AVI File Player with Multichannel Support Found!!!

[FallOutBoyTonto]

I've got a lot of AVI movies that have AC3 already mixed into it. But whenever I try to play the files I only get stereo sound. Are there any programs that play avi's and have support for surround sound?

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<P ID="edit"><FONT SIZE=-1><EM>Edited by FallOutBoyTonto on 07/21/03 02:58 PM.</EM></FONT></P>

 

[elzt]

Have you tried DVD player software like PowerDVD? I know it's got AC3 support.

 

[FallOutBoyTonto]

I use MSI DVD with multichannel support for watching DVD's, I'm pretty sure that runs on the WinDVD source code. I'm able to get surround sound with that program. I haven't tried using that to watch AVI files though, I'm not even sure if it can. But I'll try that tonight and post results tomorrow. Thanks for the suggestion!

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[NurseMSIC]

WinDVD, although advertised as a DVD player, is really just a decent media player, with an option to auto-detect and play what it recognises as DVD's in a DVD ROM.
So it'll play nearly any type of file, including AVIs (which themselves can actually be very different due to the number of different codecs available). I don't think it can play either Quicktimes or Real player files though.
If you try to play an AVI and it doesn't work, chances are you don't have the right codec installed yet. To do this, it'll often get the right codec if you open the file in Windows Media Player and let that auto-load the right codec from the internet.
Finally, as a last resort (and i doubt you'll have to do this) you can download and install the <A HREF="http/nimo.titanesk.com/modules/freecontent/index.php?id=2" target="_new">nimo codec pack</A> which has a large number of codecs in and can be very useful.

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[FallOutBoyTonto]

BTW, I already know about all the different codecs (divx, xvid, ac3, ogg vorbis, etc...) Also I already have the Nimo Codec Pack. So I know I can play the file, I just wasn't sure if I can get surround sound. Also WMP doesn't always auto-load the right codec properly, so I install it manually.

I'm not sure why but I completely forgot that I was going to try using MSI DVD to play my AVI's last night. I'll have to try during lunch hour and post results this afternoon.

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[FallOutBoyTonto]

The results are in! It ain't good. I was able to get MSI DVD to open the AVI file, but it was still stereo sound. While playing I went into the properties and I couldn't even choose which audio output type to choose. When playing DVD's I get the option of Stereo (with Dolby), 4 channel audio, 6 channel audio, or S/PDIF out. But while playing the AVI, everything was greyed out. MSI DVD is no longer an option for getting surround sound out of AVI files. Are there anymore suggestions?

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[lakedude]

I'm sorry if this sounds too dumb but are you sure that the AC3 is surround AC3? AC3 does not mean surround.

Try opening your file in a program like virtual dub and clicking on file information. This will tell you if the ac3 is just stereo or is multichannel.

Get VD at:<A HREF="http/www.doom9.net" target="_new">http/www.doom9.net</A> under download/AVI Editing tools/ VirtualDubMod 1.5.1.1a - VirtualDub plus Nandub audio + OGM/MPEG-2/AviSynth support

Do not get the unmodified VD cause it don't support ac3.

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[lakedude]

I just double checked to see if this thing works the way I said and it does.

Full instructions:

Download/run VD

Go to file/open video file and open the video in question

Go to file/file information and look at audio stream/channels. If it is only stereo it will say 2(stereo) and if it is surround it will say 5(stereo).

Don't let the word stereo throw you off just look at the number.

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[FallOutBoyTonto]

Its trying to be 5 channel audio, but it don't come out that way. I guess I'm out of luck trying to get surround sound out of my AVI files for now, until there is a program that can do it. I'll just keep my eyes open for such a program.

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[NurseMSIC]

Post back, i'll be watching and good luck

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[lakedude]

Doom9's Forum > General > Audio encoding > Ac3 Q&a

2.__Which software do I need to install for AC3 playback? Download Valex's AC3filter audio filters from Doom9’s download section under the filters category http/www.doom9.org/and install. This filter is highly recommended over any other AC3 capable filter, it's very feature rich and best of all it's Open Source. Valex's AC3filter homepage and the latest versions can also be found here. Please read over his excellent documentation for a full understanding of all the capabilities of the AC3filter. Valex frequently updates the package so you might check Doom9's news or the AC3filter page often.

Secondly, you will need to use your favorite media player to playback the media container (ie. OGM or AVI) which has the embedded the AC3 track.

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[FallOutBoyTonto]

I found something interesting! Maybe I'll be able to play my AVI files with multichannel support. <A HREF="http/forum.digital-digest.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=8080&highlight=multichannel" target="_new">Check this out!</A> I haven't tested it yet, just a post I found. Will do testing this weekend thou. Will post results.

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[FallOutBoyTonto]

IT WORKS! Yay! I am now enjoying 5.1 sound out of my collection of AVI movies. Good news for those that collect movies and want surround sound. <A HREF="http/www.bsplayer.org" target="_new">Go get the BSplayer</A>; for those interested.

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