Multichannel HDMI to analog output

[winoni71]

I know that this is a really long shot, but I'm gonna ask anyway.
Is there any tool that can convert a digital multichannel uncompressed audio signal (PCM, DTS-MA, Dolby HD) to 6 (5.1) or 8 (7.1) single analog channels, so that us Ps3 owners that purchased a system that doesn't have HDMI inputs can enjoy the uncompressed audio formats?

Thank you.

[crackinhedz]

This is the only thing I know of, but it costs $400

GefenTV Home Theater Audio Processor (Pre-Order)


...you could just buy another standalone with analog outs for that price.

[winoni71]

Here's another one.

http://www.octavainc.com/HDMI%20swit..._7_1audio.html

[winoni71]

Would the quality difference be that clear by using this tool?

[bluseminole]

Originally Posted by winoni71

Would the quality difference be that clear by using this tool?

Ideally, there would be no quality difference at all. It's merely a conversion. If it's properly done, it should sound exactly the same as if you plugged the HDMI right into a compatible receiver or processor. The quality of the DACs could make a difference, though.

[winoni71]

I meant with a "non-HDMI" receiver.
Would the quality difference between listening a movie in Dolby Digital/DTS with an Optical Cable as oppose to listening in Analog LPCM with this tool be that big in terms of quality?

[Jeff Kleist]

You can buy a player for less money with analog outs that decode internally, or buy an HDMI receiver

Those tools are for people with gigantically expensive AV gear worth much much more than $400

[BIslander]

Aside from the expense, the Octavia doesn't have bass or time management tools. So, depending on your equipment and room, you may have quality issues using that kind of device.

[jomari]

at this price point, you'd be better off purchasing either a new reciever or find a substantial blu-ray player that uses the multichannel analogs to connect your receiver.

[the_r]

Originally Posted by winoni71

I meant with a "non-HDMI" receiver.
Would the quality difference between listening a movie in Dolby Digital/DTS with an Optical Cable as oppose to listening in Analog LPCM with this tool be that big in terms of quality?

So your question is, in more familiar words, what is the quality difference between Lossy audio (Dolby Digital, DTS, etc.) versus Lossless audio (Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD MA, PCM).

There are about a billion threads on that one, and it depends on each unique situation. It's a mixed bag based on my experience, in that some blu-ray titles sound fine in their lossy soundtracks, while some sound quite poor in the first place, and then their lossless counterparts just blow them away. For example, the first release of Casino Royale. The DD 5.1 track sounds almost muted compared to the PCM track. Other titles like Live Free or Die Hard, the standard DTS 5.1 sounds very good, and while the DTS-HD MA track did sound better sonically, although it's not like you can say "Yeah that sounded $500 better, and worth the upgrade."

Today's geek society is specifications driven, so even if we can't necessarily hear the difference, we like to just know we have the right equipment that can at least enable us to get the best we can out of what we have.

[kingofgrills]

Originally Posted by jomari

at this price point, you'd be better off purchasing either a new reciever or find a substantial blu-ray player that uses the multichannel analogs to connect your receiver.

Now that player costs have come down substantially, these HDMI to analog adapters need to come down in price to make any sense. If a person's HT setup is expensive enough to make swapping the receiver or pre/pro for an HDMI equipped version, then simply getting a standalone player with 7.1 analog outs would be a wiser move. If the player has bass management capabilities that would be an additional bonus over these adapters as well.

These adapters would have been wise to have included iLink adaption to analog audio as well. Before HDMI, iLink was the one digital connection that allowed transference of high resolution multichannel DSD and LPCM. Not too many receivers today retain iLink inputs now that HDMI is the standard interface. That was a missed opportunity for added appeal.

[soapdishbandit]

Originally Posted by kingofgrills

Now that player costs have come down substantially, these HDMI to analog adapters need to come down in price to make any sense. If a person's HT setup is expensive enough to make swapping the receiver or pre/pro for an HDMI equipped version, then simply getting a standalone player with 7.1 analog outs would be a wiser move. If the player has bass management capabilities that would be an additional bonus over these adapters as well.

These adapters would have been wise to have included iLink adaption to analog audio as well. Before HDMI, iLink was the one digital connection that allowed transference of high resolution multichannel DSD and LPCM. Not too many receivers today retain iLink inputs now that HDMI is the standard interface. That was a missed opportunity for added appeal.

I don't think that iLink supports lossless 7.1, does it? I'll have to research that. I have an older Yamaha RX-V3300 receiver that sounds great with 5.1 inputs. I purchased the Octavia unit and use my PS3 as my bluray player. I notice a difference between lossy and lossless. Is it worth the price difference? That depends on the source material. If movies were recorded in 96/24, then HELL yes. Otherwise, it IS better and there are more dynamics, but, it just depends.