My S-301 Question To Sony Support

[FreddieFerric]

First off, I'm a new member and this is my first post. Sorry if this has been covered before.

I purchased a new Sony 301 from Sam's Club about 2 weeks ago and have been struggling (as many have I'm sure) concerning the Dolby and DTS decoding that is supported by this unit. I have read in other posts that the 300/301 does decode DolbyTrueHD and apparently the manual also indicates output for DTS HD: All to LPCM. So here's my question to Sony Support:

"Could you please advise exactly what DTS HD audio decoding format this player supports? Page 48 of the owners manual indicates that it outputs DTS HD to 5.1 linear pcm which my Denon AVR does support. Is this the same as the new DTS HD Master Audio format? If so, why does it not support 7.1? If not, will Sony be releasing a firmware update to add this ability? Thank you for your help. Fred, New BDP-S301 Owner."

And the reply:

"Thank you for contacting Sony Support.

I am glad to provide the information regarding the audio format supported by your Sony Blu-ray Disc Player. This Blu-ray Disc player has Dolby Digital Plus decoding functionality. You can also enjoy conventional Dolby Digital sound from Dolby TrueHD streams. However, the player does not have Dolby TrueHD decoding functionality and does not support Dolby TrueHD or HDMI bitstream output.

Also, you can play a disc with DTS-HD audio on your Blu-ray Disc player. However, the sound quality is the same as conventional DTS audio sound because the player does not support DTS-HD decoding or HDMI bitstream output. Currently there is no firmware available regarding this."

Thank you for your time.

Your Sony Email Response Team
C79B
Scott


Now I never suggested that this player would bitstream either of these formats. Rather I was trying to ask precisely what version of DTS HD the unit would output to LPCM. Needless to say, the answer really didn't answer the question.

BTW, notice the comment regarding a future firmware update. Nothing like stating the obvious.

Any comments on this?

[Marquoz]

I wouldn't write an email, it's better to call them because then it is easier to explain what you are trying to ask. They just take a quick scan at the email looking for key words and fire off a reply. Chances are good they are on the phone while they are writing the email or doing it in between calls and not paying much attention.

Plus, good to see another NOLA person!