No 5.1 surround sound on ATV2 with "handbraked" files

[wonkothesane258]

I found an aswer to my problem in another thread marked as "solved" but does not work for me. This is the situation:

What I do is transcoding my DVDs using RipIt Version 1.5.5 (1.5.5) / Handbrake Version 0.9.5 x86_64 (2011010300), using the "High Profie", and then adjusting the audio tracks typically as follows:

- track 1: english 5.1 --> encoder: AAC --> mixdown: Dolby Pro Logic II;
- track 2: english 5.1 --> encoder: AC3 Passthru --> mixdown: AC3 Passthru;
- track 3: german 5.1 --> encoder: AAC --> mixdown: Dolby Pro Logic II;
- track 4: german 5.1 --> encoder: AC3 Passthru --> mixdown: AC3 Passthru;

Now what I get is four language tracks when playing in iTunes or QuickTime: the two Dolby tracks are enabled and show up as "stereo" (ok, I guess from what I understand how Dolby Pro Logic works) and the two surround tracks grayed out (probably since there is no 5.1 system attached to my mac).

However, when I play the file from my ATV2 it shows only two language tracks (one German and one English) and from the sound quality it is definitely the "pseudo-5.1" coming from the stereo tracks mixed down as Dolby Pro Logic II.

So I still do not know what to do to play "real" 5.1 sound via my ATV from ripped DVDs.

Thanks for any advice!


Below an activity log from handbrake, just in case:

[09:36:02] hb_scan: path=/Users/mwiese/Movies/Alien3.dvdmedia, title_index=2
libbluray/bdnav/index_parse.c:157: indx_parse(): error opening /Users/mwiese/Movies/Alien3.dvdmedia/BDMV/index.bdmv
libbluray/bluray.c:960: nav_get_title_list(/Users/mwiese/Movies/Alien3.dvdmedia) failed (0x102840e00)
[09:36:02] bd: not a bd - trying as a stream/file instead
libdvdnav: Using dvdnav version 4.1.3
libdvdread: Using libdvdcss version 1.2.10 for DVD access
libdvdread: Couldn't find device name.
libdvdnav: Can't read name block. Probably not a DVD-ROM device.
libdvdnav: Unable to find map file '/Users/mwiese/.dvdnav/.map'
libdvdnav: DVD disk reports itself with Region mask 0x00fd0000. Regions: 2
libdvdread: Using libdvdcss version 1.2.10 for DVD access
libdvdread: Couldn't find device name.
[09:36:02] scan: DVD has 3 title(s)
[09:36:02] scan: scanning title 2
[09:36:02] scan: opening IFO for VTS 1
[09:36:02] scan: duration is 02:18:56 (8336240 ms)
[09:36:02] pgc_id: 2, pgn: 1: pgc: 0x12b2ee930
[09:36:02] scan: vts=1, ttn=2, cells=0->99, blocks=0->3441920, 3429517 blocks
[09:36:02] scan: checking audio 1
[09:36:02] scan: id=80bd, lang=English (AC3), 3cc=eng ext=0
[09:36:02] scan: checking audio 2
[09:36:02] scan: id=81bd, lang=Deutsch (AC3), 3cc=deu ext=0
[09:36:02] scan: checking audio 3
[09:36:02] scan: audio channel is not active
[09:36:02] scan: checking subtitle 1
[09:36:02] scan: id=20bd, lang=English, 3cc=eng
[09:36:02] scan: checking subtitle 2
[09:36:02] scan: id=21bd, lang=Deutsch, 3cc=deu
[09:36:02] scan: checking subtitle 3
[09:36:02] scan: id=22bd, lang=Deutsch, 3cc=deu
[09:36:02] scan: checking subtitle 4
[09:36:02] scan: id=23bd, lang=Deutsch, 3cc=deu
[09:36:02] scan: checking subtitle 5
[09:36:02] scan: id=25bd, lang=Deutsch, 3cc=deu
[09:36:02] scan: title 2 has 44 chapters
[09:36:02] scan: chap 1 c=0->0, b=0->57671 (57672), 213156 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 2 c=1->3, b=57672->71301 (13066), 45382 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 3 c=4->4, b=71722->199956 (128235), 286668 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 4 c=5->7, b=199957->252411 (52455), 156273 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 5 c=8->8, b=252412->296245 (43834), 162024 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 6 c=9->11, b=296246->320499 (23817), 87778 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 7 c=12->16, b=320500->451234 (129531), 454886 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 8 c=17->17, b=451235->507027 (55793), 119004 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 9 c=18->18, b=507426->641702 (134277), 265707 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 10 c=19->19, b=641703->711933 (70231), 119819 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 11 c=20->20, b=711934->796329 (84396), 153961 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 12 c=21->21, b=796330->850124 (53795), 105613 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 13 c=22->24, b=850125->985370 (135246), 336172 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 14 c=25->27, b=985371->1037593 (51778), 151286 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 15 c=28->28, b=1037594->1115582 (77989), 177034 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 16 c=29->33, b=1115583->1168573 (52405), 143354 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 17 c=34->36, b=1168574->1245043 (75765), 235676 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 18 c=37->41, b=1245044->1332339 (86763), 210593 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 19 c=42->44, b=1332340->1383936 (51133), 190234 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 20 c=45->45, b=1384241->1531409 (147169), 271729 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 21 c=46->46, b=1531410->1643597 (112188), 202449 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 22 c=47->50, b=1643598->1736820 (92655), 180965 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 23 c=51->51, b=1736821->1791556 (54736), 168961 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 24 c=52->54, b=1791557->1842466 (50226), 111072 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 25 c=55->55, b=1842467->1990771 (148305), 322851 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 26 c=56->56, b=1990772->2033105 (42334), 94634 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 27 c=57->57, b=2033106->2080107 (47002), 99651 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 28 c=58->58, b=2080108->2107711 (27604), 64664 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 29 c=59->60, b=2107712->2229922 (122211), 290821 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 30 c=61->64, b=2229923->2292450 (62001), 178491 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 31 c=65->65, b=2292451->2339830 (47380), 125871 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 32 c=66->72, b=2339831->2412053 (71704), 187962 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 33 c=73->74, b=2412054->2473132 (61079), 192536 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 34 c=75->76, b=2473133->2594330 (120524), 220355 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 35 c=77->82, b=2594331->2698210 (102908), 235093 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 36 c=83->85, b=2698211->2763691 (64953), 138066 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 37 c=86->86, b=2763692->2837813 (74122), 117687 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 38 c=87->89, b=2837814->2985667 (147127), 396293 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 39 c=90->90, b=2985668->3043964 (58297), 156997 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 40 c=91->91, b=3043965->3098499 (54535), 154835 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 41 c=92->92, b=3098500->3137772 (39273), 108699 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 42 c=93->95, b=3137773->3247840 (109532), 206652 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 43 c=96->98, b=3247841->3327008 (78559), 164386 ms
[09:36:02] scan: chap 44 c=99->99, b=3327009->3441920 (114912), 329879 ms
[09:36:02] scan: aspect = 0
[09:36:02] scan: decoding previews for title 2
libdvdnav: DVD disk reports itself with Region mask 0x00fd0000. Regions: 2
libdvdnav: Menu Languages available:
[09:36:02] scan: title angle(s) 1
[09:36:05] scan: audio 0x81bd: AC-3, rate=48000Hz, bitrate=384000 Deutsch (AC3) (5.1 ch)
[09:36:05] scan: audio 0x80bd: AC-3, rate=48000Hz, bitrate=448000 English (AC3) (5.1 ch)
[09:36:06] scan: 10 previews, 720x576, 25.000 fps, autocrop = 72/72/0/2, aspect 16:9, PAR 64:45
[09:36:06] scan: title (0) job->width:720, job->height:304
[09:36:07] libhb: scan thread found 1 valid title(s)
[09:36:07] macgui: ScanDone state received from fQueueEncodeLibhb
[09:36:07] macgui: Preset: High Profile
[09:36:07] macgui: processNewQueueEncode number of passes expected is: 1
[09:36:07] macgui: Start / Stop set to chapters
[09:36:07] macgui: prepareJob exiting
[09:36:07] 1 job(s) to process
[09:36:07] starting job
[09:36:07] sync: expecting 208430 video frames
[ac3 @ 0x102261200] No channel layout specified. The encoder will guess the layout, but it might be incorrect.
[ac3 @ 0x102078e00] No channel layout specified. The encoder will guess the layout, but it might be incorrect.
[09:36:07] job configuration:
[09:36:07] * source
[09:36:07] + /Users/mwiese/Movies/Alien3.dvdmedia
[09:36:07] + title 2, chapter(s) 1 to 44
[09:36:07] * destination
[09:36:07] + /Users/mwiese/Desktop/Alien3 DC.m4v
[09:36:07] + container: MPEG-4 (.mp4 and .m4v)
[09:36:07] + chapter markers
[09:36:07] * video track
[09:36:07] + decoder: mpeg2
[09:36:07] + bitrate 5500 kbps
[09:36:07] + frame rate: same as source (around 25.000 fps)
[09:36:07] + loose anamorphic
[09:36:07] + storage dimensions: 720 * 576 -> 720 * 432, crop 72/72/0/2, mod 16
[09:36:07] + pixel aspect ratio: 2872 / 2025
[09:36:07] + display dimensions: 1021 * 432
[09:36:07] + filters
[09:36:07] + Detelecine (pullup) (default settings)
[09:36:07] + Decomb (default settings)
[09:36:07] + encoder: x264
[09:36:07] + options: b-adapt=2:rc-lookahead=50
[09:36:07] + quality: 20.00 (RF)
[09:36:07] * audio track 0
[09:36:07] + decoder: English (AC3) (5.1 ch) (track 1, id 80bd)
[09:36:07] + bitrate: 448 kbps, samplerate: 48000 Hz
[09:36:07] + mixdown: Dolby Pro Logic II
[09:36:07] + encoder: ca_aac
[09:36:07] + bitrate: 160 kbps, samplerate: 48000 Hz
[09:36:07] * audio track 1
[09:36:07] + decoder: English (AC3) (5.1 ch) (track 1, id 80bd)
[09:36:07] + bitrate: 448 kbps, samplerate: 48000 Hz
[09:36:07] + AC3 passthrough
[09:36:07] * audio track 2
[09:36:07] + decoder: Deutsch (AC3) (5.1 ch) (track 2, id 81bd)
[09:36:07] + bitrate: 384 kbps, samplerate: 48000 Hz
[09:36:07] + mixdown: Dolby Pro Logic II
[09:36:07] + encoder: ca_aac
[09:36:07] + bitrate: 160 kbps, samplerate: 48000 Hz
[09:36:07] * audio track 3
[09:36:07] + decoder: Deutsch (AC3) (5.1 ch) (track 2, id 81bd)
[09:36:07] + bitrate: 384 kbps, samplerate: 48000 Hz
[09:36:07] + AC3 passthrough
libdvdnav: Using dvdnav version 4.1.3
libdvdread: Using libdvdcss version 1.2.10 for DVD access
libdvdread: Couldn't find device name.
libdvdnav: Can't read name block. Probably not a DVD-ROM device.
libdvdnav: Unable to find map file '/Users/mwiese/.dvdnav/.map'
libdvdnav: DVD disk reports itself with Region mask 0x00fd0000. Regions: 2
libdvdread: Using libdvdcss version 1.2.10 for DVD access
libdvdread: Couldn't find device name.
libdvdnav: DVD disk reports itself with Region mask 0x00fd0000. Regions: 2
libdvdnav: Menu Languages available:

 

[dynaflash]

Well, I haven't tried it on the atv 2 but I know that on the atv 1 if there are two tracks with the same name one in aac and one in ac3 it sees them as one track and decides for itself which to play. As well having two "sets" of track (meaning aac +ac3) seemed to bork the auto ac3.

As a test try removing the last ac3 track, you should find that it will use the ac3 5.1 surround track for english and the aac track for Deutsch (of course presuming your setup for the ac3 pass through track via optical).

Maybe just try a one chapter test. See if that works.

fwiw the aac dpl2 mixdown is actually 5.0 (there is no lfe channel).

 

[wonkothesane258]

Thanks, I will give it a shot and post back the results.
What I'll do is take one existing file and "kill" the AAC tracks, then test it.

I know DPL is 5.0, however from the handbrake wiki I also got:

Dolby Pro Logic is the older, uglier way of doing surround. Sometimes it's called "Dolby Surround." It's essentially just stereo sound--two channels. However, extra information is added to the sides, which a Dolby Pro Logic decoder (99% of the home theater amps/receivers on the market) can use to approximate surround sound. While the amp is only fed two audio channels, it can use those channels to fill in sound for center and rear speakers. A later version of the standard, Dolby Pro Logic II, does an even better job of this. One nifty thing about Pro Logic is that it still sounds good in stereo mode, without decoding the extra surround information.

Yes, it sounds more spacial than 2.0, but other than the lack of a dedicated subwoofer channel, it sounds almost "flat" compared to the original DVd sound when compared on my system.

 

[dynaflash]

Okay, but I suggest just as a test do it with say:

English AAC
English AC3
Deutsch AAC

Just to see if its the same setup as the atv1 (which I believe it is).

Yes, DPL2 is good, obviously not as good as AC3 5.1 . Was only pointing out the often overlooked fact that hb's DPL2 is not actually 5.1 .

Good luck.

 

[wonkothesane258]

Ok, I will try as you suggested.

Here is my - weird - result by deleting both AAC tracks (English and Deutsch):

- both languages as before on iTunes
- NO sound using QuickTime X (although both languages appear in the menu)
- both languages as before using QuickTime 7
- NO sound on ATV2

Out of curisosity, here is my wiring of the ATV2:

ATV2 ---HDMI--> Loewe TV set ---digital coax--> Loewe AudioVision

It also appears that sound from rented or bought movies acutally do deliver the "real" 5.1 sound.

Any ideas?

 

[wonkothesane258]

Now, there is definitely something wrong here.

I checked my wiring, detected that I had a cable dangling from my optical out of my ATV2, but not connected anywhere. I unplugged it - no change.
I then power-cycled the ATV2 - no change.

Then I created the file you suggested.
It played fine on iTunes.
Then I had the idea to airplay it to the ATV2. Guess what: 5.1 sound!
Next, I went back to the file before (only AC3 tracks, no AACs) and also got 5.1 sound! Lastly I tried the original file with all four tracks: now I get all four tracks in their corresponding sound!

So it has to do with either of the following:
- AirPlaying the file from iTunes first or in combination with
- unplugging the TOS-Link
- power-cycling the ATV2

Hm.....

 

[wonkothesane258]

Update: On the Apple Discussion Forum I was told that there might be a glitch with the DDS setting of the ATV2.
At least 2 out of 2 others had a similar issue fixed by power-cycling and/or toggling the DDS setting off and back on.
Will explore further.

Now, there is definitely something wrong here.

I checked my wiring, detected that I had a cable dangling from my optical out of my ATV2, but not connected anywhere. I unplugged it - no change.
I then power-cycled the ATV2 - no change.

Then I created the file you suggested.
It played fine on iTunes.
Then I had the idea to airplay it to the ATV2. Guess what: 5.1 sound!
Next, I went back to the file before (only AC3 tracks, no AACs) and also got 5.1 sound! Lastly I tried the original file with all four tracks: now I get all four tracks in their corresponding sound!

So it has to do with either of the following:
- AirPlaying the file from iTunes first or in combination with
- unplugging the TOS-Link
- power-cycling the ATV2

Hm.....