VLC for iOS/tvOS 2.4.1 through 2.7.2 can't yet support AC3 Audio- here's why

[upintheclouds]

Is there any possibility of adding bitstreaming support for AC3 codec on tvOS? This requires only the ability to read a stream's encapsulation format, and hardware access that is already available for e.g. DTS, so does not seem to require proprietary Dolby licensing. Obviously this limits usefulness to those who have a system that is otherwise capable of decoding AC3, so not all users will benefit, but it would be a huge improvement IMHO.

[eosnead]

I received new Apple TV 4 64GB yesterday and had a problem with VLC audio. Today I checked this forum and found the problem has existed for over a year. The purpose of the Apple TV was to play movies from my server. Since I can't do that I packed it up and returning to store and will continue using a spare computer to play the movies.

[JTravers]

Does the fact that iOS 9.3 now includes Dolby Digital Plus change anything for VLC?
http://www.imore.com/ios-93-brings-more ... us-support

Supports means it can run the technology not that iOS 9.3 includes the Dolby Licence

I think you're mistaken, since VLC on iOS is now available with AC-3 support.

Also, http://developer.dolby.com/News/Dolby_A ... n_iOS.aspx

[vlciosdts]

Moved to DTS because AC3 was disabled and now I know DTS is better!

[_fred_berg_]

Yes!!
Thank you very much for the information, I was wondering why I cant play my video that has AC3 audio.
Im been going circles. thank!
Is it true to that I have to pay for the license to use AC3 audio?

[fkuehne]

No, all you need is iOS 9.2 or the respective tvOS update so VLC can use the decoder included in the OS. Note that on iOS, this also requires an iPhone 5s, iPad Air or 6th gen iPod touch (or any newer device).

[tt2]

I have iOS 9.3.4 on my ipad, but I still get this error-message so the files play without sound. How do I fix it? I have version 2.7.8(278.1). The errormessage is: VLC could not decode the format "a52 "(A52 Audio (aka AC3))

[mattack]

No, all you need is iOS 9.2 or the respective tvOS update so VLC can use the decoder included in the OS. Note that on iOS, this also requires an iPhone 5s, iPad Air or 6th gen iPod touch (or any newer device).

Argh, so I've been keeping an old VLC on my iPad for no reason? (My main use of VLC is to watch shows downloaded from my Tivo, usually sped up 1.5-2x.. things like documentaries/news/game shows.)

I presume the AppleTV version also supports the speedup? I've been AirPlay-ing from my iPad to the TV, and guess I could just use the AppleTV client directly.

Maybe this thread no longer needs to be a sticky then, or at least maybe the first post should be edited and make it clear it's NOT true for current versions of the OSes on some hardware?

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

No, all you need is iOS 9.2 or the respective tvOS update so VLC can use the decoder included in the OS. Note that on iOS, this also requires an iPhone 5s, iPad Air or 6th gen iPod touch (or any newer device).

Argh, so I've been keeping an old VLC on my iPad for no reason? (My main use of VLC is to watch shows downloaded from my Tivo, usually sped up 1.5-2x.. things like documentaries/news/game shows.)

I presume the AppleTV version also supports the speedup? I've been AirPlay-ing from my iPad to the TV, and guess I could just use the AppleTV client directly.

Maybe this thread no longer needs to be a sticky then, or at least maybe the first post should be edited and make it clear it's NOT true for current versions of the OSes on some hardware?

Yes.

[Jean-Baptiste Kempf]

If anyone is still reading this thread, AC3 is supported everywhere.