Blu-Ray PS3 Audio/Video Questions re: Onkyo SR674 and Samsung LN52A650

[matthew_m_g]

Hi folks. I'm a n00b here, so please be gentle if I screw up or ask something stupid...

...I'm trying to figure out how to get the best audio and video from my PS3 (80GB MGS 4 Bundle) and Television (LNT52A650 Samsung) via my Onkyo SR-674 receiver. I've been told by friends that there are problems running the audio through the HDMI port (since it's only a 1.1 port) and to use the optical in, otherwise I'll encounter nasty popping and sound artifacts during playback of audio. That, and there are problems with the passthrough video quality of the HDMI on the SR674.

My questions to you fine folks are:

a) Are there legitimate problems with the Onkyo SR 674 receiver and audio/video via HDMI?
b) If I use an optical out on the PS3 for audio, what should I set the Blu-Ray audio playback to--Bitstream or PCM?
c) What is the difference between Bitstream and PCM?
d) Can I get Dolby 5.1/DTS 5.1 with Bitstream using optical on the PS3 to the SR674?
e) When I start to play a Blu-Ray movie on the PS3, my Samsung Television shows a message saying 'Mode Not Supported' before displaying the movie in 1080p/24. Is this because the PS3 is trying to display the movie in 1080p/60, or is it because of something else that I have messed with with the PS3 settings?
f) What is the difference between 1080p/60 and 1080p/24, and which one do I want to have the PS3 display movies in?

Thanks in advance to anyone that takes time out to answer these questions.

[kpkelley]

I don't have any experience with that specific receiver, but can answer some of your questions.

Originally Posted by matthew_m_g

b) If I use an optical out on the PS3 for audio, what should I set the Blu-Ray audio playback to--Bitstream or PCM?

If you use optical, set to Bitstream as you'd only get 2-channel pcm
If you use hdmi, set to PCM and allow the ps3 to decode the audio and send to the receiver(Suggested)

Originally Posted by matthew_m_g

c) What is the difference between Bitstream and PCM?

Bitstream is the undecoded audio signal straight from the disc, PCM is an uncompressed signal that has already been decoded.

Originally Posted by matthew_m_g

d) Can I get Dolby 5.1/DTS 5.1 with Bitstream using optical on the PS3 to the SR674?

Yes, but only 2 channel pcm over optical. The PS3 cannot bitsream the HD audio codecs(Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD MA), however it can decode them and send them out as PCM over hdmi. If you use an optical cable you will get the legacy codecs of DD and DTS if you are bitstreaming.

Originally Posted by matthew_m_g

e) When I start to play a Blu-Ray movie on the PS3, my Samsung Television shows a message saying 'Mode Not Supported' before displaying the movie in 1080p/24. Is this because the PS3 is trying to display the movie in 1080p/60, or is it because of something else that I have messed with with the PS3 settings?

This may be because your television doesn't support 24p playback. Check what settings you have for the video being sent to the television in the ps3 video settings menu.

Originally Posted by matthew_m_g

f) What is the difference between 1080p/60 and 1080p/24, and which one do I want to have the PS3 display movies in?

Film is recorded at 24fps, so for a more filmic experience you want to display 24fps. 1080p/24 sends a 24fps signal to compatible displays. Displays with native refresh rates of 60hz that can't accept 24fps require a signal of 1080p/60 in order to display the video. In order to display 24 frames, 60 times, in one second the ps3 will perform what is called a 3:2 pulldown, where every other frame is displayed either 3 or 2 times to fill the 60 frames per second.

[crackinhedz]

your friends do not give good advice.

Granted, the Onkyo 674 is a fairly old model, so it may be susceptible to problems.

But, I use to have an Onkyo 604. Never had any HDMI video trouble or "Nasty Pops". ??


Your receiver will handle 5.1 PCM, so setup your PS3 to output Linear PCM, and under the sound settings de-select any 7.1 PCM options.


No need to use an optical cable.

[matthew_m_g]

Thanks for the replies.

And Crack, I'll give the HDMI pass-through a shot and see if it works. Though I believe your Onkyo receiver is actually newer than mine (they screwed up their numbering scheme after the 670s were discontinued from what I understand.)

Worse comes to worse, I may be looking for a new receiver, and I can sell the old one.