HDMI Version Questions

[CRMA]

I own a PS3 and run it to my Yamaha HT-5940. There is no HDMI feature. I currently am running it through the optical cable since I cant run analog through the PS3. I figure to get the HD sound I will have to upgrade to a receiver with an HDMI input. Does the receiver have to be 1.3 compatible? Or do I purchase the cable that is a 1.3 version and it will work in any HDMI receiver? Thanks for the Help!!!

[Bobby Henderson]

In order to play next-gen audio formats like Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master (not to mention do things like send 1080p/24fps video) everything connected via HDMI has to be version 1.3 or better.

Whatever new receiver you buy, make sure its HDMI connections are version 1.3 or later.

The PS3 has HDMI 1.3.

You also have to buy cables that are rated for HDMI 1.3. Not just any HDMI cable will work.

To me, these differences in versions of HDMI are similar to what has existed in previous years with computer cable connections (USB 1.1 versus USB 2.0 or Firewire 400 versus Firewire 800, etc.).

[gvortex7]

It doesn't have to be HDMI 1.3 capable since you're only gonna pass PCM through it and not Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD. Chances are that many, if not most of the receivers that are coming out this year and beyond will be HDMI 1.3 though, so you may as well go with one of those. Plus, you never know when you might end up getting a stand alone player.

[dobyblue]

That's right, you only need HDMI 1.3 if you're going to upgrade to a player that passes bitstream.

The PlayStation 3 decodes TrueHD to PCM and will pass it through that way. There are no audio specifications being taken advantage of with the PS3's HDMI 1.3 port.

All other codecs than can be bitstreamed like dts and Dolby Digital, will be compatible with any version of HDMI providing the receiver actually allows for audio data to be received across HDMI and isn't just a switcher.

That being said, if you're in the market for a new receiver it's unlikely you'd NOT want to get an HDMI 1.3 one, simply for more stringent handshaking and connection stability standards.

[cajmoyper]

Originally Posted by gvortex7

It doesn't have to be HDMI 1.3 capable since you're only gonna pass PCM through it and not Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD. Chances are that many, if not most of the receivers that are coming out this year and beyond will be HDMI 1.3 though, so you may as well go with one of those. Plus, you never know when you might end up getting a stand alone player.

I wish you were right...uncompressed PCM can't get through optical. Bandwidth restrictions? No, copyright issues. But if you think about it, DTS HD MA and TrueHD are compressed pretty well, it can't get through optical, then how could something completely uncompressed fit through?

[Bobby Henderson]

It sounded to me like CRMA was considering buying a new receiver for HDMI capability, not dealing with a receiver with older HDMI connections.

I wouldn't recommend buying a new product that was already somewhat obsolete. As far as new receivers go, I would recommend buying a receiver with HDMI 1.3 connections and built in decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master. I would also make sure the receiver didn't screw up the video signal in any way, such as disabling 1080p/24fps.

But if you think about it, DTS HD MA and TrueHD are compressed pretty well, it can't get through optical, then how could something completely uncompressed fit through?

DTS-HD and Dolby True-HD are lossless compressed. Usually that means no more than 2:1 compression. That also equates to a much larger data stream than any standard optical or coaxial connection can handle. Both of those formats will only output their lossy "core" through standard digital audio connections. The upshot is those DTS 1509kb/s and DD 640kb/s data streams still offer superior audio quality than most of what you would get on standard DVD.

[CRMA]

Thanks everyone. It makes quite a bit more sense now. If my projector does not accept HDMI can I take my PS3 to receiver via HDMI (audio and video) and take receiver to projector via component cable (just video) with out a loss.

[gvortex7]

Originally Posted by cajmoyper

I wish you were right...uncompressed PCM can't get through optical. Bandwidth restrictions? No, copyright issues. But if you think about it, DTS HD MA and TrueHD are compressed pretty well, it can't get through optical, then how could something completely uncompressed fit through?

I think you're a bit confused. I wasn't talking about optical at all. What the OP was asking is whether or not he needs to get an HDMI 1.3 capable receiver or will an older version (such as 1.2) be fine when paired with the PS3. That's what I was replying to.

By the way since you brought it up, optical does pass PCM but only two channels of it. That's how I've been listening to the vast majority of my Blu-rays because my player is connected to my receiver via Toslink. I'm also in the market for a new receiver, but I already know what I'm getting when the money will finally be there.

[cking2729]

Originally Posted by CRMA

Thanks everyone. It makes quite a bit more sense now. If my projector does not accept HDMI can I take my PS3 to receiver via HDMI (audio and video) and take receiver to projector via component cable (just video) with out a loss.

Most receivers, like the Onkyo 605 (which I recommend if you are looking for a budget receiver with next-gen functionality), will support what you want to do with your PS3 and projector. However, what you have to look for when shopping around is whether the receiver down-converts or does other weird things when going from HDMI to Component or vice versa. The 605, for example, downconverts 1080i signal to 720p when inputting via component and outputting via HDMI. I don't believe you'll have a problem doing it the other way around with the 605, but if you are a videophile, you might be unsatisfied with the receiver-processed video quality.

[CRMA]

You guys really helped me out. I was looking at the Yamaha Rx-V661 Receiver 7.1 and the higher end (to me anyway) Yamaha RX-V861 7.1. What are your thoughts and would you suggest middle of the road true HD receivers.
ThnX

[Bobby Henderson]

The Yamaha RX-V861 ($999 MSRP) has HDMI version 1.2a connections. It will support 1080p video pass through, but I don't think it will support HDMI 1.3a items like 1080p/24fps, 120Hz refresh rates and Deep Color. It doesn't have built in decoding for Dolby TrueHD or DTS-HD Master, so you would be dependent on the Playstation 3 to decode the audio and stream it via HDMI. PS3 doesn't decode DTS-HD audio yet; it just provides basic decoding and output of DTS for now. Hopefully another firmware update will address that issue.

If you have the funds to do so, I would consider spending about $300 more for Yamaha's RX-V1800. It has the latest HDMI 1.3a connections and built in decoding for Dolby TrueHD and DTS-HD Master Audio.

[cking2729]

Originally Posted by CRMA

You guys really helped me out. I was looking at the Yamaha Rx-V661 Receiver 7.1 and the higher end (to me anyway) Yamaha RX-V861 7.1. What are your thoughts and would you suggest middle of the road true HD receivers.
ThnX

Like I said, I recommend the Onkyo TX-SR605. If you are looking for a receiver in the $300-$500 price range, you won't get a better bang for your buck than the 605. It has HDMI 1.3, built-in TrueHD and DTS-MA decoding, as well as support for virtually all past and present audio formats. Also supports component-to-HDMI 1080p upconversion and 1080p24 support. It would take up too much space to even mention all of its features, but it has a very robust list.
I can vouch personally that it's a great receiver, and delivers on everything it promises.

You can check it out if you want: http://reviews.cnet.com/av-receivers...tag=prod.txt.1

If price is indeed an issue, you'll be hard pressed to find a better receiver. If you are wanting premium product and are willing to pay premium price, Denon has some nice offerings.