How to determine if a receiver can matrix a 5.1 audio track into 7.1?

[krizzz]

Is there some standard DSP mode (like ProLogicIIx does for surround signals) that will be listed in the receiver's specs?

From reading this forum I know that the Onkyo 700 line and up does it, but have no idea how people determine that. Also, it seems that some receivers (like the Onkyo 605) can matrix PCM soundtracks but not TrueHD. I would love to compares apples to apples but don't know what I'm looking for. Any help is appreciated.

[Big Daddy]

You should check the the receiver's manual. I don't believe you can get that information from the specs. Just because a receiver supports Dolby Pro Logic IIx, it does not mean that it can matrix individual speakers (e.g., matrix side surrounds only). It may not be a bad idea to call the company and ask them. My Denon 4308ci receiver can do. I have no doubt that receivers from other companies can do it too.

On some receivers, Dolby Prologic IIx can matrix your side surround speakers into the rear speakers. It can also matrix two-channel music/movies into 5.1, 6.1, or 7.1 full bandwidth surround sound. It has three modes: Movies, Music, Games. DTS Neo:6 can do the same. Read https://forum.blu-ray.com/showthread.php?t=79734

[aramis109]

I was under the impression that THX-certified receivers were able to take their surround modes and matrix out 5.1.

[nismo604]

You have downloan the manual and look at the flow chart to see what it's capable of. For instance the very popular 605 can matrix 5.1 > 7.1 on anything just as long as it's bitstreamed, however when it gets LPCM such what the PS3 sends it can't. The 705 and 805, whice I have can matrix LPCM. I know that with 606 Onkyo has added LPCM matrixing.

[callas01]

Its interesting, cause I was trying to figure this out too, and didn't think that mid range receivers could do it, but today and yesterday I was watching the Tudors on DVD (DD 5.1) and I have a 6.1 system. I was getting audio out of the 6th speaker. I got up to check, and the sound was independent of the surround left and right, so I surmised that it was be matrixing?

[krizzz]

Originally Posted by nismo604

You have downloan the manual and look at the flow chart to see what it's capable of. For instance the very popular 605 can matrix 5.1 > 7.1 on anything just as long as it's bitstreamed, however when it get LPCM such what the PS3 sends it can't. The 705 and 805, whice I have can matrix LPCM. I know that with 606 Onkyo has added LPCM matrixing.

Pardon my ignorance, but I'm still a little hazy on the formats. Bitstream is completely uncompressed audio, but LPCM is in some format (TrueHD, DTS-MA, etc.)? Or is that completely wrong? I am running a PS3 over optical to standard DD/DTS AVR currently. I know there are limitations to what the PS3 can output (it can do bitstream but not LPCM or vice versa??). I was leaning towards the Onkyo 706, but have seen quite a few posts about problems with the PS3/Onkyo combo having blue dots and jaggies on the screen, so it led me to this point, trying to see what other receivers will do what I am looking to do.

[callas01]

Originally Posted by krizzz

Pardon my ignorance, but I'm still a little hazy on the formats. Bitstream is completely uncompressed audio, but LPCM is in some format (TrueHD, DTS-MA, etc.)? Or is that completely wrong? I am running a PS3 over optical to standard DD/DTS AVR currently. I know there are limitations to what the PS3 can output (it can do bitstream but not LPCM or vice versa??). I was leaning towards the Onkyo 706, but have seen quite a few posts about problems with the PS3/Onkyo combo having blue dots and jaggies on the screen, so it led me to this point, trying to see what other receivers will do what I am looking to do.

LPCM = Uncompressed
DTS HD & DD THD is compressed to save space on the Blu-ray discs, but is decoded as uncompressed audio (think of it as a zip file)

[nismo604]

Originally Posted by krizzz

Pardon my ignorance, but I'm still a little hazy on the formats. Bitstream is completely uncompressed audio, but LPCM is in some format (TrueHD, DTS-MA, etc.)? Or is that completely wrong? I am running a PS3 over optical to standard DD/DTS AVR currently. I know there are limitations to what the PS3 can output (it can do bitstream but not LPCM or vice versa??). I was leaning towards the Onkyo 706, but have seen quite a few posts about problems with the PS3/Onkyo combo having blue dots and jaggies on the screen, so it led me to this point, trying to see what other receivers will do what I am looking to do.

LPCM= uncompressed audio
TrueHD/DTS-MA= LPCM that is compressed but once decoded is LPCM.

LPCM=TrueHD=DTS-MA

Bitstreaming is what you do if you want to let your AVR do the decoding. The PS3 can bitstream lossy codec ie. regular Dolby Digital and DTS but due to hardware limitations the PS3 can't bitstream TrueHD and DTS-MA. What the PS3 can do is decode TrueHD/DTS-MA and pass it on as LPCM via HDMI only. Since you're hooked up via optical your best option is to bitstream regular DD/DTS as LPCM output is only restricted to 2 channel on optical. Unfortunately you will not be able to take advantage of lossless sound without a new AVR or get a standalone that can decode and has analog outs to send it to your AVR, that is provided that your AVR has 5.1/7.1 analog inputs.

[Uniquely]

Originally Posted by nismo604

I know that with 606 Onkyo has added LPCM matrixing.

Is this a new firmware update?

[nismo604]

Originally Posted by robinandtami

Is this a new firmware update?

I don't think so, if you can select PIIx your good to go.