My guess would be that PD is not handling the AC-3 audio correctly. Is this from a camcorder? Can you attach a short sample that we can test on different systems? Is it all similar video, or just this one that does not work? __________________________________
CORNBLOSSOM

Hi Jaime-esque,
The recording in question was recorded on a DVR off a cable show. I have recorded at least a hundred shows in the similar manner and the all converted to MPEG-4 without problem (during the conversion I add back in closed captions). Attached are two files. One is the original and the other is the converted file (MPEG 4). The audio distortion appears when the file is placed in the timeline and is played.

Sorry to say it does the same thing on my computer and I cannot find any reason for it. I'll keep looking at this issue. __________________________________
CORNBLOSSOM

Hi Kuroshio -

It's probably got a lot to do with the 6 channel sound. Similar issues have come up previously when screen capture software (FRAPS) has been set to record audio that way. It doesn't play correctly in WaveEditor or AudioDirector either.

When converted to stereo (WAV), it plays in PD correctly.

My MediaInfo gave a slightly different report (attached).

This screenshot compares "Byzantine" 5.1 audio beside other 5.1 audio clips (downloaded & produced in PD).




Cheers - Tony
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Hi ynotfish,
Thanks for your insightful response. I have not purchased the audio director. Is it the tool you used to do the conversion to stereo WAV file?

I have recorded several shows that purport to have 5.1 audio and never had trouble with the sound before. Do you consider the inability of PD11 to handle this sound track a bug?

Hi there Kuroshio -

No - absolutely not. PD imports & plays 6 channel sound properly under most circumstances. I don't think it's a bug. I do think there's something not right about the audio section of that video clip, just be the way it displays in AudioDirector, Audacity & other dedicated audio editors. Premiere Elements won't play the audio at all** but WMM plays it correctly!

No - I used FormatFactory to convert it to a stereo WAV file. If you right click on the video clip in the media library & select "Extract Audio", it retains its 5.1 channel structure & still won't play correctly.

Attached is how the converted stereo file looks in AudioDirector.

BUT - there must be a reason the video clip you posted plays correctly in various media players. I tested it in about half a dozen.

I'm no audio expert, so I'm sure there are forum members who'd be able to offer better advice.

** Correction: Premiere Elements does play part of the audio (FL & FR channels only), yet it's sound you'd expect to hear from the sub.

Cheers - Tony
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