Stereo vs 5.1 workflow for DVD at DVinfo.net

Joe Riggs · September 4th, 2014, 03:35 AM

I had a film and was supplied with a separate stereo and 5.1 mix.

Client wants one version with stereo and one version with the 5.1

Being a bit unsure of how it works with DVDs/blu rays.
My initial thoughts were to include both the stereo and 5.1 mix in the final .mov export,
and the post house could make the DVD from that.

The person handling it at post house told me that 5.1 defaults to stereo on systems that
don't have a 5.1 setup, so I only need to include the 5.1 mix.

I know in FCP7 you can make a 5.1 track stereo.

If this is the case, why do people still deliver stereo as well as a 5.1 mix?

What would be the most efficient way to make DVD's that contain both a stereo and 5.1 mix?
do I need to export out a stereo version, and a 5.1 version (audio only), convert in compressor and
stack the two audio tracks in a DVD program?

Rob Neidig · September 4th, 2014, 08:57 AM

Joe,

Yes, DVD players will downmix a 5.1 track into stereo. The reason many people choose to supply their own separate stereo mix is that they have complete control over it. If you just let the player do the downmix, it's possible some items might not be at the same levels you would choose if you did your own stereo mix. So it takes more work, but you get better results. Your choice on which way to go.

Have fun!

Rob

September 4th, 2014, 03:35 AM	#1
Joe Riggs Regular Crew Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 189	Stereo vs 5.1 workflow for DVD I had a film and was supplied with a separate stereo and 5.1 mix. Client wants one version with stereo and one version with the 5.1 Being a bit unsure of how it works with DVDs/blu rays. My initial thoughts were to include both the stereo and 5.1 mix in the final .mov export, and the post house could make the DVD from that. The person handling it at post house told me that 5.1 defaults to stereo on systems that don't have a 5.1 setup, so I only need to include the 5.1 mix. I know in FCP7 you can make a 5.1 track stereo. If this is the case, why do people still deliver stereo as well as a 5.1 mix? What would be the most efficient way to make DVD's that contain both a stereo and 5.1 mix? do I need to export out a stereo version, and a 5.1 version (audio only), convert in compressor and stack the two audio tracks in a DVD program?

September 4th, 2014, 08:57 AM	#2
Rob Neidig Major Player Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Eugene, Oregon Posts: 222	Re: Stereo vs 5.1 workflow for DVD Joe, Yes, DVD players will downmix a 5.1 track into stereo. The reason many people choose to supply their own separate stereo mix is that they have complete control over it. If you just let the player do the downmix, it's possible some items might not be at the same levels you would choose if you did your own stereo mix. So it takes more work, but you get better results. Your choice on which way to go. Have fun! Rob