Can I decode discrete audio channels from 5.1 sound on DVD?
 

Title says it: I am wondering what it takes to generate discrete WAV or AIFF files (one for each channel) from the AC3 encoded 5.1 sound on a DVD. I have started to produce my own DVDs with 5.1 surround sound, and I hope that I can learn something from analyzing how the professionals have done it for the big screen. I have both a Mac (Intel iMac) and a PC available, if that matters.

I am also interested in books or online reading material that would be helpful for surround sound design.

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Martin

Yes, certainly. Decode the DVD with DVD Decryper or something similar, then convert the AC3 into separate WAVs with something like BeSweet or, even easier, just play it back with WinAmp + WinAmpAC3 and monitor the levels.

Jeffrey P Fisher and Tom Holman both have books on mixing/setting up surround sound. Fisher's is more aimed at novices just getting started, Holman's expects a fair amount of mix experience and a very solid understanding of audio principles.

That seems to work great, Emre! Thanks a lot!

- Martin