How to Get EAC3 Audio in MX Player: A Comprehensive Guide

MX Player is one of the most popular media players available, known for its wide range of features and support for various audio and video formats. However, many users face challenges when trying to play videos with EAC3 audio format, as MX Player does not support this codec natively. In this blog post, we’ll cover the entire process of downloading and installing MX Player, explain what EAC3 audio is and why it’s important, and provide solutions for enabling EAC3 audio on Android, iOS, and Windows devices. We’ll also troubleshoot potential issues you might encounter along the way.

What is EAC3 Audio?

EAC3 (Enhanced AC-3), also known as Dolby Digital Plus, is an advanced audio codec used in various media formats, including high-definition television broadcasts, Blu-ray discs, and streaming services. It provides better sound quality and more efficient compression than its predecessor, AC-3. EAC3 can support up to 15.1 channels, making it ideal for immersive audio experiences.

Key Features of EAC3:

1. Enhanced Compression: EAC3 offers improved compression techniques over the original AC-3, allowing for better sound quality at lower bitrates. This efficiency makes it suitable for streaming services and other applications where bandwidth is a concern.
2. Backward Compatibility: EAC3 is designed to be backward compatible with AC-3. This means that devices and systems that support AC-3 can often decode EAC3 audio, though sometimes with reduced quality or fewer features.
3. Extended Channel Support: While AC-3 supports up to 5.1 channels, EAC3 extends this capability to support up to 15.1 channels. This makes it ideal for advanced home theater systems and professional audio environments.
4. Support for Additional Features: EAC3 includes support for advanced features such as audio description services, alternate languages, and commentary tracks. These features enhance the viewing experience for a wider audience.

Why MX Player Does Not Support EAC3 Audio Natively

MX Player, despite its versatility, does not come with built-in support for the EAC3 codec due to licensing issues. Licensing for EAC3 can be expensive and complicated, making it difficult for free or low-cost applications to include native support. Users attempting to play videos with EAC3 audio may encounter an error message indicating that the audio format is not supported. To resolve this, you need to manually add the required codecs to enable EAC3 audio playback.

Steps to Download and Install MX Player

For Android

Download MX Player:

• Open the Google Play Store on your device.
• Search for “MX Player.”
• Tap “Install” and wait for the installation to complete.

1. Initial Setup:
   • Once installed, open MX Player.
   • Grant the necessary permissions for storage and media access.

For iOS

1. Download MX Player:
   • Open the App Store on your device.
   • Search for “MX Player.”
   • Tap “Get” and authenticate the installation if required.
2. Initial Setup:
   • Open MX Player after installation.
   • Allow access to your media files when prompted.

For Windows

1. Download MX Player:
   • Open your preferred web browser and go to the official MX Player website.
   • Download the Windows version of MX Player.
2. Install MX Player:
   • Run the installer and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the installation.
   • Launch MX Player and configure the initial settings.

Enabling EAC3 Audio in MX Player

Download the Custom Codec:

Find the Correct Codec:

• Open your web browser and search for “MX Player custom codec download.”
• Ensure you download the codec version that matches your MX Player version (ARMv7, ARMv8, x86, etc.).
• Save the downloaded ZIP file to a known location on your device.

Integrate the Codec with MX Player:

For Android

1. Open MX Player.
2. Go to “Settings” by tapping the three-dot menu.
3. Select “Decoder” and scroll down to “Custom codec.”
4. Navigate to the location where you saved the ZIP file and select it.
5. MX Player will automatically restart to apply the new codec.

For iOS

Unfortunately, adding custom codecs on iOS is not straightforward due to system restrictions. You may need to use alternative apps like Infuse or VLC that support EAC3 natively.

For Windows

1. Extract the downloaded ZIP file to a known location.
2. Open MX Player and go to “Settings.”
3. Navigate to “Decoder” and select “Custom codec path.”
4. Browse to the extracted codec location and select it.
5. Restart MX Player to apply the codec.

Enabling EAC3 Audio in MX Player

Download the Custom Codec:

Troubleshooting Potential Problems

Codec File Not Detected:

• Ensure that the codec file matches the version of MX Player you are using.
• Double-check the file path to ensure it’s correctly selected.

Audio Still Not Playing:

• Confirm that the correct custom codec is applied by checking the “Decoder” settings.
• Try reinstalling MX Player and reapplying the codec.

Compatibility Issues on iOS:

As mentioned, iOS does not support custom codecs easily. Using alternative media players like Infuse or VLC might be a more practical solution.

Common Errors and Their Solutions:

1. Unsupported Audio Codec Error:
   • This error usually indicates that the EAC3 codec is not installed correctly. Re-download the codec and ensure it matches your MX Player version.
2. Audio Sync Issues:
   • Sometimes, custom codecs can cause audio to go out of sync with the video. Adjust the audio delay settings in MX Player’s “Audio” settings to correct this.
3. Playback Issues on Low-End Devices:
   • EAC3 decoding can be resource-intensive. If you experience stuttering or lag, try reducing the playback resolution or closing other background applications.

Advanced Tips for MX Player Users

1. Using HW+ and SW Decoding:
   • MX Player offers different decoding options: HW, HW+, and SW. HW+ uses hardware acceleration for better performance, while SW relies on software decoding, which can handle custom codecs more flexibly. Experiment with these settings to find the best performance for your device.
2. Customizing Subtitle Settings:
   • MX Player supports various subtitle formats and offers extensive customization options. Adjust the subtitle font, size, and color to enhance your viewing experience.
3. Network Streaming:
   • MX Player can stream content from network sources. Use the “Network Stream” option to play videos from URLs, including those hosted on local servers.
4. Playback Speed Control:
   • Adjust the playback speed to watch videos faster or slower. This feature is particularly useful for tutorials or lectures.

Conclusion

Enabling EAC3 audio in MX Player might seem challenging at first, but with the right steps, you can easily enhance your media playback experience. By following this comprehensive guide, you can download and install MX Player, understand the importance of EAC3 audio, and apply the necessary codecs to enjoy high-quality audio on your Android, iOS, and Windows devices. If you encounter any issues, refer to the troubleshooting section for solutions. Happy viewing!

To resolve playback issues, such as the “Playback error: Please try again” that can occur in the Stremio app, you can visit our guide on fixing the Stremio playback error for detailed solutions.