EAC3 File Extension

What is EAC3 file?

Dolby Digital Plus audio files can be saved as .EAC3 files. EAC3 is a compressed multichannel digital audio data file sometimes referred to as Enhanced AC-3 or EAC-3 - Enhanced Audio Compression - 3. This format is commonly used in multimedia containers such as EVO or MKV. The standard was released in 2008 by ATSC (Advanced Television Systems Committee). EAC3 is the successor to .AC3 standard with 6-channel support.

EAC3 specification - Dolby Digital Plus Audio Track

Audio Dolby Digital Plus format is used offr high-quality audio. EAC-3 supports:

• up to 15 audio channels,
• one low frequency channel,
• bitrate up to 6,144 Mbit/s,
• sampling rates of 32, 44,1, 48, or 96 kHz,
• 24-bit depth.

Digital audio encoding is based on ‎‎modified discreet cosine transform‎‎, MDCT and efficient compression algorithm.

Uses of EAC-3 files

EAC3 encoded audio files are used for Blu-ray and HD-DVD movies with varied quality. EAC3 files provide high-quality audio for home cinemas. In order to fully utilize EAC-3, an audio hardware that supports this format is required.

Programs which support EAC3 file extension

The following listing features EAC3-compatible programs. Files with EAC3 extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

Updated: 05/05/2023

How to open file with EAC3 extension?

Problems with accessing EAC3 may be due to various reasons. Fortunately, most common problems with EAC3 files can be solved without in-depth IT knowledge, and most importantly, in a matter of minutes. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with EAC3 files.

Step 1. Install VLC media player software

Problems with opening and working with EAC3 files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with EAC3 files being present on your machine. The solution is straightforward, just download and install VLC media player. On the top of the page a list that contains all programs grouped based on operating systems supported can be found. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit VLC media player website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of VLC media player

If the problems with opening EAC3 files still occur even after installing VLC media player, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of VLC media player is available. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. If you have an older version of VLC media player installed, it may not support EAC3 format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using VLC media player.

Step 3. Set the default application to open EAC3 files to VLC media player

After installing VLC media player (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open EAC3 files. The process of associating file formats with default application may differ in details depending on platform, but the basic procedure is very similar.

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the EAC3 file and choose Open with option
• Click Choose another app and then select More apps option
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where VLC media player is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open EAC3 files and clicking OK.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• Right-click the EAC3 file and select Information
• Find the Open with option – click the title if its hidden
• Select the appropriate software and save your settings by clicking Change all
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with EAC3 extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Check the EAC3 for errors

You closely followed the steps listed in points 1-3, but the problem is still present? You should check whether the file is a proper EAC3 file. It is probable that the file is corrupted and thus cannot be accessed.

1. Verify that the EAC3 in question is not infected with a computer virus

If the EAC3 is indeed infected, it is possible that the malware is blocking it from opening. It is advised to scan the system for viruses and malware as soon as possible or use an online antivirus scanner. EAC3 file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the EAC3 file’s structure is intact

If you obtained the problematic EAC3 file from a third party, ask them to supply you with another copy. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. When downloading the file with EAC3 extension from the internet an error may occurred resulting in incomplete file. Try downloading the file again.

3. Verify whether your account has administrative rights

Sometimes in order to access files user need to have administrative privileges. Switch to an account that has required privileges and try opening the Dolby Digital Plus Audio Track file again.

4. Check whether your system can handle VLC media player

If the system is under havy load, it may not be able to handle the program that you use to open files with EAC3 extension. In this case close the other applications.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Regularly updated system, drivers, and programs keep your computer secure. This may also prevent problems with Dolby Digital Plus Audio Track files. Outdated drivers or software may have caused the inability to use a peripheral device needed to handle EAC3 files.

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