What's With Dolby True HD and DTS? . . .

[werewuf]

Originally Posted by Kilian

The Pioneer BDP-94HD does NOT internally decode (or bitstream) Dolby TrueHD, DTS-HD HR or DTS-HD MA. So you were only getting the companion Dolby Digital or the core DTS tracks via the analogue outs.

The basics of these codecs are all covered a lot on the internet and the Dolby HD Whitepaper and DTS HD whitepapers, both freely available, are good references to start with.

The Pio BDP-94HD most certainly DOES internally decode True HD- go here:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ayers/BDP-94HD

However, in order to get it you have to use an HDMI cable, it cannot be had over 5.1 output lines. So you are not getting a true comparison at this time....

[Sith]

Originally Posted by werewuf

The Pio BDP-94HD most certainly DOES internally decode True HD- go here:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ayers/BDP-94HD

However, in order to get it you have to use an HDMI cable, it cannot be had over 5.1 output lines. So you are not getting a true comparison at this time....

Yeah like he said Cable up bro, HDMI cable are not that expensive...You can
sport one for like $15 or less...

[Kilian]

Originally Posted by werewuf

The Pio BDP-94HD most certainly DOES internally decode True HD- go here:
http://www.pioneerelectronics.com/PU...ayers/BDP-94HD

However, in order to get it you have to use an HDMI cable, it cannot be had over 5.1 output lines. So you are not getting a true comparison at this time....

Yes it does decode Dolby TrueHD. My apologies.

But why won't it output to 5.1 analogue? There is a DAC isn't there to convert the PCM?

There is one potential problem comparing native PCM and Dolby TrueHD tracks: make sure the volume is equalised (level matched) before comparing, as Dialnorm is often used in Dolby tracks resulting in a few dB lower in volume. People usually assume the louder track is the better track.

[fronn]

Are you level matching when comparing the True HD and PCM tracks?

In the case of Spiderman 3, the True HD track is superior (24bit vs 16 on the PCM track). If you're hearing the PCM sounding better it's likely because something isn't set up correctly or the volume difference is making it sound better to you (often a higher volume will be perceived as a better sound, within reason of course).

[Penny]

I'm a big believer that the further you go up the food chain with respect to equipment, the lesser the actual codecs play a role. Good, competent speakers, amps and processors are almost always going to provide exquisite sound (not taking room acoustics into account for the moment). When lossless codecs are added to the mix it's just that much better.

I realize that all of the new lossless codecs are supposed to be quite similar but, like anything else in life we're always going to have our favorites. I really was biased towards DTS HD and Dolby THD but, at the end of the day, 7.1 uncompressed PCM just sounds better to me.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Penny

I'm a big believer that the further you go up the food chain with respect to equipment, the lesser the actual codecs play a role. Good, competent speakers, amps and processors are almost always going to provide exquisite sound (not taking room acoustics into account for the moment). When lossless codecs are added to the mix it's just that much better.

I realize that all of the new lossless codecs are supposed to be quite similar but, like anything else in life we're always going to have our favorites. I really was biased towards DTS HD and Dolby THD but, at the end of the day, 7.1 uncompressed PCM just sounds better to me.

Off topic, but for lack of better words, that's an interesting array of speakers you have there. All of them are high quality, but I'm worried about voicing - especially across the front sound stage. Do you plan to go all B&W at some point, or all LSi Polk, or sell the whole front array and go all Vandy ? How did you balance this system?

[Pelican170]

Originally Posted by prerich

Off topic, but for lack of better words, that's an interesting array of speakers you have there. All of them are high quality, but I'm worried about voicing - especially across the front sound stage. Do you plan to go all B&W at some point, or all LSi Polk, or sell the whole front array and go all Vandy ? How did you balance this system?

Thats a good question.

[Penny]

Originally Posted by prerich

Off topic, but for lack of better words, that's an interesting array of speakers you have there. All of them are high quality, but I'm worried about voicing - especially across the front sound stage. Do you plan to go all B&W at some point, or all LSi Polk, or sell the whole front array and go all Vandy ? How did you balance this system?

That is a good question. I have owned the entire b&w line and loved the CC but had fallen out of love with the 802's. Nothing reproduces the human voice like the HTM. Now, my fronts (lsi-25's) are quite far away from the center channel and set about 3 feet behind them. The lsi's are about 16 feet apart so as far as a coherent sound field; that really doesn't play a role here. They sound fantastic and life like. As for the Vandy's; they offer such huge sound field that I can't think of a better surround speaker. They're also set back about 12 feet from the listening position.

I've owned 100's of speakers and right now I'm really happy with what I've got.

[prerich]

Originally Posted by Penny

I've owned 100's of speakers and right now I'm really happy with what I've got.

And that's the only opinion that really matters Enjoy!
p.s. you have a huge HT room if the 25's are 16 feet apart - how far are they from the side walls and rear walls and what type of sub do you have?