This isn’t strictly speaking a Live HUB question, but I’m hoping someone in the community can help…
I’ve got a bunch of MP4 files with AAC 5.1 audio. I know from reading around the forum that there is no way for the HUB to preserve this audio format, so I’ve been looking at conversion options.
Lots of people recommend Popcorn MKV Audio Converter, so I’ve been playing with that. The problem is that it only converts audio in MKV files (the clue is in the name I suppose!).
So, I took one of my movies & remuxed it in to a MKV file using MKV Merge GUI. Then I ran the new file through the Popcorn MKV Audio Converter, to convert the audio in to AC3 5.1 (448 kbbs).
The new file works a treat on my computer with no noticeable quality loss (the only difference is it’s about 100mb bigger than the MP4).
Sadly however, when I attempted playback on the HUB I was presented with a message telling me the file was an unsupported format!
So close, yet so far!!
My questions are:
1 - Does anyone know of any other/easier ways of converting AAC 5.1 audio within MP4 (or MKV) files to AC3?
2 - The method I’m using seems great in theory & doesn’t take long - can anyone give me any tips regarding settings in the 2 applications that will produce a file that is supported by the HUB?
Well, the easiest way, is if you have the original source, is to use it to reencode the video with the original AC3 audio using either Handbake or MKVtoolnix .
The only other way is to demux the ACC audio out of the MP4 file, convert it to AC3, then remux it back into the MP4 file. Unfortunately, there is no quick or easy way to do this and you’ll probably find more help at www.videohelp.com.
No, that’s not what I’m saying. I’ve never had a need to use Popcorn MKV AC because I always rip using the original AC3 audio. Even if the HUB was able to passthru mulit-channel AAC, the last time I bought a AVR, there weren’t to many receivers that would hand it.
So, Popcorn may work. All I’m saying is that if you are having problems with those files, the quickest and easiest way, without havng any problems is to reencode the original source using its AC3 audio, if possible. This is the least problematic way to make sure that the file you have will play as it should on the HUB.
However, you may want to post the media info for both the original mp4 file and the converted mkv file and someone may see what your problem might be.
There seems to be a fairly common issue with the entire line (WDTV HD, WDTV Live, WDTV Live Plus, WDTV Live Hub) that the box occasionally gets confused and won’t play a supported file. Generally, resetting the device has gotten the thing playing for other folks.
So, it could be a simple matter that the .mkv file with the converted AC-3 audio _ will _ play, but your Hub was momentarily befuddled.
I do understand the AAC 5.1 issue (and why you may need the conversion step), but generally simply re-muxing from .mp4 to .mkv has been a valid solution for a variety of other playback woes… it’s usually pretty fool-proof.
I’m just glad I mentioned it first… a few other times I’ve spent hours or days trying to help someone, with a whole bunch of suggestions and poring over MediaInfo postings and not seeing anything wrong… only to find out that a simple reset utlimately fixed the issue.
So I try to remember to suggest it first now… I just don’t always succeed.
I have used a program called … mp4muxer … Part of the program can remove an un-wanted audio track leaving the video untouched. The video files I have done this with often have 2 audio tracks and I remove the unwanted track. Here is some info from the program:
This software is free for non-commercial use. The main advantages are:
GUI for MP4 multiplexer
Easy use of complex options
Read the instructions, very easy to use … and as you have done - I also searched and searched for such a file to use on a … .mp4 … file. I also use … Rebox.net … to do the same for … mkv … files. Only removes the audio, does not touch the video …
