Best Audio Settings for DVD at DVinfo.net

Jerry Neal · February 2nd, 2012, 06:22 PM

Hello,

I'm finding that I'm always a bit dissapointed with how the audio sounds on my video projects when I burn them to DVD. I don't experience any issues when I burn these same projects for web delivery, but there is something that just does not sound good to me with the AC3 format that I use when I create DVDs. Specifically, the audio usually makes my TV speakers buzz a bit and it just sounds "crappy" for no better term.

Is there a setting I can apply (eq, etc.) or a different audio format I can render to for improved DVD audio? If this is a settings issue, please be specific with the audio effects I should be using to get better DVD sound.

Mainly, I just don't understand why my HD youtube and Vimeo audio sounds so much better than the DVDs I create. As always, thanks in advance for your replies. This forum is always a great resource.

Jerry

Mike Kujbida · February 2nd, 2012, 06:59 PM

If your projects are one hour or less, you can encode your audio using WAV format at a CBR of 8,000,000.
Anything longer and you'll have to use a bitrate calculator.
Just make sure to tell DVDA (in Properties) that it's a WAV file or it will re-encode to AC-3.
For AC-3, try a higher bitrate.
Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe 448 is the highest that a DVD will support.
Once again, due to the increased bitrate, the use of a bitrate calculator is highly recommended.

Jeff Harper · February 2nd, 2012, 09:31 PM

For DVDs I always use wav when there is room. As Mike says, in DVDA project properties change ac3 to PCM so your wav file won't be recompressed by DVDA.

February 2nd, 2012, 06:22 PM	#1
Jerry Neal Regular Crew Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Denver, Colorado Posts: 121	Best Audio Settings for DVD Hello, I'm finding that I'm always a bit dissapointed with how the audio sounds on my video projects when I burn them to DVD. I don't experience any issues when I burn these same projects for web delivery, but there is something that just does not sound good to me with the AC3 format that I use when I create DVDs. Specifically, the audio usually makes my TV speakers buzz a bit and it just sounds "crappy" for no better term. Is there a setting I can apply (eq, etc.) or a different audio format I can render to for improved DVD audio? If this is a settings issue, please be specific with the audio effects I should be using to get better DVD sound. Mainly, I just don't understand why my HD youtube and Vimeo audio sounds so much better than the DVDs I create. As always, thanks in advance for your replies. This forum is always a great resource. Jerry

February 2nd, 2012, 06:59 PM	#2
Mike Kujbida Inner Circle Join Date: May 2005 Location: Windsor, ON Canada Posts: 2,770	Re: Best Audio Settings for DVD If your projects are one hour or less, you can encode your audio using WAV format at a CBR of 8,000,000. Anything longer and you'll have to use a bitrate calculator. Just make sure to tell DVDA (in Properties) that it's a WAV file or it will re-encode to AC-3. For AC-3, try a higher bitrate. Someone please correct me if I'm wrong but I believe 448 is the highest that a DVD will support. Once again, due to the increased bitrate, the use of a bitrate calculator is highly recommended.

February 2nd, 2012, 09:31 PM	#3
Jeff Harper Inner Circle Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 8,425	Re: Best Audio Settings for DVD For DVDs I always use wav when there is room. As Mike says, in DVDA project properties change ac3 to PCM so your wav file won't be recompressed by DVDA. Attached Thumbnails