AC3 and Surround Sound question

Drummerguy · Post by **Drummerguy** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 1:59 am

I am thinking about upgrading to VS10+, but first I was wondering if I can import video with AC3 audio in it to create a disc later. Also, I know that "Surround steering and panning capabilities allow for precise sound placement" in the program, but how many audio tracks are allowed at a time, and what is/are the audio output formats when I'm finished. If anyone could help me out, I would be very greatful

Post by **Ron P.** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:56 am

Hi Drummerguy, welcome to the forums..

First... You're from Kansas too??? Naw, can't be.. What part? Just curious, as you can see I'm also a Kansan..

Ok, back to your questions..

Yes VS10+ is capable of using AC3 audio, import and exporting. The program has the typical 2 xtra audio (music and narration). These are in addition to what's on your video clips. So if you have 6 overlay tracks, each containing audio, then that is a total of 9 audio tracks. ( Main video track, music, narration, 6 overlay)

Your output audio formats for NTSC DVD are LPCM (uncompressed takes alot of space away from your video), Dolby AC3 (2-channel) or Dolby 5.1.

Drummerguy · Post by **Drummerguy** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:00 am

Yep, I'm a Kansan. I live in Assaria (about 20mi south of Salina) Where about are you from?

I understand everything that you're saying except the overlay track. Is that the track associated with each video file? If it is, does that mean that I'll have to import 6 video files to obtain all 9 audio tracks? Also, I thought that AC3 is for 5.1 surround.

Thanks

Post by **Ron P.** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 4:31 am

Basically each video clip has an audio track mixed or multiplexed in. So there is audio with each video track, unless you have still images.

So yes the overlay tracks are associated with the video, but you can alter the audio settings on each of them. I know with the trial version you don't have access to Dolby audio, since it is fee based. In VS10 Plus, there is a 5.1 Surround Sound Mixer. This is where you do your steering for 5.1.

AC3 is the 2 channel (L/R) Dolby stereo, where 5.1 is of course the 5 channel (3/2 L,C,R,SL, SR).

Now comes the embarrassing part..

I just checked in VS10+ and it will allow you to customize or alter 4 audio tracks, (Main audio, 1-overlay, Narration, and Music). I tried adding video each having audio to 4 overlay video tracks. I could only access those mentioned above with the mixing console. (I sometimes get confused with MSP8, which has 99 video and audio tracks).

Seeing your profile, I understand why your interest in the audio aspect. However VS is designed more for video then the audio aspects.

If you've heard of Wolf Creek (Nuke Plant), I'm just about 15 miles North-east. I used to live just 4 miles straight north of the plant..

Drummerguy · Post by **Drummerguy** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 2:24 pm

Thanks for taking the time to answer my questions. You have been a great help. Like you said, I'm more interested in the audio portion of production, but still, I think I can manage to upgrade.

neonbob · Post by **neonbob** » Sun Nov 19, 2006 6:12 pm

vidoman wrote:Basically each video clip has an audio track mixed or multiplexed in. So there is audio with each video track, unless you have still images. So yes the overlay tracks are associated with the video, but you can alter the audio settings on each of them. I know with the trial version you don't have access to Dolby audio, since it is fee based. In VS10 Plus, there is a 5.1 Surround Sound Mixer. This is where you do your steering for 5.1.

AC3 is the 2 channel (L/R) Dolby stereo, where 5.1 is of course the 5 channel (3/2 L,C,R,SL, SR).

Now comes the embarrassing part..

I just checked in VS10+ and it will allow you to customize or alter 4 audio tracks, (Main audio, 1-overlay, Narration, and Music). I tried adding video each having audio to 4 overlay video tracks. I could only access those mentioned above with the mixing console. (I sometimes get confused with MSP8, which has 99 video and audio tracks).

Seeing your profile, I understand why your interest in the audio aspect. However VS is designed more for video then the audio aspects.

If you've heard of Wolf Creek (Nuke Plant), I'm just about 15 miles North-east. I used to live just 4 miles straight north of the plant..

This is wrong.

AC3 is dolby DIGITAL which can not be imported. AFAIK.... there are very few editors that can actually import AC3

You can import DOLBY PROLOGIC I and II because it is muxed into the analogue stereo signal, but you must not change any of the audio properties from the original settings.

Foe better explination of dolby systems... go here:

http://www.dolby.com/