My new sound setup confusion

[Blu-Curry]

This whole time i believed my receiver was NOT capable of DTS, but after actually looking at the manual (and on the receiver) it IS! So i decided to look at my connections to see what was wrong.

It just maybe the setup onscreen options, but i'll have to check that out later as my bulb in my tv still needs to be replaced.

1. Optical cord going from the the tv to the receiver.
2. Optical cord going from the PS3 to the receiver.
3. RCA jack type cord going from MTS box to receiver.

I looked at the receiver screen when i want to access my PS3, and it selects option 1 above and not 2. So is this related to why Dolby Digital works, but DTS does not?

[repete66211]

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

1. Optical cord going from the the tv to the receiver.
2. Optical cord going from the PS3 to the receiver.
3. S-video cord going from MTS box to receiver.

I looked at the receiver screen when i want to access my PS3, and it selects option 1 above and not 2. So is this related to why Dolby Digital works, but DTS does not?

If you are playing a DTS soundtrack on a disc in the PS3 and you have DTS selected in the PS3 audio output menu then you should be seeing DTS on your receiver display and hearing it out of your speakers.

I don't know what an MTS box is. Also, you should know that most TVs don't pass surround audio to optical except when the source program is coming in via broadcast antenna.

[jomari]

we can further assist you if we can find out the model of your receiver. some receivers depending on how old they are, will not have the appropriate hardware capable of doing dts.

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by repete66211

If you are playing a DTS soundtrack on a disc in the PS3 and you have DTS selected in the PS3 audio output menu then you should be seeing DTS on your receiver display and hearing it out of your speakers.

I don't know what an MTS box is. Also, you should know that most TVs don't pass surround audio to optical except when the source program is coming in via broadcast antenna.

Hmmm, I'm going to have to check later to see what i chose on my PS3 audio output menu.

lol, the MTS box is my cable box. I knew the thing about the tvs; i used to be able to get 5.1 from Movie Central but they stopped doing that and there was another bundle of channels that did it too.

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by jomari

we can further assist you if we can find out the model of your receiver. some receivers depending on how old they are, will not have the appropriate hardware capable of doing dts.

Oh really, i thought if my manual said it can do DTS and it's written on the receiver, then it would for sure. Well i have a NAD T762 (it's pretty old, can't do HD audios).

[Blu-Curry]

Again, it could just be my onscreen setup (choosing DTS 5.1 on the PS3), but i won't be able to see that for the time being.

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

Oh really, i thought if my manual said it can do DTS and it's written on the receiver, then it would for sure. Well i have a NAD T762 (it's pretty old, can't do HD audios).

Well, you would be mistaken about that! If you check your manual, on page 12, item # 18, it will say 7.1 input. if you had a blu-ray player that had analog out and the player itself decoded DTHD & DTS-HD-MA, you could send those HD codecs already decoded out via those analog outputs on the player and connect that into your receiver's analog input and you would be listening to HD Audio.

Another way to get those HD Audio codecs from your PS3 is believed to be by using this device, here is a link to it-- http://www.ambery.com/2hddodtsdihd.html

if you decide you don't want to spend the money for that device (if you didn't want to give up the receiver for a newer on with HDMI i do recommend giving this a try) you can still get DTS & DD the cores of the HD audio via your optical in. in your ps3 audio menu you should select the optical out and bitstream audio. turn on your receiver to what ever setting you need to in order to get the opt 1 or 2 (whichever you have the ps3 connected to) and you should see DTS or DD codec light up when you are playing either of those codecs or their HD counterparts!

If your cable box has a digital coax out (it would be an rca type jack and would be either black or orange in color) you should connect it to your receiver that way you can get DD from your cable box. you may need to go into your cable box setup menu to tell it to route audio through that connection. it may also be listed as SPDIF or digital coax. that is how you would get 5.1 DD from your cable box, again, if it is available.

what brand and model tv do you have?

start with that and best of luck! Keep us posted. Oh, by the way your receiver is not that old, and you should be happy that it actually has as much built into it as it does. it is still very usable in the HD audio world. you just need to know how to get it to it!

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

Well, you would be mistaken about that! If you check your manual, on page 12, item # 18, it will say 7.1 input. if you had a blu-ray player that had analog out and the player itself decoded DTHD & DTS-HD-MA, you could send those HD codecs already decoded out via those analog outputs on the player and connect that into your receiver's analog input and you would be listening to HD Audio.

Another way to get those HD Audio codecs from your PS3 is believed to be by using this device, here is a link to it-- http://www.ambery.com/2hddodtsdihd.html

if you decide you don't want to spend the money for that device (if you didn't want to give up the receiver for a newer on with HDMI i do recommend giving this a try) you can still get DTS & DD the cores of the HD audio via your optical in. in your ps3 audio menu you should select the optical out and bitstream audio. turn on your receiver to what ever setting you need to in order to get the opt 1 or 2 (whichever you have the ps3 connected to) and you should see DTS or DD codec light up when you are playing either of those codecs or their HD counterparts!

If your cable box has a digital coax out (it would be an rca type jack and would be either black or orange in color) you should connect it to your receiver that way you can get DD from your cable box. you may need to go into your cable box setup menu to tell it to route audio through that connection. it may also be listed as SPDIF or digital coax. that is how you would get 5.1 DD from your cable box, again, if it is available.

what brand and model tv do you have?

start with that and best of luck! Keep us posted. Oh, by the way your receiver is not that old, and you should be happy that it actually has as much built into it as it does. it is still very usable in the HD audio world. you just need to know how to get it to it!

WOW! YOU Sir are very informative!

I had no idea there was any chance of my receiver being able to handle the HD audios. I have been trying to convince my family on getting a newer receiver, but it seems i may not need to do that. I will most likely not get that stand-alone decoder, but i am very fond of the other way you have described.

I checked my cable box and although i do not have an HD cable box (YET) i noticed that i have a cord going from my receiver (my coax) to "Dolby Digital AC-3" on the box (i mistook this cord for the S-video for #3).

My tv is a Toshiba DLP 72MX196.

I've slowly been learning more about my receiver, but what you have told me is just awesome. I can't wait for the bulb to be replaced by Visions sometime this week or next, so then i can play around with all this stuff. I will definetly be updating!

By the way, does this matter: i have both HDMI and Optical going from my
PS3 to my receiver, and i've selected them both to be bitstream. Also, my PS3 is going to the receiver via Optical 2, but when i turn on my sound, it selects Optical 1 (receiver to TV).

[Blu-Curry]

I believe i have figured out my problem (again, i will not know for sure until my bulb is replaced).

I have HDMI doing both my picture and sound settings on my PS3. I am guessing that i should instead do the Optical cord for sound and manually so i can check off DTS.

Now i have another question. What is the deal with PCM and how do i know if i can do it? I'm not sure, but i think the Optical cord cannot do PCM 5.1 on the PS3.

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

I believe i have figured out my problem (again, i will not know for sure until my bulb is replaced).

I have HDMI doing both my picture and sound settings on my PS3. I am guessing that i should instead do the Optical cord for sound and manually so i can check off DTS.

Now i have another question. What is the deal with PCM and how do i know if i can do it? I'm not sure, but i think the Optical cord cannot do PCM 5.1 on the PS3.

Are you sure of your receivers model number? I'm looking at the manual for the NAD T762 and it has no HDMI inputs. Do you mean you have HDMI going to your tv and optical going to your receiver?

For the ps3 go into your setup and go to audio and select HDMI, manual, uncheck everything you can, select enter.

then select optical, check everything that is not already checked, select enter.
that should do it.

I see you have 2 HDMI ports & 2 component ports on your TV. I'll gather you have one HDMI from the ps3 and you should use the S-video from the cable box to the receiver, that will give you the best picture you can get until you get an HD box from the cable company. I would recommend you buy an S-video cable and connect that (if your cable box supports it) and connect that from your cable box to your TV that will give you the best picture your box can give you. If you don't have S-video, and you have a yellow connector that says video (composite) use that and connect that to your TV, it's not as good as S-video but, it's better than the coax in that you would be using. also, select on your receiver the input that says "SAT" and assign the coax input that you have the cable box connected to. this way when watching cable you can select "SAT" on your receiver and get better sound, Dolby 2.0 or 5.1 when available through your sound system! Also, set your cable box to send sound out via that connector.

As for the LPCM, dont let that confuse you. It stands for Linear Pulse Code Modulation. For your purposes it means that your player (the ps3 or say a standalone blu-ray player) decodes the signal within itself (internally) then sends out the audio, decoded, (either DTHD or DTS-HD-MA) then sends it out as 5,6,or 7.1 channels (whatever it was) and you get the HD codec with the work already done ready to listen to. you must use the adapter to get the indvidual analog channels to put into your analog in 7.1 then you will hear HD audio. I hope you understand this and of course, I hope it's been helpfull.

Your not alone on the bulb issue, I had my lamp replaced this Friday past. It lasted 3 years and now, looks like a brand new set; the picture is incredible once again.

Unlike the "Sham-wow" guy, I can do this all day!

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

Are you sure of your receivers model number? I'm looking at the manual for the NAD T762 and it has no HDMI inputs. Do you mean you have HDMI going to your tv and optical going to your receiver?

For the ps3 go into your setup and go to audio and select HDMI, manual, uncheck everything you can, select enter.

then select optical, check everything that is not already checked, select enter.
that should do it.

I see you have 2 HDMI ports & 2 component ports on your TV. I'll gather you have one HDMI from the ps3 and you should use the S-video from the cable box to the receiver, that will give you the best picture you can get until you get an HD box from the cable company. I would recommend you buy an S-video cable and connect that (if your cable box supports it) and connect that from your cable box to your TV that will give you the best picture your box can give you. If you don't have S-video, and you have a yellow connector that says video (composite) use that and connect that to your TV, it's not as good as S-video but, it's better than the coax in that you would be using. also, select on your receiver the input that says "SAT" and assign the coax input that you have the cable box connected to. this way when watching cable you can select "SAT" on your receiver and get better sound, Dolby 2.0 or 5.1 when available through your sound system! Also, set your cable box to send sound out via that connector.

As for the LPCM, dont let that confuse you. It stands for Linear Pulse Code Modulation. For your purposes it means that your player (the ps3 or say a standalone blu-ray player) decodes the signal within itself (internally) then sends out the audio, decoded, (either DTHD or DTS-HD-MA) then sends it out as 5,6,or 7.1 channels (whatever it was) and you get the HD codec with the work already done ready to listen to. you must use the adapter to get the indvidual analog channels to put into your analog in 7.1 then you will hear HD audio. I hope you understand this and of course, I hope it's been helpfull.

Your not alone on the bulb issue, I had my lamp replaced this Friday past. It lasted 3 years and now, looks like a brand new set; the picture is incredible once again.

Unlike the "Sham-wow" guy, I can do this all day!

Oh, i have the HDMI going from my PS3 to my tv and the Optical from the PS3 to the receiver. If i remember correctly on my PS3 the video settings are done under HDMI (of course they are), but so are the sound settings. I understand now your solution to that problem! Although, is there a preference between Dolby Digital and DTS? Especially in the subwoofer department? lol

Yes, i do use a S-video cord with my cable box. I just checked my cable box connections and they are exactly how you have described them. So, there's no problem there!

So on this LPCM thing, i just want to clarify, after i go through the sound settings with Optical and check everything, if i popped Spider-Man 3 in and selected PCM 5.1, would the audio format work?

Thank you again for all your help! My bulb lasted almost 2.5 years. There's another question i've had for quite a while. If there's an audio format which states 7.1, that means up to 7.1 correct? If i don't have 7.1 but wanted to watch Narnia 2, would i still get the 5.1 audio?

(hahaha, the "Sham-wow" guy )

[SlmShdy1]

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

Now i have another question. What is the deal with PCM and how do i know if i can do it? I'm not sure, but i think the Optical cord cannot do PCM 5.1 on the PS3.

If you're using your PS3 as your Blu-ray player, you'll probably want to stay away from Linear PCM while you're using an optical cable. If you're using the optical cable for audio (the best option in your case), you'd only be getting 2.0 channels of sound if you select Linear PCM. Now one day when you do happen to upgrade to a new receiver with HDMI inputs, that's when you'll want to select PCM. For now you'll want to set your Digital Optical Out to Bitstream.

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

So on this LPCM thing, i just want to clarify, after i go through the sound settings with Optical and check everything, if i popped Spider-Man 3 in and selected PCM 5.1, would the audio format work?

It would work but would only give you 2 channels of sound. You'll want to select either the Dolby or DTS tracks until you can upgrade to HDMI.

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

There's another question i've had for quite a while. If there's an audio format which states 7.1, that means up to 7.1 correct? If i don't have 7.1 but wanted to watch Narnia 2, would i still get the 5.1 audio?

You'll still get 5.1. The 7.1 mix will downmix into 5.1 so you'll still get everything that's supposed to be there.

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

If you're using your PS3 as your Blu-ray player, you'll probably want to stay away from Linear PCM while you're using an optical cable. If you're using the optical cable for audio (the best option in your case), you'd only be getting 2.0 channels of sound if you select Linear PCM. Now one day when you do happen to upgrade to a new receiver with HDMI inputs, that's when you'll want to select PCM. For now you'll want to set your Digital Optical Out to Bitstream.


It would work but would only give you 2 channels of sound. You'll want to select either the Dolby or DTS tracks until you can upgrade to HDMI.


You'll still get 5.1. The 7.1 mix will downmix into 5.1 so you'll still get everything that's supposed to be there.

Ah, thank you for clearing all of that up for me.

Once my bulb is replaced i'll make sure everything works. Thanks again to everyone who has helped me out!

[solarrdadd]

Originally Posted by Blu-Curry

Oh, i have the HDMI going from my PS3 to my tv and the Optical from the PS3 to the receiver. If i remember correctly on my PS3 the video settings are done under HDMI (of course they are), but so are the sound settings. I understand now your solution to that problem! Although, is there a preference between Dolby Digital and DTS? Especially in the subwoofer department? lol
DTS has more information than DD. it is usually heavier in the LFE (bass) information so you can expect a deeper, richer experience than with just DD. you can't get DTS if the medium is recorded only in DD. there must be a DTS option in the menu of the movie or game.

Yes, i do use a S-video cord with my cable box. I just checked my cable box connections and they are exactly how you have described them. So, there's no problem there!

So on this LPCM thing, i just want to clarify, after i go through the sound settings with Optical and check everything, if i popped Spider-Man 3 in and selected PCM 5.1, would the audio format work?
no matter what you select in the ps3, it will be decoded and sent out via the optical port. You can't get HD codecs via the optical so you will only get DD or DTS core. You will get good sound but not HD sound, you would need to get that adapter to get the True HD sound. don't get me wrong, DD & DTS sound good to.

Thank you again for all your help! My bulb lasted almost 2.5 years. There's another question i've had for quite a while. If there's an audio format which states 7.1, that means up to 7.1 correct? If i don't have 7.1 but wanted to watch Narnia 2, would i still get the 5.1 audio?
you will only get 5.1 if you only have a 5.1 system. if you have a 7.1 system, with only 5.1 speakers connected you will still only get 5.1 and you will not hear the missing two channels. some receivers can be set-up to downmix the 7.1 to 5.1. in most instances the player will ask you if you have 5 or 7.1 and if you say 5.1, it will automatically downmix 7.1 into 5.1 don't know if that is the case with the ps3 you'll have to check into that yourself. i have 7.1 so i don't worry about such things, sorry!

(hahaha, the "Sham-wow" guy )

all of this writing, i think if we ever meet you owe me a cold one!

[Beta Man]

lack of HDMI aside...... You have a very nice, and under-appreciated AVR.

[SlmShdy1]

Originally Posted by Beta Man

lack of HDMI aside...... You have a very nice, and under-appreciated AVR.

With that being said, you might want to consider getting the analog multichannel accessory for the PS3. It's an easy and cheap way to get HD sound with what you've already got. Or just buy a Blu-ray stand alone with analog outputs.

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

all of this writing, i think if we ever meet you owe me a cold one!

hahaha i'm only 16 (yet the tech guy of the family) so if a root beer can do then you got it! Thanks for the answers once again

Originally Posted by Beta Man

lack of HDMI aside...... You have a very nice, and under-appreciated AVR.

Thanks, i thought with all the new receivers out and all mine would automatically become "awful". But i now realize that i was wrong.

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

With that being said, you might want to consider getting the analog multichannel accessory for the PS3. It's an easy and cheap way to get HD sound with what you've already got. Or just buy a Blu-ray stand alone with analog outputs.

Hmmm, i'd probably get the accessory. So, is there an accessory specifically for the PS3 or is this another gizmo out there?

[SlmShdy1]

It's the one that solarrdadd posted. It was mentioned in the PS3 forum a few days ago as a cheap solution for adding analog outs to the PS3. Clicky.

[Blu-Curry]

Originally Posted by SlmShdy1

It's the one that solarrdadd posted. It was mentioned in the PS3 forum a few days ago as a cheap solution for adding analog outs to the PS3. Clicky.

Oh wow, that is sweet! I read the whole page about it and i'm pleased with what i saw. I'm going to start looking for these in-store now. Just one quick question about this though: after looking at the output options, would i need to use the optical out at all or would i just be using the HDMI the whole time? (looks like i need another HDMI cord though)

[SlmShdy1]

I don't think it's available in stores, but you can order it from that website (click on the picture). If you were to go this route, you wouldn't need the optical cable. Just a HDMI cable from the PS3 to the amplifier, another HDMI from the amplifier to your TV, and then three or four sets of these from the amplifier to your NAD receiver.

Edit: Your receiver has 7.1 analog inputs so you would need 4 sets of those RCA adapters.