Audio format
The AC3 format
AC3 is Dolby Digital surround sound from DVDs and TV. Dolby Digital (AC-3) arrived in cinemas in 1992 and became the surround sound of DVDs and broadcast TV.
When to use AC3
Use AC3 for soundtracks going to DVD authoring or a home cinema system.
It is best for 5.1 surround soundtracks for DVDs and TVs, and it opens on home cinema receivers, TVs, VLC and video editors; phones and browsers often can’t.
How to open it: VLC plays AC3 files; editors like DaVinci Resolve import them.
| Full name | Dolby Digital |
|---|---|
| Extensions | .ac3 |
| MIME type | audio/ac3 |
| Introduced | 1991 |
| Compression | Lossy |
| Typical quality | 192–640 kbps, up to 5.1 |
| Support | Patchy support |
| Typical size | About 3.4 MB a minute at 448 kbps |
Good at
- 5.1 surround in a compact stream
- Every AV receiver decodes it
Not so good at
- Browsers and phones rarely play it on its own
- Needs high bitrates for stereo quality
The common mistake
Converting a 5.1 AC3 to a stereo format mixes it down; dialogue that lived in the center channel can end up quieter.
Questions
What is an AC3 file?
AC3 (Dolby Digital) is Dolby Digital surround sound from DVDs and TV. Dolby Digital (AC-3) arrived in cinemas in 1992 and became the surround sound of DVDs and broadcast TV.
How do I open an AC3 file?
VLC plays AC3 files; editors like DaVinci Resolve import them.
How do I convert AC3 to another format?
Pick the target on this page, or open the Audio Converter, drop the AC3 file and choose a format. It converts in your browser, so nothing is uploaded.