Tsunami (TDA) AC3 Encoder Quality?

[mitch]

After working with the trial software (didn't include AC3 encoder) with
good results, I purchased the Tsunami MPEG DVD Author package...

Package includes:
TDA version 1.6
AC3 Audio Encoder
DVD Source Creator

Can you comment on the quality of the AC3 encoder? Would it be worth
using it to re-encode MP2 audio from ATI captures (to fully meet NTSC DVD
Video specs), or just leave the audio as MP2? I may give some home
movie disks to family/friends and want to be sure the disks will play in
other players. Also, any comments on the DVD Source Creator (encoding)
software?

P.S.
This package may be found at
http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4023179 (also
note the $10 rebate). It must be selling well as they have raised the
price by $5 from when I placed my order last week.

[admin]

I would just leave it as MP2. Most players are fine with MP2 audio. In fact, I have personally never seen a player reject MP2 audio.

The TDA AC3 encoder is not the greatest. It's convenient, but that's about it. You can use BESWEET or FFMPEG AC3 engines and have it be just as good. Those just require more work, extra steps.

If it's just a few bucks, and you want it, it wouldn't hurt.