AC3 - No Sound in Windows Media Player

Introduction

It can be very frustrating when you settle down to an evening of entertainment and for some strange reason your Windows Media Player video shows fine but the audio won't work.  The great news is that it is very easy to solve this problem.  All you need is the right software.

Analog to Digital

At first, sound information in the form of waves (analog) was used to record and store audio information.  Today we have gone digital.  Thus the analog wave is sampled and the information converted into digital information 1's and 0's.  Dolby Labs developed a digital audio technology that can record and produce a multichannel audio experience, for instance, surround sound which gives the impression that the sound comes from multiple directions simulating the more natural way we experience sound.   They developed AC3 technology.  AC3 Filter, for example,  is a software that can encode (convert the audio data into a code) and decode (convert the code back to its original form).

Fixing the Problem

If the DVD uses AC3 , it will not play in Windows Media Player unless Media Player has the AC3 Filter.  The solution is simple.  Download  AC3 Filter off the internet and install it.  The software is completely free.  Then you will be able to see and hear your movie.  Enjoy.