How to change audio stream of converted MCE file

[stony]

For my sins I am still using NeroVision to create simple custom DVDs. (I am still on the lookout for a free or cheap easy-to-use DVD maker that allows hierarchical menus, unlike NeroVision.)

Last night I had a crash with my main desktop machine partway through an MPEG recording of the second part of a two-part drama. Fortunately I was recording on my laptop as a backup, where I had two options: (1) recording direct to MPEG using the clunky HP QuickPlay, which seems to have a file size limit and would have created two files or (2) recording in DVR-MS using WMC and converting the single file to MPEG.

I chose the second option. But I got a different audio result from the first part recording. Using VRD to view Video Program Info, Part 1 says that Stream ID is 'xC0' and MPEG layer is 'Layer 2', while Part 2 says 'AC3: 0 (x80)' and '2.0'. NeroVision accepts Part 1 but not Part 2 and wants to sell me an MPEG2 plugin.

I have changed the audio using VRD before, with help from these forums, but can't remember the method and can't find it in a search.

Can someone please put me out of my misery?

[phd]

In the file save dialog box click on the Options button.

You can save the file with either MPEG or LPCM audio.

[stony]

Thanks, Pat. This is probably the second time you have told me this!

I didn't notice the Options box.

Just one more thing. In the Options box the bitrate was defaulted to 256, which I accepted, and options went up to 384. The original was 448. Is there anything significant in these different values? Sounds OK with 256 to me.

[phd]

The bitrate will determine the compression. The higher the bitrate, the larger the file.

Do a test and create 2 files for a DVD. One at a higher setting and one at the lower setting. If you don't notice the difference then it will save you some disk space. You can compare file sizes for how how much space it will actually save you.

[stony]

Thanks again, Pat. I will do as you say.