Technical question about the PS3 and Dolby TrueHD - Blu-ray Forum

Midwest · 09-27-2007, 11:13 PM

I work for a technology integrator in Minnesota and ran in to a bit of trouble with a clients PS3.

In short, I can't get an Integra Reciever to output Dolby True HD. It's this reciever...

http://www.integrahometheater.com/mo...&m=DTR-7.8&p=i

All settings are correct on the reciever and it is hooked up through a 1.3 spec HDMI compliant cable and jacks.

It is a brand new PS3, only thing I could think of would be lack of a firmware update but I thought it came ready to go out of the box for Dolby TrueHD.

What settings need to be enabled on the PS3? I enabled all of the available audio output options including the ones found in the BD playback menu.

On a side note, can the ps# do DTS:HDMA?

Also can it output audio through an optical cable and use the HDMI for video?

Any takers on these? I am stumped.

Shin-Ra · 09-28-2007, 05:17 PM

As far as I can remember Dolby TrueHD is internally decoded to PCM by the PS3 so maybe the receiver needs to be set differently for PCM.

DTS:HDMA isn't currently supported, a future System Software update may enable support.

I think video can be output via HDMI and sound via optical simultaneously but the optical connections lower bandwidth limits what can be output through it compared to HDMI.

Sound isn't officially supported to output via both connections at once but someone encountered a temporary bug where they could so again, a System Software update may enable this.

I'm not nearly as clued up on the sound side of things as some other members so I'm sure they'll correct me if I'm wrong.

Midwest · 09-28-2007, 06:04 PM

That's pretty much what I figured.

Under the BD options, do I need to set the output for HDMI to bitstream or LPCM?

WickyWoo · 09-28-2007, 06:35 PM

Pcm

Midwest · 09-28-2007, 06:56 PM

Anybody have any experience on what setting to put the receiver at?

What setting do the Onkyo's need to be on, the Integra should be similar, it's Onlyo's custom installer line.

MTrack · 09-28-2007, 07:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midwest

That's pretty much what I figured.

Under the BD options, do I need to set the output for HDMI to bitstream or LPCM?

You need to set it to LPCM on the PS3. Since it's decoded by the PS3 you will not see TrueHD on the receiver unless the PS3 can send the signal via bitstream (which it can not do right now but maybe with a future update). All receivers will show "Multi CH PCM" if connected to the PS3 and most other BD/HD-DVD players.

You will see the TrueHD logo on the receiver only when the BD/HD-DVD player can process the signal via bitstream.

It's only until this month/next month where some of the new BD players (like the new Denon one) and HD-DVD players (3rd gen) are can process the signal via bitstream. The Toshisba HD-XA2 (current flagship HD-DVD player) can not process via bitstream yet, but there are rumors that it will with one of the upcoming updates in Oct.

MTrack · 09-28-2007, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Midwest

Anybody have any experience on what setting to put the receiver at?

What setting do the Onkyo's need to be on, the Integra should be similar, it's Onlyo's custom installer line.

The receiver will process the PS3's signal automatically.

xivex · 09-30-2007, 05:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MTrack

You need to set it to LPCM on the PS3. Since it's decoded by the PS3 you will not see TrueHD on the receiver unless the PS3 can send the signal via bitstream (which it can not do right now but maybe with a future update). All receivers will show "Multi CH PCM" if connected to the PS3 and most other BD/HD-DVD players.

You will see the TrueHD logo on the receiver only when the BD/HD-DVD player can process the signal via bitstream.

MidWest,

As far as I have researched, MTrack and the others are correct. The PS3 has a problem with the way "bitstream" is output over HDMI and thus you cannot simply pass the raw audio signal to the amp to be decoded (thus giving the Dolby TrueHD logo on the amp). Your only other option is "Linear PCM" which means the PS3 decodes the Dolby TrueHD and outputs it to the amp as uncompressed multi-channel audio. Thus, your amp shows "Multichannel audio" on it. This is supposedly the same audio track as having the amp decode the dolby TrueHD audio signal itself, and linear pcm is supposedly very similar (if not exact from what I've read) to the Dolby TrueHD signal. Though I have no way to test this since I cannot hear the Dolby TrueHD as decoded by the amp to compare to the multichannel audio as output by the PS3..

I do believe that Sony will fix this sooner or later (hopefully next 2-3 months)...they could resolve it easily with a system software update via the PSN they already have running. Then, "bitstream" will work properly and your amp should show the Dolby TrueHD logo.

MTrack · 10-01-2007, 06:23 PM

One more thing to add. I have a PS3 and a Denon 3808ci receiver and it always displays "Multi Ch PCM" on the receiver. However, if you have the sound set to TrueHD and hit the display button on the PS3 remote you will see the TrueHD logo on the display.

kamiller42 · 10-01-2007, 06:33 PM

Why is it necessary for the PS3 to output TrueHD if it can output multi-channel, lossless PCM? Other than being able to see TrueHD on the receiver, what else would it buy?

jcs913 · 10-01-2007, 07:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xivex

MidWest,

I do believe that Sony will fix this sooner or later (hopefully next 2-3 months)...they could resolve it easily with a system software update via the PSN they already have running. Then, "bitstream" will work properly and your amp should show the Dolby TrueHD logo.

I believe I have read many times that the PS3 will never be able to bitstream TrueHd or DTS-HDMA. It will only be able to decode it internally. It has to do with the HDMI on it. It says it has 1.3, but it is a 'pre-version'. The only 1.3 application it supports is supposed to be the 'deep color', but that will never be on any BD discs anyway.

kamiller42 · 10-02-2007, 01:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamiller42

Why is it necessary for the PS3 to output TrueHD if it can output multi-channel, lossless PCM? Other than being able to see TrueHD on the receiver, what else would it buy?

Anyone? Anyone?

WriteSimply · 10-02-2007, 01:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kamiller42

Why is it necessary for the PS3 to output TrueHD if it can output multi-channel, lossless PCM? Other than being able to see TrueHD on the receiver, what else would it buy?

Multichannel, lossless PCM is what TrueHD is after it has been decoded by the PS3, or is the other audio track on a BD. For some studios, like Sony, they have included both TrueHD and PCM because they want to start utilizing it and also because the PCM tracks are usually 16-bit (to save space) while the TrueHD is 24-bit.

fuad

kamiller42 · 10-02-2007, 04:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WriteSimply

Multichannel, lossless PCM is what TrueHD is after it has been decoded by the PS3, or is the other audio track on a BD. For some studios, like Sony, they have included both TrueHD and PCM because they want to start utilizing it and also because the PCM tracks are usually 16-bit (to save space) while the TrueHD is 24-bit.

From what I've read, most LPCM tracks on Blu-ray are 16-bit. But when the TrueHD or DTS-MA is decoded ("unpacked") and sent out as multichannel LPCM, it is a 24-bit stream. Is this correct?

xivex · 10-02-2007, 05:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcs913

I believe I have read many times that the PS3 will never be able to bitstream TrueHd or DTS-HDMA. It will only be able to decode it internally. It has to do with the HDMI on it. It says it has 1.3, but it is a 'pre-version'. The only 1.3 application it supports is supposed to be the 'deep color', but that will never be on any BD discs anyway.

You sure about this? I could be wrong, it just seems like Sony would be able to fix this assuming it is not a hardware issue (HDMI 1.2 or pre-version as you spoke of).

I'm curious if this is possible to be fixed via software update or if its locked in as-is due to the earlier version of the HDMI chips used.

Anyone???

Thanks,

X

arbitrage · 10-02-2007, 03:57 PM

Here is all the info about the PS3's HDMI chipset copied from my post on AVS, read the links come to your own conclusions, mine is that nothing is for sure yet...

Don't buy the rumors started by MS last year. Nothing is proven, here are the facts as far as I can find from my post in another thread:

It's not a given, as no one has any proof that the 1.3 chipset SilVastlane 9132 can't pass the new HD audio. The 9132 was an early production of the
widespread 9134 produced soley for the PS3 ahead of the mass market 9134. They probably wanted to keep it hush because Sony was getting a 1.3 chipset before everyone else and obviously this helped sell the PS3 to HT peeps! The Sil site (http://www.siliconimage.com/products...y.aspx?id=1#27) doesn't mention the 9132 anymore (not sure if it ever did). The financial report lists the 9132 with the exact same specs as the 9134 but refers to it as made for "gaming consoles". Nowhere does it say anything about the 9132 not being able to pass bitstream. Nowhere does it say that it can pass bitstream. Here is what it says in the chart in the annual report (http://apps.shareholder.com/sec/view...&docid=5003850):

SiI9132
VastLane HDMI Transmitter 1 1080p 36 bits/pixel 6.75 Gbps game consoles

SiI9134
VastLane HDMI Transmitter 1 1080p 36 bits/pixel 6.75 Gbps DVD players/recorders,STBs

Note that it does for sure do deep color (36bits/pixel), not that any BD or HDDVD will ever have deep color. Not that most males can see deep color. Just forget about deep color, it is the biggest joke out there. Only some games will have it.

09-27-2007, 11:13 PM	#1
Midwest Junior Member Member since:Sep 2007	Technical question about the PS3 and Dolby TrueHD I work for a technology integrator in Minnesota and ran in to a bit of trouble with a clients PS3. In short, I can't get an Integra Reciever to output Dolby True HD. It's this reciever... http://www.integrahometheater.com/mo...&m=DTR-7.8&p=i All settings are correct on the reciever and it is hooked up through a 1.3 spec HDMI compliant cable and jacks. It is a brand new PS3, only thing I could think of would be lack of a firmware update but I thought it came ready to go out of the box for Dolby TrueHD. What settings need to be enabled on the PS3? I enabled all of the available audio output options including the ones found in the BD playback menu. On a side note, can the ps# do DTS:HDMA? Also can it output audio through an optical cable and use the HDMI for video? Any takers on these? I am stumped.

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Dolby TrueHD Bitrate Question	Blu-ray Technology and Future Technology	ClaytonMG	34	01-18-2012 06:37 AM
Question about Dolby TrueHD	Audio Theory and Discussion	sonnyworld85	12	02-06-2009 01:40 PM
PS3 + Dolby TrueHD	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	Zaphod1966	3	04-24-2008 11:05 AM
PS3 and Dolby TrueHD	Blu-ray Players and Recorders	CJS234	16	11-11-2007 05:45 AM
Question about Dolby trueHD	Blu-ray Movies - North America	mainman	4	08-11-2006 11:36 PM

09-28-2007, 05:17 PM	#2
Shin-Ra Super Moderator Top contributor Member since:Feb 2007 Blu-ray collection:5 Trading Score:1	As far as I can remember Dolby TrueHD is internally decoded to PCM by the PS3 so maybe the receiver needs to be set differently for PCM. DTS:HDMA isn't currently supported, a future System Software update may enable support. I think video can be output via HDMI and sound via optical simultaneously but the optical connections lower bandwidth limits what can be output through it compared to HDMI. Sound isn't officially supported to output via both connections at once but someone encountered a temporary bug where they could so again, a System Software update may enable this. I'm not nearly as clued up on the sound side of things as some other members so I'm sure they'll correct me if I'm wrong.

09-28-2007, 06:04 PM	#3
Midwest Junior Member Member since:Sep 2007	That's pretty much what I figured. Under the BD options, do I need to set the output for HDMI to bitstream or LPCM?

09-28-2007, 06:35 PM	#4
WickyWoo Blu-ray Champion Member since:May 2007 Trading Score:2	Pcm

09-28-2007, 06:56 PM	#5
Midwest Junior Member Member since:Sep 2007	Anybody have any experience on what setting to put the receiver at? What setting do the Onkyo's need to be on, the Integra should be similar, it's Onlyo's custom installer line.

10-01-2007, 06:23 PM	#9
MTrack Junior Member Member since:Dec 2006	One more thing to add. I have a PS3 and a Denon 3808ci receiver and it always displays "Multi Ch PCM" on the receiver. However, if you have the sound set to TrueHD and hit the display button on the PS3 remote you will see the TrueHD logo on the display.

10-01-2007, 06:33 PM	#10
kamiller42 Active Member Member since:Sep 2007 Blu-ray collection:1 Blu-ray reviews:1	Why is it necessary for the PS3 to output TrueHD if it can output multi-channel, lossless PCM? Other than being able to see TrueHD on the receiver, what else would it buy?

10-02-2007, 03:57 PM	#16
arbitrage Junior Member Member since:Oct 2007	Here is all the info about the PS3's HDMI chipset copied from my post on AVS, read the links come to your own conclusions, mine is that nothing is for sure yet... Don't buy the rumors started by MS last year. Nothing is proven, here are the facts as far as I can find from my post in another thread: It's not a given, as no one has any proof that the 1.3 chipset SilVastlane 9132 can't pass the new HD audio. The 9132 was an early production of the widespread 9134 produced soley for the PS3 ahead of the mass market 9134. They probably wanted to keep it hush because Sony was getting a 1.3 chipset before everyone else and obviously this helped sell the PS3 to HT peeps! The Sil site (http://www.siliconimage.com/products...y.aspx?id=1#27) doesn't mention the 9132 anymore (not sure if it ever did). The financial report lists the 9132 with the exact same specs as the 9134 but refers to it as made for "gaming consoles". Nowhere does it say anything about the 9132 not being able to pass bitstream. Nowhere does it say that it can pass bitstream. Here is what it says in the chart in the annual report (http://apps.shareholder.com/sec/view...&docid=5003850): SiI9132 VastLane HDMI Transmitter 1 1080p 36 bits/pixel 6.75 Gbps game consoles SiI9134 VastLane HDMI Transmitter 1 1080p 36 bits/pixel 6.75 Gbps DVD players/recorders,STBs Note that it does for sure do deep color (36bits/pixel), not that any BD or HDDVD will ever have deep color. Not that most males can see deep color. Just forget about deep color, it is the biggest joke out there. Only some games will have it.

Best PS3 Game Deals