Linear PCM 2.0 or DD 5.1 - Blu-ray Forum

Noodleman · 11-08-2009, 08:22 PM

Hey guys i did a search and didnt find what i was looking for so here it goes. I was playing transformers 2 and it only plays in dts hd and my receiver is a rather old one that only plays in DD 5.1 via optical and no dts. I notice that im able to get surround sound in PCM 2.0 but the lfe is not so great and boomy like it is with DD5.1. Would you guys say that PCM 2.0 would be better than DD 5.1? From what i know 5.1 can be a bit boomy at times even with my sub turned down so i might just run all my movies pcm 2.0 and just turn up the sub to compensate for the loss in lfe effects. Any inputs will be great. thanks!

crackinhedz · 11-08-2009, 08:37 PM

for movies id take 5.1 dts over 2.0 PCM (Dts-HD MA) anyday.

solarrdadd · 11-08-2009, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crackinhedz

for movies id take 5.1 dts over 2.0 PCM (Dts-HD MA) anyday.

I agree with hedz, with the DD 5.1 at least your getting the 5.1 for your HT listening pleasure instead of stereo. it's a movie, not a 2 channel music cd so go with the DD 5.1

Noodleman · 11-08-2009, 09:45 PM

The only problem is that my system can't play transformers 2 in any 5.1 format which sucks so i have no choice but to stick with pcm 2.0 and missing out on the lfe effects in transformers... the only one that works is spanish and i believe french that are both in DD 5.1. Wish they could include DD 5.1 in future movies that seem to be only using dts hd. Also from what i know my receiver is outputting through the center channel speaker and surrounds.... is that not suppose to happen when using pcm 2.0 since its stereo and should be only outputting front and right speakers?

BIslander · 11-08-2009, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noodleman

The only problem is that my system can't play transformers 2 in any 5.1 format which sucks so i have no choice but to stick with pcm 2.0 and missing out on the lfe effects in transformers... the only one that works is spanish and i believe french that are both in DD 5.1. Wish they could include DD 5.1 in future movies that seem to be only using dts hd. Also from what i know my receiver is outputting through the center channel speaker and surrounds.... is that not suppose to happen when using pcm 2.0 since its stereo and should be only outputting front and right speakers?

Unlike DVD, DD 5.1 is not a required format. Roughly half of all BDs lack Dolby tracks, which will limit you to stereo PCM with your current receiver.

Your AVR is likely applying a DSP like PLII to matrix center and surround channels from the stereo source. If your player uses Dolby Surround when downmixing to stereo and you use PLII in your receiver, you'll get fairly decent surround including a discrete center channel.

HiDefRev · 11-08-2009, 11:21 PM

You most likely have your receiver set to use Dolby ProLogic on a 2.0 signal. DDPL will matrix 2 channels to 4 or more, depending on which version your receiver has ( Dolby ProLogic, ProLogicII, ProLogicIIx or ProLogic IIz ).

solarrdadd · 11-08-2009, 11:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Noodleman

The only problem is that my system can't play transformers 2 in any 5.1 format which sucks so i have no choice but to stick with pcm 2.0 and missing out on the lfe effects in transformers... the only one that works is spanish and i believe french that are both in DD 5.1. Wish they could include DD 5.1 in future movies that seem to be only using dts hd. Also from what i know my receiver is outputting through the center channel speaker and surrounds.... is that not suppose to happen when using pcm 2.0 since its stereo and should be only outputting front and right speakers?

could you please list your equipment, we don't know what you have and it would save time and prevent us giving suggestions and you come back and say your equipment can't do it. we want to try to help but we need you to help us a bit.

Noodleman · 11-09-2009, 03:51 AM

Oops sorry about that! i just updated my signature with my current setup. As far as the settings i have it at dolby pro logic i believe. So basically its outputting a simulated surround sound as opposed to actual surround when using DD 5.1?

Turnda643 · 11-09-2009, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by solarrdadd

could you please list your equipment, we don't know what you have and it would save time and prevent us giving suggestions and you come back and say your equipment can't do it. we want to try to help but we need you to help us a bit.

Help US, help YOU!!! (lol) Sorry guys. I couldn't resist. OK, so go on with your conversation ............

callas01 · 11-09-2009, 04:43 AM

One thing you need to check is, when you are playing it and the surround sound speakers are in use, do you get the same sound as what is coming out of the front speakers? or do you get discrete independent sound. For example, can you hear a sound in the rear that isn't also in the fronts?

If all your speakers are playing the same audio then you are only getting a virtual speaker meaning its outputing the same audio as the fronts and you are not actually getting surround sound. This is the exact same thing that my old Sony used to do. If that is the case, you will need to get a new receiver.... your probably due for an upgrade anyways if it only plays DD and no other formats.

11-08-2009, 08:22 PM	#1
Noodleman Member Member since:Oct 2009	Linear PCM 2.0 or DD 5.1 Hey guys i did a search and didnt find what i was looking for so here it goes. I was playing transformers 2 and it only plays in dts hd and my receiver is a rather old one that only plays in DD 5.1 via optical and no dts. I notice that im able to get surround sound in PCM 2.0 but the lfe is not so great and boomy like it is with DD5.1. Would you guys say that PCM 2.0 would be better than DD 5.1? From what i know 5.1 can be a bit boomy at times even with my sub turned down so i might just run all my movies pcm 2.0 and just turn up the sub to compensate for the loss in lfe effects. Any inputs will be great. thanks!

11-08-2009, 09:45 PM	#4
Noodleman Member Member since:Oct 2009	The only problem is that my system can't play transformers 2 in any 5.1 format which sucks so i have no choice but to stick with pcm 2.0 and missing out on the lfe effects in transformers... the only one that works is spanish and i believe french that are both in DD 5.1. Wish they could include DD 5.1 in future movies that seem to be only using dts hd. Also from what i know my receiver is outputting through the center channel speaker and surrounds.... is that not suppose to happen when using pcm 2.0 since its stereo and should be only outputting front and right speakers? Last edited by Noodleman; 11-08-2009 at 09:50 PM.

11-08-2009, 11:21 PM	#6
HiDefRev Active Member Member since:Sep 2009 Location:State of Relativity Blu-ray collection:35	Dd 2.0 You most likely have your receiver set to use Dolby ProLogic on a 2.0 signal. DDPL will matrix 2 channels to 4 or more, depending on which version your receiver has ( Dolby ProLogic, ProLogicII, ProLogicIIx or ProLogic IIz ).

Similar Threads
thread	Forum	Thread Starter	Replies	Last Post
Linear PCM vs Bitstream	Receivers	NovaBomb	562	11-10-2018 01:18 AM
Linear PCM the same as DD TrueHD??	Audio Theory and Discussion	Red Pill 101	18	07-11-2009 01:12 AM
Linear PCM or bitstream	Receivers	DAAKNESS	7	03-31-2009 04:10 PM
Linear PCM or Bitstream...	Newbie Discussion	Augustine864	5	08-27-2008 03:37 PM
Bitstream VS Linear PCM	Newbie Discussion	He-Man	4	12-23-2007 11:52 PM

11-08-2009, 08:37 PM	#2
crackinhedz Super Moderator Member since:Feb 2007 Home Theater Gallery:10 Blu-ray reviews:8 Trading Score:19	for movies id take 5.1 dts over 2.0 PCM (Dts-HD MA) anyday.

11-09-2009, 03:51 AM	#8
Noodleman Member Member since:Oct 2009	Oops sorry about that! i just updated my signature with my current setup. As far as the settings i have it at dolby pro logic i believe. So basically its outputting a simulated surround sound as opposed to actual surround when using DD 5.1?

11-09-2009, 04:43 AM	#10
callas01 Blu-ray Prince Top contributor Member since:Jun 2008 Location:Riverside, CA Home Theater Gallery:42 Blu-ray collection:230 DVD collection:47	One thing you need to check is, when you are playing it and the surround sound speakers are in use, do you get the same sound as what is coming out of the front speakers? or do you get discrete independent sound. For example, can you hear a sound in the rear that isn't also in the fronts? If all your speakers are playing the same audio then you are only getting a virtual speaker meaning its outputing the same audio as the fronts and you are not actually getting surround sound. This is the exact same thing that my old Sony used to do. If that is the case, you will need to get a new receiver.... your probably due for an upgrade anyways if it only plays DD and no other formats.

Best Blu-ray Movie Deals