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?

hi Joe.

i just went though this myself.

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

well the DVD or BluRay player can decode 5.1 to Stereo,
but some people simply require the Stereo.

Quote

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?

that's pretty much it. pretty much what i did, anyway.

i DIDN'T set up a 5.1 timeline in FCP. maybe i should have, but i'm not so sure.
i see now the FCP 5.1 track layout is what i used myself: L+R (stereo) C, LFE (as 2 x mono) and Ls,Rs (stereo)
this is an industry standard, BUT this layout was not available in compressor as far as i could see.

furthermore, FCP dips the Centre & Surrounds, and does not include the LFE
this behaviour is duplicated in compressor, so you need to alter at least one of these.
as i say i couldn't see the point of the FCP 5.1 timeline for what i needed.
i'd be happy to hear more about it.

nevertheless FCP was essential: i had to sync the tracks and join 5 parts together.
SO:

FCP
from this 5.1 sequence, you Export as AIFFs.
this gives you a separate file for each track, numbered as per the track.

COMPRESSOR
in Compressor you go to Job Menu > new Job with 5.1 Surround, or click on the Add Surround icon,
and drag your tracks, one by one into the appropriate box.

from Settings > Format > Audio drag the Dolby 5.1 setting onto the job.
as mentioned LFE is disabled by default (why?) so you need to turn it back on.

submit.

DVD SP
in DVDSP you can have more than one audio stream.
so create a button for each.
the button targets the track, as usual, and in the ADVANCED tab of the Button inspector you specify the pertinent Audio Stream.
a good way to really check this is to lay in some completely different audio (like from another film)
and check it in the Simulator.
when you know the buttons are working, swap back to the correct audio

the you are set to Build & Format as usual.
as usual check the DVD in a computer and a domestic player before you release it (or Format a dozen of them!)


cheers,
hope that helps
Nick

Nick,

Thanks for the walk though, it helped me take care of the DVD.
However, when I checked out my DVD in my player, the second audio track is labeled as
"3/2.1 ch", so I'm not sure if the 5.1 transferred over correctly.

I used Compressor for the 5.1 file but Encore to build the DVD, so I'll have to look into it.



I still don't understand the need for both stereo and a 5.1, if it defaults to stereo if the viewer
doesn't have a 5.1 system. Now if that is only the case for certain DVD players, then ok but other wise why?

Since it defaults to stereo, couldn't i just use the 5.1 track and call it a day? Those with 5.1 will get
that, those without will get stereo.

Quote

I still don't understand the need for both stereo and a 5.1, if it defaults to stereo if the viewer
doesn't have a 5.1 system. Now if that is only the case for certain DVD players, then ok but other wise why?

Since it defaults to stereo, couldn't i just use the 5.1 track and call it a day? Those with 5.1 will get
that, those without will get stereo.

my guess is that's right,
but its only a guess!

i learnt a new thing or two but i dont think i'lll worry about it next time.


nick