Imported MPEG has NO audio

[RobbieB73]

HELP!

I recently imported mpeg files from my sony handycam. When using Pinnacle or other Movie Software programs there is no problem with audio. And playing the mpeg file by itself in a standalone meda player works fine.

However when trying to import it from my hard disk and and/or a DVD backup copy I cannot get audio. Yet the properties of the mpeg file are showing there is audio in the clip.

I have checked all my properties on volume and recording and everything is at an audible level with no mutes selected.

Here is the properties of the various mpeg files I've attempted to use:

File format: NTSC DVD
File Size: 7,296 KB
Duration: 9.009 Seconds

Video Type: MPEG-2 Video, Upper Field First
Total Frames: 270 frames
Attributes: 24 Bits, 704 x 480, 4:3
Frame Rate: 29.970 Frames/Sec
Date Rate: Variable bit rate (max. 9300 kbps)

Audio Type: Dolby Digital Audio
Total Samples: 432,432 samples
Attributes: 48000 Hz
Layer: None
Bit Rate: 256 kbps

ANY HELP WOULD BE GREATLY APPRECIATED! I have a major project that is on hold because I can't get it to work on VS8 right. This is the only program I have that allows me to use 2 video tracks and I need to use them.

Thanks so much..
Robbie B.

[RobbieB73]

I looked at other imported mpegs and avis and they all have an audio layer of 2.

Upon further investigation all these particular mpegs show a Ulead codec for audio when used elsewhere.

Any clues......anyone????

[Ken Berry]

Video Studio can only import Dolby digital audio through use of a special additional module. Unfortunately, Ulead charge around US$30 for that. It will allow you to both import video with Dolby audio attached, and/or process existing audio in another format and output it on your final DVD into space-saving Dolby format.

If you do a search on this Board for AC-3 or Dolby, you should also be able to find a reference to a freeware module which will at least allow you to import your Dolby audio, though it will not allow you to process and output it in that format. In fact, there was just a discussion of this a few days ago...

Good luck.

[quintalcosta]

No doubt about it. You need the dolby digital AC-3 plug-in. The same happened to me, until I installed this plug-in.

However, let me tell you that I have been having lots of problems using it. From one moment to another, it just stops working, and it is impossible to reinstall. I do not know if this problem occours with other users but this is my experience.

Regards.

Quintal Costa
Portugal

[cjdame]

So am I correct in understanding that Ulead's product does not work "out of the box" with Sony cameras? It is absolutely ridiculous to think that I have to purchase a plug in so that I can hear the audio.

[Ken Berry]

Ridiculous it may well be. Furthermore, it is not just 'Sony cameras', but ANY camera that produces audio in AC-3 Dolby that VS 8 needs the plug-in for (plus, of course, any other imported material which contains audio in Dolby format).

[THoff]

The AC-3 format needs to be licensed from Dolby Laboratories. Ulead can either include support for the AC-3 format out-of-the-box and make even those users who do not require it pay extra, or they can sell it as an addon.

I would direct my anger at Sony -- it's nice that they support AC-3 in their product (and you paid for that support when you bought the camcorder, whether you like it or not), but it would be nice if they gave you an option to record in AC-3 or the more common LPCM/MPEG2 format (depending on the video standard).

Not all DVD players natively support Dolby decoding either. Many simply have pass-through support, again because of licensing and cost issues.