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EC3 File - What is an .ec3 file and how do I open it?
Learn about .EC3 files and view a list of programs that open them.
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Overview
What is an EC3 file? An EC3 file is an audio file saved in the Enhanced Audio Codec 3 (Enhanced AC-3 or EC-3 ). It supports up to fifteen channels of audio, 768 kbit/s maximum bitrate , and sample rates of 32, 44.1, or 48 kHz. The EC3 format is primarily utilized for delivering 7.1 surround sound for movie theaters and via Blu-ray Disc players and broadcast and streaming services to home theaters.
More Information Dolby Laboratories developed the EC-3 format, also known as Dolby Digital Plus, as a successor to the Dolby Digital Audio Codec 3 (AC-3) format ( .AC3 files). Some of the improvements over the AC-3 format include support for more channels (increased from 5 to 15 full-bandwidth channels) and a wider range of data rates (increased from 32 kbit/s to 768 kbit/s). NOTE: Dolby Digital Plus is natively supported by Windows 11 and Windows 10, and across Apple platforms, such as macOS, iOS, and tvOS.
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DeveloperEPSON
Popularity3.3 | 6 Votes
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.EC3 File Extension
2 file types use the .ec3 file extension.
Enhanced Audio Codec 3 File
| Developer | Dolby Laboratories |
| Popularity |
4.1 | 12 Votes |
What is an EC3 file?
An EC3 file is an audio file saved in the Enhanced Audio Codec 3 (Enhanced AC-3 or EC-3 ). It supports up to fifteen channels of audio, 768 kbit/s maximum bitrate , and sample rates of 32, 44.1, or 48 kHz. The EC3 format is primarily utilized for delivering 7.1 surround sound for movie theaters and via Blu-ray Disc players and broadcast and streaming services to home theaters.
More Information
Dolby Laboratories developed the EC-3 format, also known as Dolby Digital Plus, as a successor to the Dolby Digital Audio Codec 3 (AC-3) format ( .AC3 files). Some of the improvements over the AC-3 format include support for more channels (increased from 5 to 15 full-bandwidth channels) and a wider range of data rates (increased from 32 kbit/s to 768 kbit/s).
NOTE: Dolby Digital Plus is natively supported by Windows 11 and Windows 10, and across Apple platforms, such as macOS, iOS, and tvOS.
How to open an EC3 file
You can open EC3 files with several audio players, including Microsoft Groove Music (bundled with Windows) and Adobe Audition (multiplatform).
Open over 400 file formats with File Viewer Plus . Free Download
Programs that open EC3 files
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Windows
Microsoft Groove Music
—
Discontinued
Included with OS
Adobe Audition 2023
Free Trial
Mac
Adobe Audition 2023
Free Trial
Category: Audio Files
Updated: October 21, 2021
EPSON Print CD File
| Developer | EPSON |
| Popularity |
3.3 | 6 Votes |
CD label project created by older versions of EPSON Print CD, whereas newer versions use the .PRINTCD2 format; saves the design of the label, including graphics and text; can be printed on a disc inserted into the supporting EPSON printer.
More Information
Printers supporing disc printing include the EPSON Stylus R200 and R300.
Programs that open EC3 files
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EPSON Print CD
Paid
Mac
EPSON Print CD
Paid
Category: Data Files
Updated: August 22, 2012