Handbrake ac3 5.1 DVDrip for aTV and Front Row

[NiklasK]

Is there any way to make a compatible file from a DVD with ac3 5.1 surround that works on both the aTV and in Front Row on a Mac Mini/iMac?

If I choose the AppleTV preset in handbrake I get 5.1 through the aTV but only PCM inside Front Row and if I manufacture a file that works with 5.1 ac3 inside Front Row I only get pcm in the aTV.

 

[MacinJosh]

I make files with both Stereo downconversion (or was it dolby surround) and AC3 passthrough. They play fine in Front Row and iPod Touch but I don't have ATV to test the AC3 but according to the HB forums it does work indeed.

 

[Cave Man]

Is there any way to make a compatible file from a DVD with ac3 5.1 surround that works on both the aTV and in Front Row on a Mac Mini/iMac?

If I choose the AppleTV preset in handbrake I get 5.1 through the aTV but only PCM inside Front Row and if I manufacture a file that works with 5.1 ac3 inside Front Row I only get pcm in the aTV.

The problem is your Mac's Front Row. It is based on Quicktime, which is a piece of junk. What's particularly annoying is that it could be nice (ala Quicktime on the ATV), but for whatever reason Apple doesn't seem to want you to be able to digital audio on your Mac. You have to go through a number of convoluted steps to get there. My advice to you is to start using Plex on your Mac. It kicks QT's @$$.

 

[ibglowin]

To answer the question...

yes,

just select AC3 + AAC in the audio box and you will get a file that will play on both TV as well as Front Row

 

[Diode]

What codec's do you have installed on your mac mini w/ front row?

Try installing the A52Codec and let us know the results with the file that works fine on the ATV w/ AC3.

 

[Cave Man]

yes,

just select AC3 + AAC in the audio box and you will get a file that will play on both TV as well as Front Row

There is more to it than this. Configuring a Mac to do passthrough can be a challenging act, particularly since Apple disabled Perian passthrough after QT 7.4. In addition, the ATV preset activates AAC, not AC3, and you have to manually open the video in QT, deselect AAC and select AC3. What a pain in the backside (thanks Apple!).