LEAD AC3 Encoder

The LEAD AC3 Audio Encoder Filter is a DirectShow filter for compressing  audio data using the AC3 compression standard (A/52 - Digital Audio Compression Standard (AC-3)). AC3 is the sound format for digital television (DTV), digital versatile discs (DVDs), high definition television (HDTV), and digital cable and satellite transmissions. AC3 is a 5.1 format, which means that it provides five full-bandwidth channels, front left, front right, center, surround left, and surround right. A low-frequency effect (LFE) channel is included for the sound needed for special effects and action sequences in movies. AC3 also has a downmixing feature that ensures compatibility with devices that do not support the 5.1 format.

Key features of the LEAD AC3 Audio Encoder:

• Can create Dolby Digital with 6-channel surround sound.

• Can create DVDs with Dolby surround.

• Convert a 2-channel input into a 6-channel output or encode 6-channels as is.

You can use the encoder with your existing converter or DVD creator application, if it allows you to select the audio encoder. The AC3 encoder supports unchanged audio input, Force Mono, Force Stereo or Force 6 Channels. This audio encoder is needed in order to create DVDs that have 5.1-channel surround sound.

The compression option for the LEAD AC3 encoder can be set manually through the encoder property page. The compression option can also be set programmatically using the ILMAC3Encoderinterface.

Technical details for the filter are provided in the following table:

LEAD AC3 Encoder User Interface

This filter is included as part of the following modules:

 LEADTOOLS DVD Module for API

 LEADTOOLS DVD Module for COM

LEAD MPEG-2 Video Encoder Module

LEAD M{EG-2 Video Codec Module