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AC3 File - What is an .ac3 file and how do I open it?
Learn about .AC3 files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is an AC3 file? An AC3 file is an audio file saved in the AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio format. It can include up to six channels of audio (DD 5.1 surround sound with subwoofer output). Cinema movies, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games often use audio saved as AC3 files.
More Information AC3 file open in VideoLAN VLC media player Dolby created the Dolby Digital format for use in cinemas and home theaters with surround sound capabilities. Each of an AC3 file's primary audio channels is meant to be played on a different surround sound speaker (left, center, right, left surround, right surround). The sixth channel, known as the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel, contains intense low-frequency sounds meant to be played on a subwoofer. However, televisions, PCs, and other devices can also play the audio an AC3 file contains. To do so, these devices downmix the AC3 file's audio, playing multiple channels worth of audio out the same output device. For example, a computer with only left and right speakers will play an AC3 file's center channel out both speakers, to approximate surround sound playback as best it can.
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DeveloperDolby Laboratories
Popularity3.8 | 30 Votes
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.AC3 File Extension
Audio Codec 3 File
| Developer | Dolby Laboratories |
| Popularity |
3.8 | 30 Votes |
NEW: Open your .AC3 file online with File Helper . View Online
What is an AC3 file?
An AC3 file is an audio file saved in the AC-3 (Dolby Digital) audio format. It can include up to six channels of audio (DD 5.1 surround sound with subwoofer output). Cinema movies, DVDs, Blu-rays, and video games often use audio saved as AC3 files.
More Information
AC3 file open in VideoLAN VLC media player
Dolby created the Dolby Digital format for use in cinemas and home theaters with surround sound capabilities. Each of an AC3 file's primary audio channels is meant to be played on a different surround sound speaker (left, center, right, left surround, right surround). The sixth channel, known as the low-frequency effects (LFE) channel, contains intense low-frequency sounds meant to be played on a subwoofer.
However, televisions, PCs, and other devices can also play the audio an AC3 file contains. To do so, these devices downmix the AC3 file's audio, playing multiple channels worth of audio out the same output device. For example, a computer with only left and right speakers will play an AC3 file's center channel out both speakers, to approximate surround sound playback as best it can.
How to open an AC3 file
You can open an AC3 file with many media players, including VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform), Microsoft Media Player (Windows), and Apple QuickTime Player (Mac).
How to convert an AC3 file
Several audio conversion tools, including Movavi Video Converter (Windows, Mac), FFmpeg (multiplatform), and VideoLAN VLC media player (multiplatform), can convert AC3 files to other audio formats. For example, VLC can convert AC3 files to:
Programs that open AC3 files
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Windows
File Viewer Plus
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Get it from Microsoft
Free +
Microsoft Media Player
Included with OS
Microsoft Windows Media Player
Included with OS
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
Nullsoft Winamp
Free
CyberLink PowerDVD 21
Free Trial
MPlayer
Free
Mac
Apple QuickTime Player
Included with OS
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
ShedWorx Smart Converter
Free Trial
MPlayer
Free
Aiseesoft Mac Video Converter Ultimate
Free Trial
Linux
VideoLAN VLC media player
Free
MPlayer
Free
Web
FileHelper.com
Free
iOS
PentaLoop PlayerXtreme Media Player
—
Discontinued
Free +
VideoLAN VLC for Mobile
Free
Android
Videolabs VLC for Android
Free
Category: Audio Files
Updated: August 5, 2022