Multiplexing Dolby 5.1 in MPEG 2 Streams,

Question

Hi Guys,
I am new to the CS3 workflow. But I am trying to produce hi def mpeg2 streams with dolby digital.
The streams seem to export fine. But I end up with 2 streams as a result. I have set the multiplexer to mpeg 2. I have set a video buffer to 5 as well as the audio. I am using variable bit encoding with 23, 24 and 25 Mbs for the Video rates and setting the mulitplexing rates to 26,000 kbs.
But the stream doesn't muliplex. If I choose the mpeg audio all is fine. But when I go dolby the audio stream is not included.
I am using mpegid to examine the mpeg stream for contents.
Any help would be great.
Cheers
Rodney

Answer 1

RodneyB,
In New Project, set to Custom. Under Custom Settings, go to Default Sequence and in Audio, set Master to 5.1. This will establish 5.1 as your Master for all new Sequences.
When you create a new Sequence, it should have the 5.1 Master in it, since it is now the default for that Project.
When you wish to Export, choose AME (Adobe Media Encoder) and NOT Export>Movie. Here, it'll be a bit different for you, than it is for me, since I use elemental streams, i.e. not mux'ed AV files.
Choose your Format as MPEG2 (you would also check Export Video and Export Audio. Look down the Panel to the lower window and click the Audio Tab. Choose Audio Format: Dolby Digital. Your options will now fill that lower window. for Audio Coding Mode choose 3/2 (L, R, C, LFE, Ls, Rs - 5.1 Surround, and then click the box for LFE On. Adjust any of the other settings, as you require.
Last, in this lower window, go to the Multiplexer Tab. Since you have chosen to Export both Audio & Video, it should be greyed out.
Let me know if I missed something, or if it's not working for you. With the installation and activation (actually, all you are really doing is "activating" the SurCode plug-in, as it is already "installed"), the SurCode encoder will be called on automatically to Export out your file.
One caveat: if you later wish to Import your file (now with DD 5.1 SS in AC3 format) into Premiere, you'll need to copy the AC3 .dll from Encore into the root folder for PP. I do not have the exact name from Encore CS3, since I only have CS2 and the name is slightly different. On the forum, there are dozens of references to the exact name of the .dll in CS3 Encore, plus step-by-step directions on copying it over to PP.
Hunt
[Edit] I do not *think* that there should be any differences in how PP works between the platforms. I also do not *think* that there will be any differences, between what I've listed (from CS2) and CS3. If so, I apologize.
[Edit 2] In your Sequence, look down the list of Audio Tracks and find Master (should be at the bottom). In the Track "title," is there a "5.1" to the right? If there is a single "speaker" icon, it's mono. If there are two "speakers" in the icon, stereo. If it says "5.1" then the Master IS 5.1, which is what you want. If it's just a two speaker icon, you will need to create a new Sequence and make sure that the Master is set to DD 5.1. Then, go into your "stereo Master" Sequence, Ctrl-a (Select All), Ctrl-c (Copy), then open your "5.1 Master" Sequence (empty at this point), place the CTI to the beginning (Home), and Crtl-v (Paste). Obviously you'll use Cmd-c, etc.. Then try the Export>AME as stated above. By setting your default Sequences in the New Project, it will give you that option, everytime you create a new Sequence. You can change it, when you create a Sequence, but will default to DD 5.1.