Audio Codec 3 (.ac3)
AC3, short for Audio Codec 3, is a file extension developed by Dolby Laboratories for digital audio compression. Primarily utilized in home theater systems, DVD, Blu-ray, and broadcasting, it delivers up to 5.1-channel surround sound. Introduced in the early 1990s, AC3 revolutionized audio experiences by providing high-quality sound with efficient data compression. This codec enhances user experiences with its immersive audio capabilities, making it a standard in the industry.