How to Play Videos and Movies with DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 Sound on KMPlayer
- What is KMPlayer? - Why do you need these codecs for KMPlayer? How to install DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs for KMPlayer - Download the codecs from reliable sources - Disable the internal audio decoder of KMPlayer - Load the external codecs using the filter control - Change the audio settings according to your preference Advantages and disadvantages of DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs - Compare the sound quality, bitrate, file size, and compatibility of each codec - Highlight the pros and cons of each codec for different scenarios Alternatives to DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs for KMPlayer - Suggest some other audio codecs that can work with KMPlayer - Explain the features and benefits of each alternative codec Conclusion - Summarize the main points of the article - Provide some tips and recommendations for choosing the best codec for your needs FAQs - Answer some common questions about DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs and KMPlayer Table 2: Article with HTML formatting Introduction
If you are a fan of watching videos and movies on your PC, you might have heard of DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs. These are different types of audio compression formats that can enhance the sound quality of your media files. They can provide surround sound effects, dynamic range control, and high fidelity audio for various types of speakers and headphones.
dts ac3 e ac3 codec for kmplayer download for pc
But what exactly are these codecs and how do they work? And what is KMPlayer and why do you need these codecs for it? In this article, we will answer these questions and more. We will explain what these codecs are, how to install them for KMPlayer, and what are their advantages and disadvantages. We will also provide some alternatives to these codecs in case you want to try something different.
So let's get started!
What are DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs?
DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 are abbreviations for Digital Theater Systems, Dolby Digital, and Enhanced AC-3 respectively. They are all audio compression formats that reduce the size of audio data while preserving the quality and clarity of the sound. They use different algorithms and techniques to encode and decode the audio signals into binary data that can be stored or transmitted efficiently.
DTS is a proprietary format developed by DTS Inc., a company that specializes in digital surround sound technologies. It was originally designed for cinema applications but later expanded to home theater systems, DVDs, Blu-rays, streaming services, and video games. DTS supports up to 7.1 channels of audio at a maximum bitrate of 1.5 Mbps.
AC3 is a standard format developed by Dolby Laboratories, a company that is well-known for its noise reduction and audio processing technologies. It was first used in cinemas in 1992 and later became a common format for DVDs, Blu-rays, digital TV broadcasts, streaming services, and video games. AC3 supports up to 5.1 channels of audio at a maximum bitrate of 640 kbps.
E-AC3 is an improved version of AC3 that was introduced in 2007. It is also known as Dolby Digital Plus or DD+. It offers several enhancements over AC3 such as support for up to 15.1 channels of audio at a maximum bitrate of 6.144 Mbps, increased dynamic range control, improved dialog intelligibility, and backward compatibility with AC3 decoders.
What is KMPlayer?
KMPlayer is a popular media player for Windows that can play various types of video and audio formats such as AVI, MKV, MP4, MP3, AAC, WMA, OGG, FLAC, etc. It has a user-friendly interface that allows you to customize your playback preferences such as subtitles, aspect ratio, screen mode, filters, etc. It also supports 3D video playback and online streaming services such as YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, etc.
KMPlayer has a built-in audio decoder that can handle most of the common audio formats. However, it may not be able to play some of the advanced audio formats such as DTS, AC3, and E-AC3. This is because these formats are protected by patents and licenses that prevent KMPlayer from including them in its software. Therefore, you need to install external codecs for KMPlayer to play these formats.
Why do you need these codecs for KMPlayer?
As mentioned above, DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 are audio compression formats that can provide high-quality sound for your videos and movies. They can create a realistic and immersive sound experience that can make you feel like you are in a cinema or a concert hall. They can also optimize the sound for different types of speakers and headphones, such as stereo, surround, or Dolby Atmos.
If you have videos or movies that use these formats, you need to install the corresponding codecs for KMPlayer to play them properly. Otherwise, you may encounter some problems such as no sound, distorted sound, or out-of-sync sound. By installing the codecs, you can enjoy the full potential of these formats and enhance your viewing experience.
How to install DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs for KMPlayer
Installing the codecs for KMPlayer is not very difficult. You just need to follow these steps:
Download the codecs from reliable sources
The first step is to download the codecs from reliable sources. There are many websites that offer free downloads of these codecs, but some of them may contain malware or viruses that can harm your computer. Therefore, you should be careful and choose trustworthy sources.
One of the most reputable sources is the K-Lite Codec Pack , which is a collection of various codecs and filters that can enhance the playback of media files. It includes the DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs as well as other useful tools such as Media Player Classic Home Cinema (MPC-HC), MediaInfo Lite, and Codec Tweak Tool.
To download the K-Lite Codec Pack, you can visit its official website and choose the version that suits your needs. There are four versions available: Basic, Standard, Full, and Mega. The Basic version contains only the essential codecs and filters. The Standard version adds some extra features such as MPC-HC and MediaInfo Lite. The Full version adds more features such as Codec Tweak Tool and GraphStudioNext. The Mega version adds even more features such as ACM and VFW codecs and DirectShow filters.
For this article, we will use the Full version as an example. You can download it from this link: [K-Lite Codec Pack Full]. After downloading the file, you can run it to start the installation process.
Disable the internal audio decoder of KMPlayer
The next step is to disable the internal audio decoder of KMPlayer. This is because KMPlayer may conflict with the external codecs if they are both enabled at the same time. To disable the internal audio decoder of KMPlayer, you can follow these steps:
Open KMPlayer and go to Preferences (F2).
Select Audio Processing from the left menu.
Under Audio Decoder Usage, uncheck Use Internal Audio Codec.
Click OK to save the changes.
Load the external codecs using the filter control
The third step is to load the external codecs using the filter control of KMPlayer. This is how you can tell KMPlayer to use the codecs that you have installed for playing DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 formats. To load the external codecs using the filter control of KMPlayer, you can follow these steps:
Open KMPlayer and go to Preferences (F2).
Select Filter Control from the left menu.
Under Filter Priority Control (Internal), click Add Filter.
A list of filters will appear. Select LAV Audio Decoder from the list and click OK.
LAV Audio Decoder will be added to the filter priority list. You can adjust its priority by dragging it up or down in the list.
Click OK to save the changes.
Change the audio settings according to your preference
The final step is to change the audio settings according to your preference. This is how you can customize your sound experience by choosing different options such as output mode, speaker configuration, dynamic range compression, etc. To change the audio settings according to your preference, you can follow these steps:
Open KMPlayer and go to Preferences (F2).
Select Audio Processing from the left menu.
Under Audio Output, you can choose the output mode that matches your speaker or headphone configuration. For example, if you have a 5.1 surround sound system, you can choose 5.1 Channel Output. If you have a stereo system, you can choose 2 Channel Output.
Under Audio Resample, you can choose the sample rate that matches your audio device. For example, if your audio device supports 48 kHz, you can choose 48000 Hz. If your audio device supports 44.1 kHz, you can choose 44100 Hz.
Under LAV Audio Decoder Settings, you can click the Settings button to open the LAV Audio Decoder configuration window. Here, you can adjust various options such as format conversion, bitstreaming, mixing, dynamic range compression, etc. You can refer to the LAV Audio Decoder documentation for more details on each option.
Click OK to save the changes.
Now you are ready to play your videos and movies with DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs using KMPlayer. You should be able to hear the difference in the sound quality and enjoy a more immersive sound experience.
Advantages and disadvantages of DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs
DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs have their own advantages and disadvantages when it comes to sound quality, bitrate, file size, and compatibility. Here are some of the main points to consider when comparing these codecs:
Sound quality
The sound quality of these codecs depends on several factors such as the original source material, the encoding and decoding process, the playback device, and the personal preference of the listener. Generally speaking, DTS has a higher sound quality than AC3 because it uses a higher bitrate and a more advanced encoding algorithm. E-AC3 has a similar or better sound quality than AC3 because it uses a more efficient encoding algorithm and supports more channels and features.
However, sound quality is not always proportional to bitrate. Sometimes, a lower bitrate codec can sound better than a higher bitrate codec if it uses a better encoding algorithm or a more suitable format for the source material. For example, some people may prefer the sound of AC3 over DTS for certain types of music or movies because it has a warmer or more natural tone. Some people may also prefer the sound of E-AC3 over DTS for certain types of content because it has a more dynamic or balanced sound.
Therefore, the best way to judge the sound quality of these codecs is to listen to them yourself and decide which one sounds better to your ears.
Bitrate
The bitrate of these codecs refers to the amount of data that is used to encode or decode one second of audio. The higher the bitrate, the more data is used and the more detail is preserved in the sound. The lower the bitrate, the less data is used and the more detail is lost in the sound.
DTS has the highest bitrate among these codecs, ranging from 768 kbps to 1.5 Mbps for 5.1 channels of audio. AC3 has a lower bitrate than DTS, ranging from 192 kbps to 640 kbps for 5.1 channels of audio. E-AC3 has a variable bitrate that can range from 32 kbps to 6.144 Mbps for up to 15.1 channels of audio.
The bitrate of these codecs affects not only the sound quality but also the file size and the compatibility of the media files. A higher bitrate means a larger file size and a lower compatibility with some devices or platforms. A lower bitrate means a smaller file size and a higher compatibility with some devices or platforms.
File size
The file size of these codecs refers to the amount of storage space that is required to store one hour of audio encoded with these codecs. The larger the file size, the more storage space is needed and the longer it takes to transfer or stream the file. The smaller the file size, the less storage space is needed and the faster it is to transfer or stream the file.
DTS has the largest file size among these codecs, requiring about 675 MB of storage space for one hour of audio encoded with DTS. AC3 has a smaller file size than DTS, requiring about 288 MB of storage space for one hour of audio encoded with AC3. E-AC3 has a variable file size that can range from 14 MB to 2.2 GB for one hour of audio encoded with E-AC3.
The file size of these codecs affects not only the storage space but also the bandwidth and the performance of the media files. A larger file size means a higher bandwidth and a lower performance when playing or streaming the file. A smaller file size means a lower bandwidth and a higher performance when playing or streaming the file.
Compatibility
The compatibility of these codecs refers to the ability of these codecs to work with different devices, platforms, and applications. The higher the compatibility, the more options you have to play or stream your media files. The lower the compatibility, the fewer options you have to play or stream your media files.
DTS has the lowest compatibility among these codecs, as it is a proprietary format that requires a license and a special decoder to play or stream. Not all devices, platforms, and applications support DTS, especially older ones. Some examples of devices that support DTS are Blu-ray players, home theater systems, gaming consoles, and some smart TVs. Some examples of platforms that support DTS are Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS. Some examples of applications that support DTS are VLC Media Player, MPC-HC, and KMPlayer.
AC3 has a higher compatibility than DTS, as it is a standard format that is widely adopted by many devices, platforms, and applications. Most devices, platforms, and applications support AC3, especially newer ones. Some examples of devices that support AC3 are DVD players, digital TV receivers, sound bars, and some smart TVs. Some examples of platforms that support AC3 are Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some examples of applications that support AC3 are VLC Media Player, MPC-HC, KMPlayer, and K-Lite Codec Pack.
E-AC3 has a similar or higher compatibility than AC3, as it is an improved version of AC3 that is backward compatible with AC3 decoders. Most devices, platforms, and applications that support AC3 also support E-AC3, especially newer ones. Some examples of devices that support E-AC3 are Blu-ray players, digital TV receivers, sound bars, and some smart TVs. Some examples of platforms that support E-AC3 are Windows 10, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Some examples of applications that support E-AC3 are VLC Media Player, MPC-HC, KMPlayer, and K-Lite Codec Pack.
Alternatives to DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs for KMPlayer
DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs are not the only options for playing high-quality audio with KMPlayer. There are some other audio codecs that can work with KMPlayer and offer different features and benefits. Here are some of the alternatives to these codecs that you can try:
AAC
AAC stands for Advanced Audio Coding. It is a lossy audio compression format that is part of the MPEG-4 standard. It was developed as a successor to MP3 and offers better sound quality at lower bitrates. AAC supports up to 48 channels of audio at a maximum bitrate of 576 kbps.
AAC is a widely used format for online streaming services such as YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, etc. It is also compatible with most devices, platforms, and applications that support MP4 files. AAC can provide clear and crisp sound for various types of content such as music, podcasts, audiobooks, etc.
To play AAC files with KMPlayer, you don't need to install any external codecs. KMPlayer has a built-in AAC decoder that can handle this format. However, if you want to use an external codec for AAC, you can download the K-Lite Codec Pack and load the LAV Audio Decoder using the filter control of KMPlayer.
FLAC
FLAC stands for Free Lossless Audio Codec. It is a lossless audio compression format that preserves the original quality and detail of the sound. FLAC supports up to 8 channels of audio at a variable bitrate that depends on the complexity of the audio signal.
FLAC is a popular format for audiophiles and music enthusiasts who want to enjoy the highest sound quality possible. FLAC can reproduce the exact sound of the original source material without any loss or distortion. FLAC can also save storage space compared to uncompressed formats such as WAV or AIFF.
To play FLAC files with KMPlayer, you don't need to install any external codecs. KMPlayer has a built-in FLAC decoder that can handle this format. However, if you want to use an external codec for FLAC, you can download the K-Lite Codec Pack and load the LAV Audio Decoder using the filter control of KMPlayer.
Opus
Opus is a lossy audio compression format that is part of the WebM standard. It was developed as a versatile format that can adapt to different types of content and network conditions. Opus supports up to 255 channels of audio at a variable bitrate that ranges from 6 kbps to 510 kbps.
Opus is a cutting-edge format that offers excellent sound quality at low bitrates. Opus can handle various types of content such as speech, music, stereo, surround, etc. Opus can also adjust its bitrate dynamically according to the available bandwidth and latency. Opus is widely used for online communication and streaming services such as Skype, Discord, WhatsApp, etc.
To play Opus files with KMPlayer, you don't need to install any external codecs. KMPlayer has a built-in Opus decoder that can handle this format. However, if you want to use an external codec for Opus, you can download the K-Lite Codec Pack and load the LAV Audio Decoder using the filter control of KMPlayer.
Conclusion
In this article, we have learned about DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs for KMPlayer. These are different types of audio compression formats that can enhance the sound quality of your videos and movies. We have explained what these codecs are, how to install them for KMPlayer, and what are their advantages and disadvantages. We have also provided some alternatives to these codecs in case you want to try something different.
Now you should be able to choose the best codec for your needs and enjoy a more immersive sound experience with KMPlayer. Here are some tips and recommendations for choosing the best codec for your needs:
If you want the highest sound quality possible and don't mind the large file size and low compatibility, you can choose DTS.
If you want a good balance between sound quality and file size and have a moderate compatibility with most devices and platforms, you can choose AC3 or E-AC3.
If you want a high sound quality at low bitrates and have a high compatibility with online streaming services and communication applications, you can choose AAC or Opus.
If you want a lossless sound quality that preserves the original detail and clarity of the sound and don't mind the large file size and low compatibility, you can choose FLAC.
We hope this article has been helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or feedback, please feel free to leave a comment below. Thank you for reading!
FAQs
Here are some of the frequently asked questions about DTS, AC3, and E-AC3 codecs and KMPlayer:
Q: How can I tell what codec is used in a video or movie file?
A: You can use a tool such as MediaInfo Lit