DTS-HD decoding question

[CJS234]

Hey,

I have been wondering something for the past week or so. I am aware that the PS3 is not able to decode the DTS-HD codec yet. I will be setting up my new Onky receiver that is capable of decoding Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD sometime this week. I was wondering if the DTS-HD audio can be sent from the PS3 under PCM via HDMI to the reciever and then the receiver recognize it as DTS-HD and play it as it is supposed to be played, and not downconverted or anything to PCM.

Thanks,
CJS

[sj001]

Originally Posted by CJS234

Hey,

I have been wondering something for the past week or so. I am aware that the PS3 is not able to decode the DTS-HD codec yet. I will be setting up my new Onky receiver that is capable of decoding Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD sometime this week. I was wondering if the DTS-HD audio can be sent from the PS3 under PCM via HDMI to the reciever and then the receiver recognize it as DTS-HD and play it as it is supposed to be played, and not downconverted or anything to PCM.

Thanks,
CJS

The PS3 cannot bitstream any HiDef audio as of yet, possibly down the road in a firmware update.

It sends all Hi-Def audio via PCM, and decodes everything internally, so you can get PCM, Dolby TrueHD, and the Core DTS track so far, but no DTS-MA.

[MacDaddyOJack]

If it is sent as PCM, then that means it has already been decoded. So no, the DTS-HD stream cannot be sent as PCM to your reciever from the PS3. The PS3 cannot bitstream these new audio codecs either. So you better hope that all the movies you watch either have PCM or TrueHD cause you can't get anything but the lossy core from DTS. I bought a new player in order to get DTS-MA and I'm so glad I did!

[ClaytonMG]

There's a chance that the PS3 will be upgraded to decode DTS-HD, but there's not a chance that it'll be upgraded to bitstream these new audio codecs.

[Micker]

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

There's a chance that the PS3 will be upgraded to decode DTS-HD, but there's not a chance that it'll be upgraded to bitstream these new audio codecs.

I agree, and don't care as long as it will do dts-hd ma internally at least.

[quetzalcoatl]

Originally Posted by Micker

I agree, and don't care as long as it will do dts-hd ma internally at least.

You might once you are able to hear it decoded. I felt the same way until I got my new player and can now compare the PCM trueHD track to the bitstreamed one. And in every test the one that is sent bitstream is better even though in theory they are the same.

[bootman]

Originally Posted by quetzalcoatl

You might once you are able to hear it decoded. I felt the same way until I got my new player and can now compare the PCM trueHD track to the bitstreamed one. And in every test the one that is sent bitstream is better even though in theory they are the same.

Finally someone that verified what I've been trying to tell everyone here!
Audio is done best when dedicated audio equipment is doing its job.
Sad thing is that profile 1.1 pretty much assures that it needs to be decoded at the player for pip 2nd audio to work.

[MacDaddyOJack]

Agreed! My Onkyo does a much better job of decoding. It is easier to apply an equililzer curve and secondary processing too when done in the reciever also!

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

...but there's not a chance that it'll be upgraded to bitstream these new audio codecs.

Why is that? Didn't Samsung just release firmware to allow for bitstreaming of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA?

This is not attacking your statement, but just wondering if that is a definate "no" or possibly "no". I only ask since if it seems possible to update via firmware, why wouldn't the PS3 be able to do that?

[werewuf]

Originally Posted by bootman

Finally someone that verified what I've been trying to tell everyone here!
Audio is done best when dedicated audio equipment is doing its job.
Sad thing is that profile 1.1 pretty much assures that it needs to be decoded at the player for pip 2nd audio to work.

I have the same BDP-95Fd and VSX-94TXH as Quetzalcoatl, and concur with his findings. I had a heated debate going here awhile back and I was highly disputed by some. It's nice to hear back from someone who could verify my findings.
Thanks much.....

[ClaytonMG]

Originally Posted by Zaphod

Why is that? Didn't Samsung just release firmware to allow for bitstreaming of Dolby TrueHD and DTS-MA?

This is not attacking your statement, but just wondering if that is a definate "no" or possibly "no". I only ask since if it seems possible to update via firmware, why wouldn't the PS3 be able to do that?

From what I've read, although it's HDMI 1.3, it's missing the hardware needed in order to bitstream the audio.

[Zaphod]

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

From what I've read, although it's HDMI 1.3, it's missing the hardware needed in order to bitstream the audio.

That would kind of be a bummer ...I hope it is possible for all of our sakes.

Thanks for the info.

[MacDaddyOJack]

If bitstreaming on the PS3 was possible, then my guess is that they would have done it by now, especially since the new Samsung, Pioneer, and Panasonic players can all bitstream the audio codecs. The only hope that is left is that none of the Sony players can yet. Once that happens, then you may recieve an update to bitstream audio on the PS3.

[Blu-Light]

Originally Posted by ClaytonMG

From what I've read, although it's HDMI 1.3, it's missing the hardware needed in order to bitstream the audio.

There is conflicting information on this subject and it is quite possible that the newer PS3s have the correct chipset for this to be possible. Though, all might have the capability as of now but it is just not turned on in software.

Here is some older info I came across:

Now it’s worth noting the differences between the two chipsets, “The VastLane SiI 9133, an advanced dual-input HDMI receiver, will enable HDTVs to display Deep Color” whereas the 'SiI 9134’ transmitter is described as having the same capabilities as the 9133 but "with additional support for the latest high-quality audio formats, Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.”

http://www.hometheaterblog.com/homet...13_not_as.html

[bootman]

The PS3 can't bitstream TrueHD now, there is no logical reason for Sony not to enable that if it wasn't physiclly possible to do so.

[quetzalcoatl]

Originally Posted by bootman

The PS3 can't bitstream TrueHD now, there is no logical reason for Sony not to enable that if it wasn't physiclly possible to do so.

I think the post just above yours gives a real reason as to why they would not do it. They want all PS3 to be the same specs. And if the older models cannot do it they you are in a sence throwing all those early adopters to the curb. If they were to update it and only some units could do it I am not sure who would cry louder the HD DVD fanboys or the PS3 fanboys. About the lack of concern Sony has for it customer base. Granted these would be different but still very loud.

[DragonSarc]

so which PS3 has the "SiI 9133" chipset and the 9134? 60gb 80gb?

[JToddler]

Players should only really pass on the signal to a Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio capable player. Just keep in mind when purchasing a receiver, like the Sony STR-DA5300ES that it can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Theoretically, the benefit of having onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio is that players could send these soundtracks to the receiver to be decoded, instead of the players needing onboard decoders themselves. Unfortunately, that's not currently possible. Currently, there are no players that are capable of sending Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks in bit stream format. Instead, some (but not all) players decode these formats internally, and then send the decoded signals to attached receivers via HDMI (as uncompressed linear PCM) or multichannel analog-audio connections.

In short, the ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio might come into play in the future, but it's hard to consider it an essential feature.

[sj001]

Originally Posted by JToddler

Players should only really pass on the signal to a Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio capable player. Just keep in mind when purchasing a receiver, like the Sony STR-DA5300ES that it can decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

Theoretically, the benefit of having onboard decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio is that players could send these soundtracks to the receiver to be decoded, instead of the players needing onboard decoders themselves. Unfortunately, that's not currently possible. Currently, there are no players that are capable of sending Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master Audio soundtracks in bit stream format. Instead, some (but not all) players decode these formats internally, and then send the decoded signals to attached receivers via HDMI (as uncompressed linear PCM) or multichannel analog-audio connections.

In short, the ability to decode Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio might come into play in the future, but it's hard to consider it an essential feature.

Then let's tell FOX, and other studios that release all of their movies with DTS-MA to include a PCM soundtrack so MOST people can enjoy their Hi-Def soundtracks.

[JToddler]

Originally Posted by sj001

Then let's tell FOX, and other studios that release all of their movies with DTS-MA to include a PCM soundtrack so MOST people can enjoy their Hi-Def soundtracks.

Well, in short, the receiver will ultimately does the decoding while the player should only passing on the signal! In other words all you need is a player that pass on the signal and a receiver that decodes such signal.