some bugs in my side. I hope that together we can help you to go to a stable and non-bugged version :)

I use media player classic 6.8.2 and disable all his internal filters. Then I use yours. I have to say That I only use SPDIF output , and the sound is decoded in my external decoder 5.1.

All seems to be ok with ac3 and dts file. SOund is great and well decoded.

Anyway i've got some problemes concerning DVD part. It seems that u'r codec has problem to jump betweeen pcm and dobly or dts.. Let me explain..

I Own a dvd called " redhot chili pepers live in slane castle".
With I lauch it with ur filters it's ok, the first part ( intro -> menu) is in LPCM but As soon as i wanna choose a song ( and then this one have to pass to dts or 5.1) the screen Freeze , no sound at all and i Have to restart my pc..

I own a terratec fun 5.1 , my proc is an Atlhon XP 2000+

Hope u can fix that ! :) If u need help I'm there !

See ya and thx for ur work

[neo75903]

idd, all seems to work fine except from sending a AC3 signal to my amp.
The result is a cracky noisy sound which i presume the ac3 encoding part is not right yet.
I have a Sony STR DB1070 amp, which is an excellent AC3 decoder, and that Multi Chan led is so kewl when it is lid on :)

btw nice peace of software!

Regards Neo75903

[neo75903]

i mean AC3 signal encoded from my 5.1aac source.
AC3 source works perfect.
Is it true that AC3 filter is going to support 5.1aac?

pls say yes :)

PS testing DVD playback soon.

[Valex]

@neo75903
>Is it true that AC3 filter is going to support 5.1aac?

Yes, but later. Noew I want to make at least first release of new version...

>PS testing DVD playback soon.
If you have mixed formats DVDs please try what yevaman wrote about... (switch between formats in SPDIF output mode)

[yevaman]

What about my problems Valex ? did u find something ?

If u need real time test we can meet on irc if u want..

[HarryM]

Valex:

Milan works intensively on a audio part of "ffdshow", which is similar to your second-generation AC3filter project (multiformat audio decoder).

Can you colaborate on this?

[Blight]

Valex:
There seems to be some sort of timing issue with DTS decoding, here are the details:

1. DTS VOB file from http://www.cinenow.com/us/vobtrailer.php3/id,19/
2. Open Source MPEG Splitter http://inmatrix.osnn.net/osmpegsplitter29032004_nt.exe
3. Open Source MPEG2 Video Decoder http://www.inmatrix.com/download/osmpegviddec29032004_nt.exe

Graph is:

File Source Async -> Splitter -> Video Decoder -> Overlay Mixer -> Video Renderer
________________________ -> AC3 Filter -> Default DirectShow Device

I've experimented with this in GraphEdit with the AC3 Filter at it's default setting (Audio decoded to 2.0 stereo, no S/PDIF).

What happens is that the VOB is played in slow-motion. When trying to use the OpenSource Audio Decoder, it plays the clip smoothly.

[Frisco]

Thanx Valex for the great codec

My Setup is :

Main\Output
- Dolby ProLogic II
- PCM 16 bit
- "True" in SPDIF

System\Use AC3Filter for..
- "True" in AC3

System\SPDIF
- "True" in AC3

This, SPDIF passthrougt, work in RC2, but not in RC4.

(Input sound is AC3 - 48000Hz)

Hi Frisco

[hippoth]

Problems with RC4:

I don´t get S/PDIF passthrough (5.1 AC3 48 KHz), when I disable "SPDIF (disable)" in the main-register despite it is enabled in the system-register (I have all options enabled there)...I mean I don´t have any AC3 5.1 sound with this options but I can hear 2.0 AC3 (your maria.ac3 test file) and stereo sound files

...and in the contrary I can´t play normal stereo and 2.0 AC3 (your maria.ac3 test file) files when I enable "SPDIF (disable)" in the main-register but get S/PDIF passthrough for 5.1

for understanding:

what do I have to set in the main-register, in the output?
what quantisation I have to choose for the PCM...16, 24, 32 or float?

and a last understanding question: when I enable the "SPDIF (disable)"-switch in the main-register your filter tries to encode the stereo to an AC3 singnal or?


I hope it´s not to confusing

[neo75903]

DVD playback trials.
- DVD playback with SPDIF did not work. Tried it with several DVDs.
Movie hangs at the very first second, Analogue playback is ok.

- Locally saved saved VOBS (no menu, main movie only) do play correctly through SPDIF with a few ticks or interruption here and while which does not occur when i passthrough the signal. Analogue is also ok.

Guess AC3 encoding need some more work.

MPC 6.4.8.2, all filters switched off.

Well so far my evening, good nite lads :)

[Rash]

Just a question. The Bass Redirection is the one that mixes the LFE channel on the other outputs, for those 4.0 with filtered sub-woofer like me? :)

Thanks a lot Valex, once again.

[yevaman]

"DVD playback trials.
- DVD playback with SPDIF did not work. Tried it with several DVDs.
Movie hangs at the very first second, Analogue playback is ok."

Same problems there , analog is ok but as soon as it switch to 5.1 or dts --> freeze

Divx+ ac3 ok anyway
Dts sample too

Divx + 2 way stereo -> crappy sound


All with SPDIF output

[basje]

Originally posted by yevaman
"DVD playback trials.
- DVD playback with SPDIF did not work. Tried it with several DVDs.
Movie hangs at the very first second, Analogue playback is ok."

Same problems there , analog is ok but as soon as it switch to 5.1 or dts --> freeze

Divx+ ac3 ok anyway
Dts sample too

Divx + 2 way stereo -> crappy sound


All with SPDIF output

I have the exact same problem with DVD playback. I get 100% CPU use. Analog is fine.

Groeten,

Bas

[Mitchjs]

Valex,

RC4 is definitly broken on DTS

when it sees my .dts file i see the stream input section going crazy
it never passes, and i get silence

going back to RC2 works

keep up the good work... anything to help

if ya can squeeze in me the disable all AC3 encode, then
i can use this filter for mpg and pcm (i want the NForce HW to do the encode)

mitch

[Firewave]

I got a problem with the "Output". I set it to "2/0+SW 2.1 stereo" in the OFFLINE configuration. When I start a movie and got into the configuration of the AC3Filter it shows "3/0 - 3 front". And when I go into the OFFLINE configuration after that it's also set to "3/0 - 3 front".
Using the 1.01a RC4.

[dimzon]

Originally posted by HarryM
Valex:

Milan works intensively on a audio part of "ffdshow", which is similar to your second-generation AC3filter project (multiformat audio decoder).

Can you colaborate on this?
Yeah, I think it's good idea!

[Gibalou]

I've been looking for the source code of this pre-release version and couldn't find it.

Anybody knows where it is available ?

[oddball]

Just to confirm that AC3 passthru does not work over SPDIF in RC4 (It just sends PCM not matter what).

[Valex]

@Blight

Everything is too sad...

First. The OpenSource MPEG2 Splitter has a bug. It detects 22050Hz DTS where it is 48000Hz... I follow timestamps come from upstream (otherwise desync is possible in some cases) what leads to slow audio playback...

Second. Standard MPEG2 Splitter (and MPEG2 Demultiplexer) does not understand .vob with only one dts track.

Third. Media Player Classics has the same problem with sample rate detection when switching from ac3 to dts track. In case of only one dts track player decodes it by itself regardless of the fact that decoder is turned off in options.

:(

[Valex]

@All
http://ac3filter.sourceforge.net/download/ac3filter_1_01a_rc5.exe
SPDIF passthrough is back...

[Valex]

@Rash
>Just a question. The Bass Redirection is the one that mixes the LFE channel on the other outputs, for those 4.0 with filtered sub-woofer like me?

No. Bass redirection routes basses from all channes to subwoofer (if exists at output). So it is not required for you (it just does not work in your case).