Request: Multichannel Audio

[Spiny]

Hi

I have a feature request for the Apple TV converter -

will it be able to convert files to have multiple audio channels. I.e. take the AC3 stream from a file and create an MP4 with multiple audio channels?

I can't see any reason to buy an Apple TV if I have to watch all my DVD rips down mixed to stereo :eek:

[Red Kawa]

This is definitely something we hope to add, but only if the Apple TV actually supports multichannel audio.

[Spiny]

Thanks for the response, good to hear.

[billabong]

I think that may be the issue I'm having converting a MKV... It has a DTS audio so it plays the audio at half the speed... See my other post for info...

[Spiny]

>This is definitely something we hope to add, but only if the Apple TV actually supports multichannel audio

Anyone know if it acutually puts out 5.1 over the spdif? I've heard conflicting reports.

[mightymike]

I've successfully encoded 5.1 files, but it seems that the channels are routed incorrectly. The C channel seems to be coming through the R front channel. (Note this is using Dolby Pro Logic I and II). I've verified this with multiple encodes. Is this something that can be fixed in the encoder? I have several test files that play each audio channel correctly.

[mightymike]

>This is definitely something we hope to add, but only if the Apple TV actually supports multichannel audio

Anyone know if it acutually puts out 5.1 over the spdif? I've heard conflicting reports.

I just loaded dts and ac3 files to my AppleTV from http://www.diatonis.com/downloads_dts_ac3.html

To my supprise, ATV passed AC3 and DTS through the optical link. It's supported!!! :)

[Red Kawa]

The (off the shelf) AppleTV will not produce discrete 5.1 sound. This is an issue with the Apple TV and not with the video encoder. Until Apple fixes this, you are only going to get DPL I or II. There are a few articles on the web about this.

With a Hacked AppleTV, which is what I imagine mightymike is using, it may be possible to play discrete 5.1 sound. Though if you hacked the AppleTV, you've probably installed Perian anyways and don't even need to re-encode your files.

[mightymike]

With a Hacked AppleTV, which is what I imagine mightymike is using, it may be possible to play discrete 5.1 sound. Though if you hacked the AppleTV, you've probably installed Perian anyways and don't even need to re-encode your files.

Mine is stock. I haven't attempted to hack it just yet. Just try loading the previously referenced WAV files to ATV via iTunes (note that these will not play in iTunes properly, but will on ATV). Can DTS or Dolby Digital be encoded on an h.264 file?

[Daelemans]

This issue is relevant again since Apple TV 2.0 was just released with Dolby Digital 5.1 support.

The story I'm hearing is that a ".mov" container with an "AC3" stream is how Apple is delivering their Dolby Digital HD Movies.

I've used Videora a few times to convert .mkv (x264) files with good results. Is it possible to set it up to retain the AC3 track?