Newbie Help - AV Receiver and PS3

[sinkonet]

I know there is a lot of opinions out there for favorite receiver brands but I'm more on a fact finding missions here. Here is my set-up, 80 gb PS3 and Sony 60" WEGA HDMI. I just got a Pioneer Elite (90 model) for a good price. I'm wondering if I should take it back and get the next model up as this one doesn't list DTS-HD and a few others.

I don't want to waste money on features I can't use. I have read here that the PS3 (my Blu-Ray) only puts out a certain format audio. So, can someone tell me what, out of the 3 million decoder formats available in a receiver, do I actually need or use along with my PS3. And how the heck does all this work together? Doesn't the PS3 decode? Therefore, is any decode in a receiver really needed. Sorry if this sounds stupid.

Here are some of the decodes out there I have to consider yet I don't know much about this stuff:

THX Select2 , LPCM Multi-Channel , Dolby True HD , Dolby Digital Plus , DTS-HD Master Audio , DTS-HD High Resolution Audio
DTS Express , Dolby(R) Digital EX , DTS-ES , Dolby(R) Digital 5.1 , DTS 96/24 , DTS(R) 5.1 , DTS NEO: 6 , Dolby Pro-Logic IIx

[Slec]

Can you give us the exact model #?
1) Does the receiver have HDMI inputs (It's an Elite, so I'm assuming yes)
2) Does it accept audio over HDMI (again, I'll assume yes)

*edit* If the model you have is the Elite VSX-90TXh then it only has video passthrough, it doesn't accept audio over HDMI *

If it does, then you're all set. The PS3 internally decodes and sends out as PCM so as long as your receiver accepts audio over HDMI you'll get HD audio in all its glory!


THX Select2 (certification, not an audio codec)
Give this a read for audio types

[crackinhedz]

I would take it back if I were you. The VSX-90TXV is passthrough...LPCM = Stereo. Basically you use an optical cable for audio.

You should get the VSX-91 or higher. Personally the 92 is what I would get.

[sinkonet]

Yes the model is the vsx-90txv and it only has pass-through HDMI. But I'm not using the HDMI just the optical as I was told that is was a digital connection as good as the HDMI... is that not true? I really don't want to have the receiver on all the time when I watching tv. I'm running HDMI from the PS3 to the TV and again from the DVR to the TV and optical to the receiver.
So, is the decoding happening before the receiver in the PS3, after the PS3, or both places? And do I need DTS-HD in my receiver to take full advantage of my BluRays?
Thanks Gang.

[un4gvn94538]

Originally Posted by sinkonet

But I'm not using the HDMI just the optical as I was told that is was a digital connection as good as the HDMI... is that not true?

its a lie! you need the hdmi for lossless sound from blu rays. all you can get from optical is lossy sound.
using a ps3 you need a receiver with hdmi 1.1 version (i believe) and up to be able to output the pcm audio. the ps3 will decode true hd and dts ma

edit: i dont want the receiver on all the time either. i use component to tv (can still get and hd picture) for times without surround and hdmi to receiver then from receiver to tv for movies and games in surround.

[sinkonet]

So, bottom line is if I want the best audio available I have to get a receiver with HDMI that is not pass-through, that has DTS-HD (or does that matter - I'm not clear on what the PS3 is sending yet), and I have to run my receiver anytime I turn on the TV. Too bad my PS3 and DVR do not have 2 HDMI outputs.

[sinkonet]

...
Just saw your edit: I didn't consider component to TV from DVR. You got the wheels turning now.

[un4gvn94538]

why not just use the hdmi to reciever and get components for the tv and ps3? you can still get a excellent hd pic and use the tv speakers.

dts hd decoding is done in the ps3. the ps3 also decodes true hd. these codecs are decoded and sent to your receiver in pcm form. in this case all you need is a receiver that is not pass through and can output pcm audio. leave the dts hd work to the ps3

[un4gvn94538]

let me try and clarify. im talking strictly ps3. i dont know the capabilities of your dvr or what your receiver is capable of.

you can use hdmi from ps3 to receiver for movies and games on surround. also, you can get a component cable with analog sound for the ps3 straight to the tv. either way, you can get a hd pic. better pq with hdmi of course. but at least you dont always have to have the receiver on with the ps3.

but i guess you need a compatable receiver first

[sinkonet]

I'm thinking the best way to set this up is get the vsx-91txv (92 is too much $$), hook the PS3 via HDMI to the receiver and then to the HD TV.

Take the DVR HDMI to the HD TV and the optical to the receiver (is I rarely surround TV). Anymore info... I'm all ears. Thanks.

[sinkonet]

Picked up the Pioneer Elite VSX-91TXH and hooked up my PS3 via HDMI, my DVR Cable via Optical (HDMI directly to TV) and Holy Crap!!! Sounds awesome with my 5.1 Yamaha Speakers. Still have to figure out the friggin remote but wow, way better then my old system.
Tested it with Blu-Ray Kingdom of Heaven which has DTS-HD on it and it made me want to duck at times!
I really like how cool the Pioneer runs especially since I house it in a cabinet, plus it just looks good.
Thanks for the help here gang!