Media3 audio support for AC3/AC4 (device supports Dolby Atmos/DTS:X but fails to decode AC3/AC4)
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Since Jan 2, 2026.
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Description
Hi, I have a question regarding AC3 / AC4 playback support in Media3 (ExoPlayer).
What I’m seeing:
My device reports support for Dolby Atmos (and DTS:X Ultra), but when I try to play media that contains AC3 (Dolby Digital) or AC4, playback fails (no audio / unsupported format / decoder init failure depending on file).
However, VLC on the same device can play these files. Is there any supported way in Media3 to enable AC3/AC4 playback similar to VLC?
Does Media3 rely strictly on platform decoders (MediaCodec) for AC3/AC4 on Android, meaning it won’t work unless the device exposes a decoder?
Is there any official / recommended approach to support AC3/AC4 via:
software decoding (e.g., FFmpeg extension), or audio passthrough to HDMI / eARC / SPDIF (if supported)?
Environment
Device model: Honor Magic 8 Pro
Android version: 16
Media3 version: 1.9.0
Output: built-in speakers
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