Handbrake .m4v encodes do not output 5.1 surround using VLC

[danman89]

I have encoded a DVD using the latest version of Handbrake into a .m4v file. The audio tracks are AAC and AC3. I cannot get VLC to play this file back with surround sound. I am using a PC with optical out hooked up to a Denon Dolby Digital/DTS receiver. I know that Quicktime won’t output with surround sound, but I was hoping to find a way VLC would.

I can select the second audio track in the drop down. I can also select 5.1 for the output. When I do this however, the audio starts coming out the right speaker. I also selected several output modules including Win32 waveout with no luck.

Can VLC output 5.1 surround sound from a .m4v/ac3 encoded file? If so, what are the proper settings? If not, is there any player out there that can other that Apple TV?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[VLC_help]

AC3 output should work. But 5.1 AAC doesn't because there isn't any standard for that. Could you share us short sample file that shows the issue?

[danman89]

It’s encouraging to hear AC3 output should work. It seems like only Apple TV and Quicktime with Perian will play a .m4v file with full surround. It would be HUGE to be able to solve this issue with VLC, as I will start a massive encoding project for all my DVDs.

OK, I’m not an HTML expert but I posted a short sample clip here:

http://public.me.com/dan_isaacs

This clip was encoded with Handbrake 0.9.3’s new “Universal” setting which includes two audio tracks: AAC and AC3 Passthru. I have optical out from my PC to a Denon AVR-687 Dolby Digital/DTS amp.

I have tried multiple VLC settings including:
Audio Track = Track 2
Audio Channels = 5.1
Output module = Win32 waveout

No matter what settings I try, I can’t get my receiver to recognize the surround channels. Stereo works fine, but when I switch to the settings above most of the sound starts coming out the right speaker.

Additional information… When I play a .m2ts HD file with VLC the surround sound works fine. I can select "A/52 over S/PDIF" in the channel drop down and my amp outputs in full surround. I do NOT get the "A/52 over S/PDIF" as a drop down option when playing .m4v files like the one posted above.

Please help! Thanks.

[VLC_help]

Thanks. Trac ticket opened.
http://trac.videolan.org/vlc/ticket/2524

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

This should be now ok in trunk (1.0.0)

[danman89]

OK, dumb question time...what is trunk (1.0.0)? How do I get the new version of VLC or are there some instructions on how to get this update for a simple user like myself?

Thanks!

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

You wait for a release.