help to a newbie

[looics17]

im new to all this wizardry so can you please use laymans terms. i have just bought a panasonic 50" pz700 (1980x1080) and does 1080i and am getting sky hd installed. i have also bought a bloody expensive 5.1 set of b+w.... and i have lots of questions so here goes

1. which is best a bluray dedicated player or ps3? im not much of a gamer so would there be any reason as regards quality wise which i should choose?

2. i have a sony 5.1 amp and am thinking of upgrading to an amp which allows me to get "true" hd sound from bluray...any advice?

3. will sky ever broadcast in true hd? and if not my only way to hear true hd is via the options in question 2?

4. im no sound buff so is there any real difference between 5.1 and true hd? when i mean real difference i mean like stereo compared to 5.1? not just a slight difference to a trained ear?

thanks for all your help and also any advice on what products to buy and from where??

cheers

looics17

[Dadds]

1. The PS3 because it is really easy to update the firmware.

2. I dont listen to TrueHD. I use Uncompressed Audio (PCM 5.1)

3. I live in the USA, but since Im hugh soccer fan I know Sky does broadcast in HD. Im not sure what the they use for audio. But it would be definitely be something compressed.

4. My STR-DG810 (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hkCr0hz...0&I=158STDG810) Sony reciever is perfect for me and my setup. Sony also has a high end model if you are willing to pay (http://www.crutchfield.com/S-hkCr0hz...1585200ESB#Tab) Denon makes a few models that use HDMi 1.3. So that is always something you can look into. What are you using for a receiver right now?

[goodstuff]

1) If you don't mind having a non-component type-unit in your system and a non-standard remote (it's Bluetooth), the PS3 is a sure bet, since it's the fastest of all the players and is easily upgradeable due to it's computer and internet connectivity. I'm a standalone guy myself so I'm happy with my Panny/Samsungs.

2) to get "true HD' sound you will need a receiver that can accept inputs for PCM and/or True-HD tracks. This receiver will need 5.1 analog inputs and/or HDMI that doesn't just do video passthrough. There are some very affordable ones out now, which I'm sure others here can point you to the models. Of course you should be able to enjoy the regular Dolby Digital and DTS tracks via optical/coaxial inputs that are probably on your receiver now. Also note that if you go PS3, it doesn't have 5.1 analog outs, so you would need HDMI for the HD sound with that.

3) I don't believe you can receive HD audio through any broadcast channel due to lack of bandwidth, but somoeone will have to verify that. I'm pretty sure you can only get HD audio through blu-ray.

4) If you're talking about Dolby Digital/DTS 5.1 from DVD's. yes there will be a huge difference in loudness and clarity as the PCM/TrueHD soundtracks are uncompressed and pure, unlike regular DD/DTS which is squished (compressed) so that it can fit onto smaller DVD's.

[looics17]

thanks people.
i have a sony receiver right now that accepts 5.1 but was just usin the little boxes that come with the pack. i realised wot a mistake that was when i heard the sound off various speakers using various amps in a hifi specialist store

[Dadds]

You are going to want to have a receiver with at least 2 HDMi inputs. Make sure your tv supports HDMi.

[Blue]

1. At the moment the PS3 is the best bangs per buck and can accommodate the expanding specifications. Overtime some dedicated players will overtake the PS3, but at the moment it's up there and will stay there for some time to come.

2. The new fancy HD Audio will either be available from the player 5.1 or 7.1 analogue outputs or via HDMI (1.3). These standards are still settling, expect to see receivers start to pop up by Christmas as at the moment there are not many that can do the new HD Audio especially the loss-less DTS.

3. Don't know

4. YES

[looics17]

so there will be a huge difference between my 5.1 sound and the true hd sound through bluray?

my receiver has points for 5.1 and digital outputs. will these create true hd through bluray

[looics17]

my tv does support hdmi. wot goes where if it get a ps3 then? do they do hdmi to analogue outs?

[Dadds]

You would plug the PS3's HDMi wire into a receiver and then come back out with another HDMi wire to the TV. That is the only way to get all of the fancy audio options.

[jubaiweaponx]

if your talking good recievers for the money the onkyo 605 or the bigger brother the 805 have all the new connections and new formats for sound ,check out some reviews on it

[GasCat]

I'm waiting for TrueHD2, TrueHD3 or whatever other codec they want to throw at us. This is how new hardware is sold and new licensing revenue is made.

If you played the soundtracks side by side you could tell a difference, but if you listen to receivers without it you would likely be very satisfied with the results. If you have the money then get a TrueHD 1.3 receiver. My receiver sounds fantastic. I'm not upgrading but I am in a different position from you.

[jubaiweaponx]

Originally Posted by GasCat

I'm waiting for TrueHD2, TrueHD3 or whatever other codec they want to throw at us. This is how new hardware is sold and new licensing revenue is made.

If you played the soundtracks side by side you could tell a difference, but if you listen to receivers without it you would likely be very satisfied with the results. If you have the money then get a TrueHD 1.3 receiver. My receiver sounds fantastic. I'm not upgrading but I am in a different position from you.

true so true ,hddts-ma-XV II the 14th ,lol

[looics17]

this stuff is blowin me away

wot type of set up would you do

panny 50" 1080p (3xhdmi)
ps3
onkyo 605 (2xhdmi in, 1 hdmi out)
sky hd (uk 1xhdmi, 1x optical)

does ps3 support true hd with hdmi?
i have bought b+w speakers. does the size of the amp make a difference to the speakers? ie blowin the crap out of them

im spendin lots of money and dont want to get it wrong 1st time round. am i best waitin till ive got over the initial buzz or just do it????? (but do it right??)

looics

[Dadds]

What watts do the speakers handle up to? Have watts per channel is the receiver?

[looics17]

http://www.hifigear.co.uk/site/scrip...ategory_id=510

looics

[Dadds]

Make sure your receiver is 8 ohms and is close to 100 watts per channel. You dont want to get crazy like 130+ watts because cranking (even by accident) can do some damage. How much do you want to spend on a receiver?

[looics17]

ive seen the onkyo 605 for £399

[Dadds]

I like it and its 90 watts rms. A+

[looics17]

looks like its 140w per channel and 6 ohms....too much??????

[looics17]

which means??????