How can I encode video files to 5.1 surround sound?

[thehstrybean]

How can I encode video files to get a final result that I can burn onto a DVD with 5.1 surround sound? Possible in Nero?

 

[HendrixFan]

Well, for starters you have to have 5.1 audio in the original file, otherwise its a waste. Nero 6 should allow you to convert pretty much any filetype (AVI of some sort) to MPEG2 for proper DVD Video. IF the audio is already in AC3 5.1, you shouldnt have to touch it.

 

[thehstrybean]

Er. That sucks...I don't have it. Oh well.

 

[HendrixFan]

If you use WinDVD (for example) to playback a video file, you can set it up so it does a "mock" 5.1 with a 2 channel source. It will find anything balanced Center and play it on the center channel. Its not great, but it does have sound coming from all the speakers.

 

[Mavrick007]

Exactly, if the original file is not in 5.1, then you can only simulate 5.1 and not add the other missing channels.