PS3 audio output question

[BD_Newbie]

Hi everyone,

Sorry if this is the wrong place to post this, but I have a pretty basic (I hope) question about the PS3 and audio decoding.

My (brand new) setup - PS3 (of course), Samsung 4061F LCD, Yamaha NS-SP1600 receiver.

My question is this - my receiver has 2 HDMI-in ports but the manual says that it will not play audio directly from the HDMI signal - it outputs it to the TV. My TV has optical audio out. So my thinking is that I would end up with a setup like this:

PS3 >(HDMI) Yamaha Receiver >(HDMI) Samsung LCD >(optical out) Yamaha Receiver.

Given this setup, in what format does the PS3 output the audio (and in turn, does that format change when it gets routed through the TV)? Will it still be 5 channel PCM? I'm excited to hear that as of today the PS3 handles the decoding of all the Blu-Ray audio codecs, but I'm afraid that it might not work if it's routed through the TV.

Is it possible to go directly from the PS3's digital optical audio out to the receiver for audio while using the HDMI signal for video? Would that give me better sound or would it be the same?

Sorry again if this is a really silly question - I'm usually pretty good with this stuff, but I couldn't find a clear answer on how the PS3 handles audio out in addition to if the digital optical audio out can handle the PCM signal in its full form. It's my first day as a blu-ray owner and I'm excited to get my feet wet. I just wanted to make sure I wasn't short-changing myself.

Thanks so much!

[Pelican170]

Yes, you should be able to run HDMI for video and Optical for Sound, although I dont believe you will be able to run any of the new audio formats (DD True HD, DTS HDMA, Uncompressed PCM). I believe you need to run the sound through the HDMI to be able to send the signal to your receiver.

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by Pelican170

Yes, you should be able to run HDMI for video and Optical for Sound, although I dont believe you will be able to run any of the new audio formats (DD True HD, DTS HDMA, Uncompressed PCM). I believe you need to run the sound through the HDMI to be able to send the signal to your receiver.

+1

If your receiver doesn't handle HDMI audio, you will not be able to get any of the new audio codecs. Optical connections don't have the bandwidth to carry the signals. You'll be relegated to DD 5.1, DTS 5.1 and PCM 2.0.

Might be time for an upgrade.

[BD_Newbie]

Thanks to both of you. It sounds like audio over HDMI is the key for the newer codecs, but doesn't the PS3 decode them and output a PCM track?

If my receiver can handle PCM, shouldn't it get the audio from the PS3 in it's purest form if I go directly from the PS3 > Receiver via Digital Optical Audio?

If not, I'm definitely taking it back - the kid at Best Buy said it would be able to handle it.

Thanks again.

[J6P]

Welcome aboard!

The connection setup you described would work, as would running HDMI directly to the tv, paired with digital optical directly to the receiver.

Sadly, neither of those configurations will give you lossless audio (PCM, Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA). The weak link is the optical connection. Digital optical is restricted to 1.5mbs, so if that connection type appears anywhere along the chain, you aren't going to be getting the full HD sound.

HDMI or 5.1/7.1 analogue outs are the only way to deliver the high bandwidth codecs and/or uncompressed PCM. HDMI is the only way with the PS3. Bad news, I know! But the good news is full HDMI receivers are plummeting in price nowadays.

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

Given this setup, in what format does the PS3 output the audio (and in turn, does that format change when it gets routed through the TV)? Will it still be 5 channel PCM? I'm excited to hear that as of today the PS3 handles the decoding of all the Blu-Ray audio codecs, but I'm afraid that it might not work if it's routed through the TV.

Is it possible to go directly from the PS3's digital optical audio out to the receiver for audio while using the HDMI signal for video? Would that give me better sound or would it be the same?

The ps3 can output as bitstream through hdmi, but then the TV will downconver it to output over the optical cable. There will be no discernable difference to the audio whether it goes through the tv's optical or the ps3 optical. If you use the ps3 optical, you must set the audio to bitstream in order to get surround sound.

If you recently purchased the receiver I would try to return it and upgrade.

[delavoie]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

Thanks to both of you. It sounds like audio over HDMI is the key for the newer codecs, but doesn't the PS3 decode them and output a PCM track?

If my receiver can handle PCM, shouldn't it get the audio from the PS3 in it's purest form if I go directly from the PS3 > Receiver via Digital Optical Audio?

If not, I'm definitely taking it back - the kid at Best Buy said it would be able to handle it.

Thanks again.

Bring it back and get the Yamaha RX-V1800.. it will handle all codecs no problem.. it's a great receiver.

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

Thanks to both of you. It sounds like audio over HDMI is the key for the newer codecs, but doesn't the PS3 decode them and output a PCM track?

If my receiver can handle PCM, shouldn't it get the audio from the PS3 in it's purest form if I go directly from the PS3 > Receiver via Digital Optical Audio?

If not, I'm definitely taking it back - the kid at Best Buy said it would be able to handle it.

Thanks again.

*sigh* -- sorry, pet peeve about idiots working at Best Buy who don't know squat about what they're selling, just wanting to make money... /end rant

From now on, just come to us, and we'll set you straight.

Like the above poster said, optical is your weak link. It can't handle anything above 2 channel PCM (go to your PS3 and pull up the audio options under optical connections - you won't even SEE anything over 2 channel listed). It just can't do it.

Take it back, brain the kid with it, and demand restitution.

[BD_Newbie]

Sounds like the guy at Best Buy was a little misinformed...

Does anyone have a recommendation for an entry-level receiver that can handle HDMI audio. I'd really like to keep it around $200-$250... preferably one that carry at Best Buy.

Thanks again!

[delavoie]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

Sounds like the guy at Best Buy was a little misinformed...

Does anyone have a recommendation for an entry-level receiver that can handle HDMI audio. I'd really like to keep it around $200-$250... preferably one that carry at Best Buy.

Thanks again!

I don't think you can get a receiver with hdmi for $200-$250..
Cheapest of the crowd would probably be Onkyo.. around the $500-$600 range last time i checked.

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

Sounds like the guy at Best Buy was a little misinformed...

Does anyone have a recommendation for an entry-level receiver that can handle HDMI audio. I'd really like to keep it around $200-$250... preferably one that carry at Best Buy.

Thanks again!

Dunno what they're deal is...the number of times I go in there and eavesdrop and hear them give a customer incorrect information is infuriating.

At that price point, I recommend the Sony DG-720. I got one over the weekend and I loves it! They don't have at Best Buy though. I got mine at Circuit City. It was 300 though -- I'm not aware of any cheaper than that myself. Maybe someone else does, but it will handle 8 channels of PCM audio over HDMI. It works beautifully!

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by delavoie

I don't think you can get a receiver with hdmi for $200-$250..
Cheapest of the crowd would probably be Onkyo.. around the $500-$600 range last time i checked.

Not quite true -- the Onkyo 605 will do it for $350. The highest I've seen it listed is $400.

[BD_Newbie]

#7 - Thanks for the suggestion - I just took a look and I totally gave the speaker model number. I have the Yamaha RX-V360 receiver now. It will be going back this week though...

#8 - I know - I really hate Best Buy, but they had a great sale on the Samsung this weekend and I just bought a house that needs a new media room! Also, I got 2 years no interest with my BB credit card (I wish I didn't have one though...)

I'll try to get another receiver. Any other suggestions would be welcome.

Thanks to everyone for clearing up the optical audio confusion!

[BD_Newbie]

A few extra dollars won't kill me, but $500 for a receiver is a bit much.

I was looking to get this one, but they were sold out. Does anyone know if this would handle it?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&skuId=8457136

It's the sony HT-SS2000. Supposedly, it matches the Blu-Ray player Sony makes, so I would think it could handle the audio codecs. Maybe not though.

[Slec]

Onkyo 605 @ 389 on Amazon ($353 in silver)
Yamaha 663 @478.00 currently

[kpkelley]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

A few extra dollars won't kill me, but $500 for a receiver is a bit much.

I was looking to get this one, but they were sold out. Does anyone know if this would handle it?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&skuId=8457136

It's the sony HT-SS2000. Supposedly, it matches the Blu-Ray player Sony makes, so I would think it could handle the audio codecs. Maybe not though.

I think it should.

These is only one listed on the Best Buy website under you 250 value that can decode HDMI audio.

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....=1199496527991

[J6P]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

A few extra dollars won't kill me, but $500 for a receiver is a bit much.

I was looking to get this one, but they were sold out. Does anyone know if this would handle it?

http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....&skuId=8457136

It's the sony HT-SS2000. Supposedly, it matches the Blu-Ray player Sony makes, so I would think it could handle the audio codecs. Maybe not though.

Their website states "full 1080p video and LPCM audio support through a single HDMI™ cable". So, yes, it will work for all available codecs if you let the PS3 do the decoding (which works just fine).

This receiver won't be able to decode the codecs itself, but you don't need that anyway since you use the PS3 as your player (the PS3 can't bitstream the new codecs to any receiver due to its HDMI chipset, so you'll want it to do the work no matter what receiver you choose.)

[BD_Newbie]

Thanks to everyone for all the recommendations.

Dutch Boy - You said the Sony DG720 can handle HDMI audio? That one does look really nice. I'm wondering if I should break down and forfeit the great financing options to get a better receiver at CC...

[BD_Newbie]

kpkelley -

The first link you sent me on this one is actually the one I have!

Can anyone confirm that it does actually handle HDMI audio? The instruction manual says it will not output audio over HDMI...

[DutchBoy]

Originally Posted by BD_Newbie

Thanks to everyone for all the recommendations.

Dutch Boy - You said the Sony DG720 can handle HDMI audio? That one does look really nice. I'm wondering if I should break down and forfeit the great financing options to get a better receiver at CC...

It does do HDMI audio. Up to 8 channels of PCM. It's a nice, well-priced 7.1 channel receiver that'll do just what you want, and it sounds fantastic.

Just take all the information we're giving you and go with what you think you'll like the best. For me, this was the most cost-efficient way to get what I wanted.